A simple DIY fabric softener recipe using hair conditioner, vinegar, and baking soda. Makes 30+ loads worth of homemade fabric softener.
I bet no one reading this would argue with me that doing laundry is their favorite activity.
But, one thing is for sure — doing laundry is a necessary task.
And to be honest, I would choose doing laundry over most of the other chores any day. Especially after I have gotten by laundry routine in place. Plus, there is just something about taking a nice, warm, load out of the dryer that I love. Seriously — I snuggle up in the freshly washed and dried laundry as I pull it out of the dryer. I love the warmth and the fresh and clean scent.
Did you know that you could make your own fabric softener at home using conditioner? The beauty of this is being able to choose any scent of conditioner that appeals to you. Fruity scents are my personal favorite but you can experiment and have fun with it. We picked up a cheap bottle with a fruity scent from the Dollar Tree — there is no need to spend a lot on the conditioner.
While your DIY fabric softener will take on the scent of the conditioner that you use, the scent actually left on the clothing after they have been washed is very light. If you want to make fabric softener with a stronger scent, you could try adding a few drops of essential oil to your conditioner as well.
I like to save money on doing laundry anyway that I can, and this homemade fabric softener recipe has proven to be very economical. The recipe makes enough for 30-40 loads, and costs next to nothing to make.
DIY Fabric Softener Ingredients
6 cups hot water (hot enough so that the conditioner will easily disperse when added)
4. Slowly add baking soda a little bit at a time. (You do not want to add the baking soda too quickly because it will react with the vinegar and end up overflowing the bowl. By adding the baking soda a little at a time, you are able to control the reaction and keep it from overflowing.)
5. Let fabric softener rest for about 30 minutes (to allow the bubbles to go down) before pouring it into an airtight container for storage. (Bormioli Rocco glass jars are my fave.)
To Use: Add about 3 tbsps or a little under 1/4 cup of fabric softener per load. (A 1/4 cup scoop like this is helpful to use.)
Note: If the mixture begins to separate at all, simply shake the container to help it mix back up.
If you decided to make a batch of DIY Fabric Softener with Conditioner yourself, I would love to hear what scent of conditioner you decided to use — and how you liked it — in the comments below.
I don’t use dryer sheets because they soften my clothes so much as because they help get rid of static. So what does everyone do to combat static? The kids’ clothes get especially static-y if I don’t use dryer sheets, so what else can I do?
Thanks for the great,, simple recipe. Works well! However, I highly suggest changing the order of mixing the ingredients to do away with the rest time entirely. If you put the baking soda into a large bowl FIRST, then slowly mix in the vinegar, the bubbling effect only lasts a fraction of the time (took me maybe 2 minutes). Then, I put the hot water and conditioner in the jug I use for fabric softener, shook to mix, and poured in the baking soda-vinegar. The vinegar needed a quick stir since the baking soda had somewhat settled, but everything was combined and done in under 5 minutes.
I have been makeing the homemade washing liquid just started doingthe fabric softner. I use the kiwi cond, for my bath towels and cherry blossom my personals wear . Thank you. Your friend Melissa.
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Christina Gould says
05/26/2018 at 4:39 amWhat a great idea. I’d love to try it. Dryer sheets are expensive. Thanks for posting!
Diana Hansen says
05/30/2018 at 7:47 pmThis is such a great idea. I like how it uses conditioner.
Renee V says
05/30/2018 at 8:46 pmI use to make fabric softener all the time, but stopped for some reason. The old recipe I used didn’t call for baking soda, so I’ll have to try that.
Merry Kuchle says
05/30/2018 at 9:51 pmI had no idea you could make this at home. Such a great way to save money.
Myrah Duque says
05/31/2018 at 2:11 pmVo5? Who knew! I never even knew you could actually make this!!!
february says
01/17/2019 at 2:36 amI don’t use dryer sheets because they soften my clothes so much as because they help get rid of static. So what does everyone do to combat static? The kids’ clothes get especially static-y if I don’t use dryer sheets, so what else can I do?
Jen S says
02/16/2019 at 11:43 amI surely will try this.
Lynn Barkel says
02/17/2019 at 7:09 pmAre you saying to use hair conditioner?
May says
02/26/2019 at 2:20 amGreat Idea, thanks for sharing.
Samuel says
02/27/2019 at 1:18 amthis is much needed information. I always had a problem washing my suits.
Becky Stager says
03/30/2019 at 6:22 pmThanks for the great,, simple recipe. Works well! However, I highly suggest changing the order of mixing the ingredients to do away with the rest time entirely. If you put the baking soda into a large bowl FIRST, then slowly mix in the vinegar, the bubbling effect only lasts a fraction of the time (took me maybe 2 minutes). Then, I put the hot water and conditioner in the jug I use for fabric softener, shook to mix, and poured in the baking soda-vinegar. The vinegar needed a quick stir since the baking soda had somewhat settled, but everything was combined and done in under 5 minutes.
Terri Lou Smith says
06/22/2019 at 11:25 amSo do you shake to mix again each time it’s used?
Jaclyn Shimmel says
06/24/2019 at 10:26 amI only give it a shake or stir if it looks like it has separated — hope this helps!
Melissa Lamons says
05/20/2019 at 8:20 pmI have been makeing the homemade washing liquid just started doingthe fabric softner. I use the kiwi cond, for my bath towels and cherry blossom my personals wear . Thank you. Your friend Melissa.
Littlefoot586 says
06/12/2019 at 7:36 amWhat is the reasoning for using baking soda?
I’ve seen other recipes with same ingredients except baking soda.
Terri Lou Smith says
06/22/2019 at 11:26 amDo you have a laundry soap recipe
Jaclyn Shimmel says
06/24/2019 at 10:28 amI don’t have on currently, but I made myself a note to add one soon 🙂