Add this DIY fabric softener to the rinse cycle to reduce static, deodorize laundry (and your washing machine), and help remove grease and soap residue from clothing.
I love fresh-smelling, soft clothes that don’t cling with static, but I grew tired of commercial fabric softeners leaving odd spots or stains on garments. Towels and other laundry sometimes felt dingy or held a faint musty smell even after washing, as if buildup remained in the fibers. That led me to stop using store-bought softeners and experiment with a simple homemade alternative.
This DIY fabric softener conditions the water for softer, less static laundry, eliminates odors rather than masking them, and helps remove grease and excess soap residues so fabrics feel and look cleaner.
Ingredients in homemade fabric softener
This recipe uses two common household ingredients and optional essential oils for a light, natural scent. It keeps whites bright, reduces static, combats odors, and helps dissolve soap buildup.
Baking soda — Conditions the water, acts as a color-safe brightener, and neutralizes unpleasant smells.
White vinegar — Helps brighten whites, reduces static, dissolves grease and leftover soap, and prevents fabrics from looking dingy. Vinegar can also help minimize bleeding from dye transfer.
Essential oils (optional) — Add a few drops if you want a fresh scent without synthetic chemicals. Popular choices include citrus, lavender, or a piney blend; omit oils entirely if you prefer unscented laundry.
Can the essential oils be omitted?
Yes. The softener works effectively without essential oils if you prefer no added scent.
How to make it
Yield: about 8 cups. Prep time: 5 minutes. Total time: 5 minutes. Difficulty: easy.
Materials
- 2 cups baking soda
- 6 cups white vinegar
- Optional: essential oils (example: 9 drops white fir, 9 drops cypress, 5 drops wintergreen, or your preferred combination)
Tools
- Large mixing bowl or bucket
- Funnel
- Large jar or airtight container for storage
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or bucket, combine the baking soda and any essential oils you plan to use. Stir gently to distribute the oil.
- Very slowly add the vinegar. The mixture will fizz, so pour a little at a time and wait for the fizz to subside between additions. Stir as you go.
- When the fizz has completely stopped, transfer the mixture into a clean storage container using a funnel if needed. Seal tightly.
Notes
Gently shake the container before each use to redistribute any settling. Add the mixture to the fabric softener dispenser on your washing machine. If your machine has no dispenser, add 1/2 cup of the solution during the rinse cycle.
More DIY cleaning ideas
Baking soda and vinegar are versatile cleaning staples. Use baking soda as a non-toxic boost for brightening fabrics and general household cleaning. Citrus or vinegar-based tips are useful for deodorizing kitchens, trash cans, and appliances without harsh chemicals.
How to Make Homemade Fabric Softener
8 cups
5 minutes
5 minutes
Easy
Add this to the rinse cycle of your wash to reduce static, deodorize your laundry (and washing machine!), and remove grease from your clothes.
