Inside: Tired of overpriced fabric softener? Check out this easy DIY fabric softener that you can make at home. It works just as good as the store-bought fabric softeners but is so much cheaper. Try out this homemade fabric softener today.
Do you ever skip using fabric softener to save money? I tried to go without for a while, but our clothes would get lots of static in them. I finally switched to this frugal DIY fabric softener. It only takes a few minutes to make this easy DIY fabric softener and you can customize the scents, too.
To make this homemade fabric softener you will need hair conditioner, vinegar, water and a bottle to store the fabric softener. You will want to pick a conditioner that smells good, because your DIY fabric softener will smell like it. I choose this sauve because it was super cheap and smelled great!
Take a large bowl or measuring cup and pour 1 cup of white vinegar into it.
Then measure 1 cup of conditioner. I love the Suave Waterfall Mist. It smells really good, plus I can usually get it on sale for around $.50. Add the conditioner to the vinegar. It will be lumpy at first, but stir until it is well mixed.
Add the vinegar/conditioner mixture to your storage bottle. I love these bottles from Amazon. They work great for any homemade cleaners. Then add two cups of hot water and gently shake to mix.
When you are doing laundry add about 1/4 cup of the DIY fabric softener or fill your dispenser up to the line.
Your clothes will be softer, plus smell great too. Do you have any tips to keep your clothes static free? I would love to hear them.
Looking for a more natural fabric softener? Check out this natural fabric softener using just vinegar and essential oils.
DIY Fabric Softener
1 cup vinegar
1 cup hair conditioner
2 cups water
Take a large bowl or measuring cup and pour 1 cup of white vinegar into it. Then measure 1 cup of conditioner. Add the conditioner to the vinegar. It will be lumpy at first, but stir until it is well mixed. Add the vinegar/conditioner mixture to your storage bottle. Then add two cups of hot water and gently shake to mix. When you are doing laundry add about 1/4 cup of the DIY fabric softener or fill your dispenser up to the line.
anne pout says
thnks for this great tip!
Julie says
Your Welcome! 🙂
Jennifer S. says
I love this. When my fabric softener runs out I'm going to do this.
Amanda says
Great idea!! Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!
Kamea Hope says
Wow, that sounds super easy! Is there a certain amount of time that it is good for? I will definitely try this 🙂
Blessings,
Kamea
Julie says
I am not sure how long it will last for. I have had it sit for up to 3 or 4 months without any problems. Hope that helps. 🙂
Brittany at Equipping Godly Women says
Good idea! I don't use dryer sheets so our laundry is usually pretty static-y.
Angela Says says
I usually just use straight vinegar. To get rid of static cling, make dryer balls out of aluminum foil. Super easy and cheap. 🙂
Julie says
Thanks for the tips!
Jennifer says
2-3 sheets of 12" of aluminum foil all balled up together works great for reducing static electricity in the dryer. Got the idea from: http://creeklinehouse.com/2013/07/you-can-use-what-instead-of-dryer-sheets.html
Julie says
Thanks! I will have to try that.
Sam @ DIY Just Cuz says
wow! I will definitely have to try this, it seems like everytime I go shopping we need more softener, and it adds up. If it works just as well I'd definitely give it a try. Pinning!
Donna says
This sounds great! Can't wait to try it! Have you ever had problems with this formula leaving residue or staining on your clothing?
Julie says
No, never had a problem with it staining or leaving residue. I use it frequently on my whites and light colors.
Bob says
I just buy the Member's Mark dryer sheets at Sam's. No mess and a box lasts a long time.
Julie says
I will have to check them out next time Sam's has a free shopping day. Thanks for the tip!
Diana says
Thanks for the info. where do you buy the glass bottles?
Julie says
You can find the glass bottles at Meijer or at Aldi. Meijer sells the bottles with their kitchenware. Aldi has them for around $2. They are lemonade bottles and I just drink the lemonade and remove the labels.
Peggy says
Is this safe with the he washers?
Julie says
I am not sure, I don't have one. I don't see why it wouldn't work.
Connie says
I am SO frugal & really appreciate frugal tips. Wondering how much a bottle of this is ? My guess less than a buck.
Thanks bunches
Now MY tip...couple tablespoons of your diy softner to a full spray bottle & you have air freshner!!
Julie says
It usually costs me under $.50 a bottle to make. I LOVE the tip to make your own air freshener. Thank you so much for sharing! I will have to try that.
Connie says
Your very welcome..while on the subject..
I'll add that I take 3 coffee filters/soak for a second & wring out & put in air conditioner vent +window A/C. The diy softner..GURL it will smell the entire house! Such a cheap air fresher that really last. Just redip when need be ")
Julie says
I will have to try that. Thanks!
Lori says
I made your recipe and love the smell in the bottle. How do you keep the fragrance in the clothes from the washer to the dryer. Does the vinegar take most of the sent out in the wash? Would a downy ball do any different than adding it to the washer fabric softener dispenser? I also was hoping to have softer towels. I make my own homemade laundry detergent, do I need to add any kosher salt to soften things up? am fairly new at this and could use a little advice! Thanks for the help!
Julie says
Hi Lori, if you want more of a scent and softer towels maybe try doubling the amount of conditioner? I haven't tried a downy ball before if you try it let me know how it works. The one thing I haven't done myself is homemade laundry detergent, I'm sorry I can't help you out there.