Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Fabric Softener
Why do we need fabric Softener?
We need a fabric softener to keep our clothes soft after washing. The use of it started when the washing machines and detergents were not advanced. Washed and dried clothes were left feeling stiff. Fabric softener would be added to the last clean cycle to make the clothes feel soft.
The added benefits of fabric softener are it leaves a nice and fresh fragrance on the clothes. The clothes also come out wrinkle-free and static-free. Most people any way use them just out of habit.
Other than liquid fabric softener you also get dryer sheets that do most of what fabric softener does. Just the working mechanism is a bit different.
Tip: If your clothes are coming out stiff, just check if you are using more laundry detergent or not. Many times stiffness occurs from the overuse of laundry detergent.
Are Fabric softeners eco-friendly?
No, the traditional fabrics softeners are not eco-friendly. They are created with harmful chemicals. Liquid fabric softener is added to the last rinse cycle of the machine. The toxic chemicals wash away with water. This creates water and land pollution.
The dryer sheets release harmful toxic chemicals into the air while drying. These are known to cause different types of health problems like rashes, breathing problems, etc.
You cannot use fabric softener on all types of clothes. It is not advisable to use fabric softener on clothes that absorb moisturizers. Examples are towels, athletic clothes, bed linen. You also should not use fabric softener on clothes that are fire-resistant.
But, you love the soft feeling and fragrance fabrics softener leaves on clothes. Does this mean that you have to give up the fabric softener?
Not at all. There are plenty of options available in the market that are eco-friendly and good for health. You can even create your own fabric softener with readily available materials at home. They are easy to make and do not hurt your conscience or wallet.
Homemade Fabric softener Alternatives
DIY Vinegar Fabric Softener
Vinegar works really well as a fabric softener. Just add half a cup in the final rinse of your laundry. Pour it in the place where you would use your store-bought fabric softener.
If you want a nice fragrance from your laundry use this infused vinegar softener recipe. It is quick and easy. You can make a bunch at a time and keep.
DIY Baking Soda Fabric Softener
Baking soda is your magic ingredient. It has many uses in the laundry. Measure half a cup of baking soda. Put it during the final rinse cycle.
You can also make a softener using baking soda and vinegar. Take one cup of warm water and add half a cup of baking soda into it. Stir it. Once dissolved, add half a cup of vinegar to this mixture. Store this mixture. Put 1/4 the cup of this mixture into the washer during the load.
DIY Softener With Conditioner
Many people regularly use hair conditioners as a fabric softener. Create your own mixture with lotion, white vinegar, warm water. Add them in the ratio of 1:1:2 in a jar. Close the lid. Give the jar a good shake.
Store them. Use them in the same measure and the same way as you would use a store-bought softener.
Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener from Market
You can even try out the eco-friendly fabric softeners from the market. But it is important to check out the label first.