Fabric Softener. I’m not sure most of us give much thought to it; it’s just a necessary part of laundry, right? For the last decade I haven’t used any fabric softener. I tried when I first started doing my own laundry only to realize that I was super sensitive to scents, and fabric softener is in its own scent category. I can walk into a crowded room or get on a full bus and smell all of the fabric softeners. To the point where it give me major headaches.
Funny story, the Boyfriend’s mom washed his clothes when he was there over Christmas and when he got home the first thing I said to him (outside, 30 feet or so away from him) was: “You smell like fabric softener!” Well, he thinks it’s hilarious, I’m not sure I do–but he has recounted this “story” to members of both of our family since then.
So I stopped using fabric softener at 18, and also I was a broke college student so fabric softener was not a life necessity, and I haven’t looked back. Until now….
The Boyfriend got a fancy new job and apparently it’s not best practice to go to work with wrinkled dress shirts. Rather than fully separate his clothes and mine (which I did consider), I thought I’d do some more research to see if there was a more natural option. One that de-wrinkled, didn’t hurt my head, and was good the environment? I ‘d come to the conclusion that this would involve using my dryer, at least minimally. And that made me realize that static-cling is a thing and maybe fabric softener was important?
But I was starting at Level 0 because I literally knew nothing about fabric softener.
What I found was that natural fabric softeners do exist. Not only are they better for the environment, but they are also better for mine and my family’s health.
Traditional fabric softeners are full of chemicals that can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer. By using natural fabric softeners, I can avoid exposing my family to these harmful chemicals.
Another benefit of using natural fabric softeners is that they are often more affordable than conventional fabric softeners–I’ll always be a broke college student at heart. Many of the ingredients used in natural fabric softeners, like vinegar and baking soda, are already in my pantry. This means that I can make my own fabric softener for a fraction of the cost of buying commercial fabric softeners.
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What is Natural Fabric Softener?
As someone who is conscious of the impact my actions have on the environment, I am always looking for eco-friendly alternatives to weave into my life. Having already switched to an eco-friendly laundry detergent as one of my first eco-friendly swaps, I plan to keep working towards sustainability, while still de-wrinkling the Boyfriend’s work shirts, by using an all natural fabric softener on laundry day. But what exactly is natural fabric softener?
Natural fabric softener is a product that is made from plant-based ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals and those synthetic fragrances that make my head hurt. It is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fabric softeners that can contain harmful chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but can also be irritating to sensitive skin.
There are many alternatives for fabric softener, including not using any at all, but natural fabric softeners seem like a good choice for those of us who need to worry about wrinkles, and want to keep their carbon footprint as low as possible.
Benefits of Using Natural Fabric Softener
Assuming you didn’t go cold-turkey on fabric softener like I did, there are many reasons to switch to natural fabric softener. Here are just a few:
- Environmentally friendly
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Cost-effective
- Easy to make at home
Eco-Friendly
Conventional fabric softeners and other laundry products can contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment, such as quats, phosphates, surfactants, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals can harm you and your family by potentially triggering asthma, dermatitis, difficulty breathing, or even reproductive harm. These same chemicals get drained out of your washing machine into our natural waterways and can contribute to water pollution. Both plants and aquatic life utilize this chemical-laden water as a life sustaining resource.
Natural fabric softener, on the other hand, is made from ingredients that are biodegradable and safe for the environment. It is also free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it a safe choice for people with sensitive skin or noses.
The added bonus is most of the natural fabric softener options have minimal packaging and don’t require you to figure out if they can be recycled in your area, so utilizing them is further reducing our waste production.
Hypoallergenic
Another benefit of using natural fabric softener is that it is hypoallergenic. Traditional fabric softeners can contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. This can be a problem for people who suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin. In fact, one of the first questions physicians ask when you arrive with a rash or other allergic reaction is: “Have you changed to a new laundry detergent or fabric softener recently?”
All natural fabric softeners, on the other hand, are made with ingredients that are gentle on the skin and naturally hypoallergenic. If you or a family member suffers from allergies or has sensitive skin, switching to a natural fabric softener can be a great solution. Not only will it help to reduce irritation and discomfort, but it will also leave your clothes soft and comfortable.
Softens Clothes
One of the main reasons people use fabric softener is to soften their clothes (which really isn’t needed, but that’s for another post!). Natural fabric softeners are just as effective as traditional fabric softeners when it comes to softening clothes. In fact, many natural fabric softeners are made with ingredients that are specifically designed to soften clothes.
Safe for Children and Pets
Traditional fabric softeners can be harmful to children and pets. The chemicals in these products can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. All natural fabric softeners, on the other hand, are made with natural ingredients that are safe for children and pets.
If you have children or pets in your home, switching to a natural fabric softener is a great way to protect their health. You can rest easy knowing that your family is not being exposed to harmful chemicals.
Good for the Wallet
Another benefit of natural fabric softener is that it is so much cheaper. Many natural fabric softeners can be made at home using simple ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. This not only saves money but also reduces waste by eliminating the need for single-use plastic packaging.
In conclusion, there are many benefits to using natural fabric softener. It is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, softens your laundry, and is safe for children and pets. If you are looking for an all natural way to soften your clothes, there are many alternatives for fabric softener that are just as effective. By making the switch to natural fabric softener, you can protect the environment, your health, and the health of your family.
Ingredients to Look for in Natural Fabric Softener
When it comes to doing laundry, fabric softener can be a game-changer, but if we don’t want the chemicals and plastic waste involved, what ingredients should we look for?
Vinegar
Vinegar is another popular ingredient in natural fabric softeners. It works by breaking down the minerals in hard water that can make your clothes feel stiff. Additionally, vinegar can help remove any leftover detergent residue that can make your clothes feel scratchy. To use vinegar as a fabric softener, simply add half a cup to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile ingredient that can be used for everything from cleaning to baking. It’s also a great natural fabric softener. Baking soda works by neutralizing the pH of your laundry, which can help keep your clothes free of static cling and make your clothes feel soft. To use baking soda as a fabric softener, add half a cup to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
Bentonite
Bentonite has extremely fine particles, which form a protective layer on your clothes as you wash them. This layer not only helps make your fabrics feel softer, it can also make clothes last longer by helping prevent knotting and pilling because the bentonite builds up on your fabrics as you use it.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a popular ingredient in natural fabric softeners because they not only add a pleasant scent to your laundry, but they also have natural antibacterial properties. Lavender, peppermint, and lemon are all great options for fabric softeners. To use essential oils in your laundry, simply add a few drops to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
Homemade Fabric Softener
I love the idea of using natural alternatives for fabric softener, but making my own was not only extremely easy but it also saved me some money (because I had all the ingredients at home already!). Plus making homemade fabric softener was an easy way to keep my laundry routine zero waste!
DIY Liquid Softener
Here is a simple recipe for a DIY liquid fabric softener that you can make at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup baking soda
- 20 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the baking soda and essential oil in a bowl.
- Pour the vinegar slowly, stirring constantly until the fizzing stops.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass jar or bottle and store in a cool, dark place.
- To use, add 1/4 cup of the fabric softener to the final rinse cycle of your washing machine.
This homemade fabric softener recipe is not only simple and effective, but also safe for your family and the environment. The vinegar helps with fabric softening while the baking soda helps to eliminate odors and stains. The essential oil adds a pleasant scent to your laundry, making your clothes smell great. You can use any essential oil of your choice; I like natural scents like lavender or lemon to use on my laundry.
DIY Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
If you prefer to use dryer sheets, you can make your own fabric softener sheets at home in just a few steps.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 10-20 drops of essential oil (optional)
- Cotton fabric scraps or washcloths
Instructions:
- Mix the vinegar and essential oil in a bowl.
- Cut the fabric scraps or washcloths into small squares.
- Soak the fabric squares in the vinegar mixture until they are fully saturated.
- Wring out the excess liquid and let the fabric squares dry completely.
- To use, toss one fabric square into the dryer with your laundry.
These all natural fabric softener sheets are reusable and can be used for several loads of laundry, making them super convenient.
Using all natural fabric softeners is better for your health and the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run. Give these zero waste fabric softener recipes a try and see the difference for yourself!
Fabric Softener Alternatives
If you’re not ready to switch to natural fabric softener, there are still alternatives to regular fabric softeners that are better for the environment and your health.
Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are another great alternative to traditional fabric softeners. They are made from wool and can be reused for many loads of laundry. They work by separating clothes in the dryer, allowing air to circulate more freely and reducing drying time. This not only softens clothes but also saves energy and money on your electricity bill. To use wool dryer balls, simply toss them in your dryer with your laundry.
There are also bamboo dryer balls if you are looking for a vegan option. And more recently I’ve seen several made of plastic or rubber; while these aren’t necessarily a first choice, they do last a long time compared to traditional fabric softening agents and can be a great step.
Tennis Balls
If you don’t have or can’t find dryer balls, tennis balls can be a good alternative, especially if you already have some lying around. They work in much the same way as dryer balls, helping to separate your clothes and reduce static cling. However, tennis balls can be a bit noisier than wool dryer balls, so keep that in mind if you’re doing laundry at night.
I haven’t personally used tennis balls, but the image in my head is accompanied with a warm rubber smell. If you’ve tried this method in the past, please let me know my fears are unfounded in the comments below.
Overall, there are many alternatives for fabric softener that are all-natural and effective. Whether you choose to use essential oils, vinegar, baking soda, wool dryer balls, or tennis balls, you can feel good knowing that you’re not exposing yourself or the environment to harmful chemicals.
Conclusion
After researching various all-natural fabric softeners, I have come to the conclusion that there are plenty of alternatives for fabric softener out there and they are just as effective and much safer for both our health and the environment.
One of the most popular all-natural fabric softener alternatives is using white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Not only is it affordable, but it also helps to remove any remaining detergent residue from clothes, leaving them soft and fresh-smelling. Another popular option is using wool dryer balls, which help to fluff up clothes and reduce static without the use of any chemicals.
For those who prefer a scented fabric softener, there are plenty of all-natural options available. Essential oils such as lavender, lemon, and peppermint can be added to white vinegar or wool dryer balls to add a pleasant scent to clothes.
It’s important to note that some fabrics, such as towels and athletic wear, may not benefit from the use of fabric softeners, as they can reduce absorbency and breathability. In these cases, it’s best to skip the fabric softener altogether–here’s where those dryer balls come in handy!
I still prefer to line-dry all of our clothes and haven’t made the switch to using natural fabric softeners full-time yet, but making my own with old clothes has been fun. I typically throw these dryer sheets in with just the Boyfriend’s work clothes for about 5 minutes to de-wrinkle (and remove that dreaded static-cling) before hanging them to dry the rest of the way.
Overall, I highly recommend giving natural fabric softeners a try. If you try making your own, let me know how it goes in the comments below. Not only are these natural options safer for our health and the environment, but they can also be more affordable and work just as well as traditional fabric softeners. By making the switch to all-natural fabric softeners, we can continue to reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.