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How to Make Homemade Fabric Softener

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published January 19, 2025

DIY fabric softeners made with natural ingredients add a gentle touch to your laundry, leaving your fabrics soft and fresh. This DIY guide will show you different ways to make your own homemade fabric softener using common household ingredients.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Steps to Make a Homemade Fabric Softener

Follow these few easy steps to make your DIY fabric softener easily at home:

  • Combine 1 cup of white vinegar and 15-20 drops of essential oils (of your choice) in a large bowl.
  • Slowly add ¼ cup of baking soda to the vinegar mixture.
  • Be prepared for some fizzing as the baking soda reacts with the vinegar.
  • Pour 2 cups of hot water into the mixture and stir continually to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture into a reusable glass jar or any other container with a lid and shake well before each use.
  • Add 1/4 cup of this DIY solution to your laundry for optimal results.

Caution

Wear gloves and goggles, especially when handling concentrated vinegar.

Different Ways to Make a DIY Fabric Softener

Here are a few variations that you can add to your basic DIY fabric softener using the ingredients mentioned below:

Hair Conditioner Based Fabric Softener

  • In a bowl, take 2 cups of hot water. Mix 2 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of conditioner into the bowl with hot water. 
  • Use a spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
  • For a pleasant scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture.
  • Pour the mixture into an airtight container and use 1/4 cup of this DIY solution for each load of laundry.

Caution

Wear safety goggles, especially when handling vinegar, as it can irritate the eyes.

Vinegar-Based Fabric Softener

  • Clean the container that you plan to use to store the fabric softener.
  • Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the container. 
  • Add 20 to 30 drops of your preferred essential oil to the vinegar
  • Close the container tightly and shake it thoroughly to combine the vinegar and essential oil.
  • Pour about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of the fabric softener into the rinse cycle dispenser of your washing machine during the final rinse.


Dryer Sheets Based Fabric Softener

  • Cut some fabric scraps into small squares or rectangles. These will serve as your dryer sheets.
  • In a large bowl or jar, combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil and stir well to mix the ingredients. 
  • Place the fabric squares into the bowl or jar, ensuring they become fully saturated with the vinegar solution.
  • After soaking the fabric squares, wring out the excess liquid and store them in a clean, airtight container.
  • When you're ready to dry your laundry, remove a fabric square from the container and squeeze out any excess liquid.
  • Place the damp fabric square into the dryer along with your wet laundry and run the dryer as usual.


Wool Dryer Balls Based Fabric Softener

  • Begin by taking 4-6 wool dryer balls. These will help naturally soften your clothes while reducing drying time.
  • In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 10-15 drops of your preferred essential oil.
  • Using a small cloth or sponge, apply the fabric softener mixture directly onto the wool dryer balls. Make sure each ball is evenly coated but not drenched.
  • Place the wool dryer balls into the dryer with your laundry. The heat and movement will help disperse the softener, softening your clothes naturally.


Benefits of Homemade Fabric Softener

  • Homemade fabric softeners typically use ingredients such as vinegar, essential oils, and baking soda, which are all-natural and free of harsh chemicals.
  • These are more affordable since they make use of inexpensive household items. This can result in significant savings over time.
  •  Ingredients like vinegar also help in reducing static cling in fabrics, providing the same benefits as commercial softeners.


Tip

While DIY alternatives offer a personalized, gentle touch, sometimes a ready-made solution is just what you need. Explore these premade fabric softeners for convenience and reliable results or check out our DIY fabric softening tips mentioned above if you prefer a more hands-on approach.

Making DIY fabric softeners can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these few easy steps, you can enjoy the benefits of a natural, affordable and customizable product. Give it a try and discover the many benefits of making your own fabric softener easily.

FAQS

1. What's a quick and easy way to make homemade fabric softeners?

Mix 2 cups of white vinegar with 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil in a clean container. Use the same amount as you would a store-bought softener during the rinse cycle. This simple solution softens fabrics naturally and leaves them smelling fresh.

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