Fabric softener sold in stores contain a long list of chemicals that are difficult to pronounce. This recipe provides the same results with food grade vinegar and some nice smelling essential oils. I often add a few drops of this recipe onto a rag to clean windows and the washing machine itself. Store bought fabric softeners can’t make that claim to fame!
The white vinegar in this blend is particularly frugal. You can substitute other vinegars, such as cider vinegar, but those are typicaly more costly. Occasionally, I like to use herbal vinegars, such as Four Thieves Vinegar as well. Often, I’ll use infuse the herbs in white vinegar rather than cider vinegar when I know it’ll be used in the laundry.
The cedar essential oil in this mix smells nice and is a good flea repellant. The tea tree and lavender essential oils add anti-bacterial power to your blend while providing a refreshing scent to your clothing.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon white vinegar
- 15 drops cedar essential oil (Thuja)
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Equipment
- 1 gallon, sealable jug for storing your Frugal Fabric Softener
- pen and label to label your Frugal Fabric Softener
Procedure
- Pour 1 gallon of white vinegar into a resealable jug (or use the jug the vinegar came in).
- Add all the essential oils.
- Cap the jug and shake it well.
- Label your Frugal Fabric Softener.
Storage and Use
Use about 2 Tablespoons of Frugal Fabric Softener per load or fill your washing machine’s fabric softener cup as usual.
Store your vinegar in a tightly sealed container near your laundry machines.
Other essential oils to try:
