DIY Fabric Softener Recipe

Maybe you recall a science experiment in grade school regarding acids and bases, mixing some vinegar with baking soda? Well take these two fun ingredients, some water and a touch of essential oil, and voila! Chemical free fabric softener. The recipe is really very simple and I mixed the ingredients down to only about one-eighth of the full recipe, that way I could test a small batch and the results were amazing! The smell was a wonderful faint, subtle, and soothing fragrance, nothing heavy or overwhelming like traditional softeners. My clothes felt light, clean, and fresh. The colors were brighter and more vibrant. Here is the DIY fabric softener recipe made from ingredients right in  your pantry. The only thing you may need to buy is the essential oil and we have got you covered. The essential oil is only if you like a subtle hint of fragrance.

  • 6 cups vinegar
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 15 drops of essential oil (or to your liking for the scent) I love using my Young Living Lavender or Thieves.

Be careful mixing these items since the vinegar and baking soda will bubble and can bubble over if you are not careful. Use a large container to mix and store. I recommend adding the essential oil to your baking soda first, mixing, then slowly add the water, vinegar mixture. Mix gently as the bubble action may continue but this will allow for the essential oil to be disbursed throughout and not settle after mixed. You will have a gentle scent for each use, if you so choose to use the essential oil. This softener is safe for your front load and top load washer, the environment and it is gentle on your pocket book.

Traditional fabric softeners are loaded with heavy perfumes, dyes and are rendered from beef tallow. Have you ever wondered why your washer stinks? Softener. As the softener is used it does not completely wash out so it leaves a cakey residue that gums up your washer and leaves a nasty stench. If you are concerned about the vinegar softener, have no fear, there is no smell of vinegar, it rinses clean and smells fresh. You won’t have to worry about your clothes smelling like pickles.

All you need is a bit of patience, a bucket or large storage container and some essential oils and you are ready to tackle your laundry. No more heavy perfumed Easter egg colored fabric softener that is loaded with toxins. Save your clothes and your air quality with this easy to make DIY fabric softener recipe. Your clothes, washer, pocket book and family will thank you for the change.

32 Replies to “DIY Fabric Softener Recipe”

  1. I have never in my life use a commercial fabric softener because, really they are revolting, but this (this!) this sounds pretty nice.

  2. Thanks for the recipe, I have a fabric softener recipe that I use that calls for conditioner, but I want to try this one next.

  3. I’ve never found a fabric softener that doesn’t irritate my skin in some way. (Sigh) Curse my sensitive skin. Lol! I’m saving this and making them next week before I run out of my other to try! Hopefully this is the recipe that’s able to help me with my sensitive skin.

  4. Love it! Thanks so much for sharing this diy laundry soap recipe! I am always looking for ways to get rid of harsh chemicals and ingredients in my home, and this is perfect. Can’t wait to try the laundry soap and kitchen cleaner essential oils recipes, too. Thanks!!

  5. I love fabric softener and this one I will definitely have to try. These ingredients we always have on hand so that is great.

  6. I never would have thought I would make my own, but this seems doable. I am allergic to everything including most scents. The softener I have used since my allergist told me when it came out around ’90 has recently changed to where even though it says fragrance free, it is actually a scent covering the other scent. Ridiculous. I have been looking for a new one. Even though I just found one, it is expensive since it is in a class by itself. Since this is an easy recipe, I can make it for my home and Mama’s, just make a double batch. Thanks for sharing this!

  7. Who knew that vinegar could be used as a fabric softener! This is an awesome recipe. Seems like you’d save a lot of money over buying fabric softener.

  8. I’ve never used/tried any kind of fabric softener before, but lately I’ve been starting to think about it– about fluffier towels, fluffier blankets… 🙂
    I plan to give this a whirl. I’m a huge fan of lavender, and welcome any opportunity to use it! 🙂
    Thanks so much,
    –Ann

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