Homemade fabric softener

[Domestic Gal]

I made a small batch of this a few weeks ago to try it out.
I used
2 cups water
1 cup vinegar
2/3 conditioner (I used suave green apple)

The smell is not as heavy a scent as the name brand but it does not smell like vinegar.
I washed a blanket and could smell the green apple scent 5 days later.

The first day I hung dried them and had good results no static.
The next time I used the drier and they was a little static but not bad.

I will be using this after I use up the 8 bottle I have in my stockpile.

[brook]

I love my Downey Ball! so much so I have a couple in my pantry stored away for a rainy day or when my ball finally breaks.

I usually just use vinegar in my ball, filling it about 1/3-1/2 full. I have never had a vinegar smell or static. However, I love the idea of using hair conditioner. I always have conditioner left over.. wash hair 2 times, cream rinse once.

Keeping my Downey container to use to mix the new fabric softener in.


I would like to add....

Dryer Sheets...

dryer sheets leave a coating on the dryer lint screen. this is very serious and one of the causes of dryer fires.

I clean my screen with a little soap and water in the fall and spring to keep it clean. I switched over to vinegar but still use dryer sheets from time to time.

To check your screen, run it under water. Does the water drain out or does it just sit there? if it sits on the screen.. it needs to be cleaned.

the air isn't flowing through the screen properly.

Please pass it on to others using dryer sheets.. it is a quick test and an even faster fix. (I mean since it is wet, a little soap and a sponge or brush, rinse and done)

[sueh]

I will have to try this out.

Thanks

[oct2667us]

I am going to try this thank you..

[HandyMom]

This is great because now I have a use for the cheap conditioner I bought that didn't work out on my hair. By the way, those dryer balls don't work for me. They are good for letting me know when the dryer stops since they make a lot of racket.

[Tnmom]

Thanks I will have to give this a try

[Cricketlegs]

I tried it and I am happy with it. I did use a little more conditioner as the bottle was a get a % more free bottle lol.

I used Sauve lavendar.

I will continue to make and use it and my old gallon vinegar jug works great for storage.

[Grainlady]

I wonder if the chemicals in this mixture could coat or damage heat sensors in dryers? If so, it would also void the warranty.

Personally, I never use toxic fabric softener liquids or sheets (what a savings) and this recipe looks like you're exchanging one group of fabric-coating chemicals for another (from the conditioner).

Softeners should NOT to be used on children/babies clothing because it coats the fabric fibers and can make it flamable (the fats and chemical residue left in the fabric).

Chemical-laden dryer sheets can eliminate fire retardant treatment on clothing (commonly found on children's pajamas). Perhaps the homemade softener does the same thing.

I use Charlie's Soap and all my laundry is soft without additions of softeners - even laundry that is line dried is soft. That's because Charlie's Soap doesn't leave soap residue.

If you have problems with static, and that's why you use softeners/sheets, there are ways to help reduce it (notice I didn't guarantee it would eliminate it, just reduce it). Static is a sign you are over-drying your clothing, so reduce the drying time (automatic money saver). Keep a spritz bottle of water at hand and when you open the dryer, give the contents a few spritzes to break the static charge (cheap and easy remedy). You can also add a wet washcloth and start the dryer for a few tumbles to rehydrate the air and break the static charge.

Fabrics that are made from synthetics are great at creating static, so remove them from the dryer before the load is completely dry; or hang them on a hanger, drying rack, or line to dry.

[Patty A]

another easy one is dampen a wash put about a teaspoon of dollar store hair conditioner on it. Toss it in with a load of clothes! They come out smelling wonderful and no static!
Easy, no mixing, and fast to get done.

[brook]

the more humidity one has the less static one has...

in my case... NO humidity so static is something we live with *sigh*

kiss my husband *shock*
touch my grandson *shock*
dog brushes up against me *shock*
open car door *shock*

not fun! I use conditioner. I do clean my dryer vents each time we have a time change! or spring and fall.

I carry dryer sheets to wipe my hands on to help reduce the *shock* effect!

Conditioner on an old washrag and let dry... hummmmmm

[StaceyS]

I made this today and - suprise, suprise, my cheapo conditioner has reduced it's size to 15 ounces! Just a litlle mini-rant there. sorry!

[Michelle]

Does anyone know if this recipe is safe for front loaders?

[thefrug]

what does everyone think about using essential oils instead of the conditioner? Because basically, the vinegar is whats helping to make it soft, and the conditioner is making the smell. I wonder how many drops of EO I should use? hmmm.....

[sabrelvssammy]

here's a tip i read yesterday about dryer sheets....

take a clean washcloth and soak it in fabric soft...let dry and then use as a dryer sheet in the dryer.... so they say its good for about 5 dries before it needs to be 'soaked again'

haven't tried it yet but i intend to....

[PinkWolf]

I'm going to grocery shopping tomorrow. I will have to try this