Guys, I've been on the hunt for a good DIY laundry softener ever since we got married. I've always used white vinegar in my rinse cycle and it has done a pretty good job. But my hubby is used to dryer sheets and nothing natural can compete with those chemical-loaded sheets of nastiness. He lovingly allows me to use whatever I want (or is that a ploy to get me to do the laundry??) so I'm determined to find alternatives to mainstream laundry detergents and softeners.
I'm currently alternating between his old detergent and my homemade recipe for the washing cycle. I still put white vinegar in for the rinse but now I'm also adding this nifty homemade scented softener. I also use homemade wool dryer balls-- love those!
I've only used it twice so I'm not completely sold on it yet. I do think the clothing seems to be softer and not wrinkle as easily. The scent could definitely be stronger though. It smells great in the bottle but by the time I pull the damp laundry out and put it into the dryer, I can't smell much of the scent anymore.
I'll continue my search for the perfect blend of homemade laundry products. Do you have any recommendations for healthy options?
Here's what I came up with so far, based on several different Pinterest combinations.
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| You'll need Epsom salt, your choice of essential oils, a bowl, and a spoon! |
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| I used grapefruit and vanilla because I had these on hand (and I wanted a warm yet fruity scent). |
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| Pour in about 2 cups of Epsom salt and 20 drops of essential oil (at least 10 drops per cup of salt). Stir until oil is well blended into salt. |
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| That's it!! Seriously! Just use about 1/4 cup (or two big scoops) per load. |
And there you are. I wish I could give it more rave reviews but I think a few more loads of laundry are needed before I give my final verdict. (But from the looks of our baskets, it shouldn't be too hard to come up with a few hundred more loads.)
Happy homemaking!
"Have mercy on me, O God, in your faithful love, in your great tenderness wipe away my offenses. Wash me clean from my guilt, purify me from my sin." -Psalm 51:1,2
For those of us who are allergic to scented-anythings (including perfume, incense, soaps, etc), just skip the essential oils? I like your ideas so I'm interested in hearing more!
ReplyDeleteYou could definitely skip the oils :)
Deleteif EOs are organic, therapeutic grade and steam distilled or pressed for citrus you have nothing to worry about unless a particular plant gives you issues. Never compare synthetic petro chemicals and alcohols in 'fragrance' for a natural plant EO. I used to think i was allergic to chamomile as drinking such tea gave me allergies... until i reluctantly tried an EO of chamomile and had no reaction... it was the pesticides in non organic chamomile tea that gave me allergies.
DeleteOoh, I love hearing about other people's adventures in diy! I've never used fabric softener. Does it really do a lot? I do homemade detergent then fabric sheets with lavendar essential oil for the scent. Can't remember where I saw that suggestion. Would love to hear more about dryer routines which leave the clothes with enough of a scent!
ReplyDeleteIt does make the clothes a little softer and a little less wrinkly. Not miraculous but helpful. :)
DeleteDo you get unscented dryer sheets and use essential oil?
I agree, I'm always interested in improving my laundry skills!
Oooh, sounds like something to try! I have scented dryer sheets and use essential oils too. Come to think of it, I don't know why I do both. I think when I switched to homemade detergent, it wasn't as fragrant as I was accustomed to. Hmm, something to experiment with once I expand my repertoire of oils!
DeleteThis is a great idea! I've never really used fabric softener before, but this looks easy and fun, so I may have to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteLet me know your thoughts if you do! I'm still evaluating!
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