I can’t believe I haven’t tried this out before. As some of you already may have read here before, I’ve made my own laundry detergent and haven’t had to buy any for the past 2 years. I honestly still get a bit of sticker shock whenever I happen to see detergent at a store and peek at the price. However, another thing sometimes gives me sticker shock as well–the price of fabric softeners. I hadn’t bought any in some time and had a coupon for one of the newer kinds. Once I got to the store, I priced it out and discovered it was still way more than I was willing to pay for what would be probably a month’s worth of laundry loads for our family. So, I thought the DIY version was worth a try, especially to the tune of @$1 a pop.
The recipe really is super easy and took me maybe 5 minutes or so to whip up.
All you need is the following ingredients: 6 cups of hot water, 3 cups of white vinegar, and 2 cups of hair conditioner.
I got out a big mixing bowl and added the hot water first. Then I squirted the conditioner in, mixing it until well dissolved. Lastly I added the vinegar and mixed that in well too.
Place in a bottle or recycled container of some sort. (I ended up putting mine in a washed out milk jug.) This ends up making well over half a gallon of fabric softener!
To make this even more cost-effective, use a cheap conditioner, just make sure you pick one that smells good to you.
I use this at home too. It’s actually scheduled to be one of my blog posts in the next couple of weeks. It really works!
How much do you recommend for each load?
This is a great idea! I’ve always been intimidated by the detergent recipes, but this is so easy, I have to give it a try.
I’m so going to try this! I was just thinking about starting to use some fabric softener because my clothes are so stiff when hanging on the line to dry. Thanks for this information!
I love it! what a great an easy to make recipe! thanks for sharing!
WOW! I will try this.
Very nice, please link it up with me today at Wow Us Wednesday.
Can’t wait to try this!!! Thanks si much!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Have been wanting to stop using the commercial brand for years but was unhappy with just vinegar or vinegar/essential oil. Yippee! Thank you!
Back again to say how happy I am with this recipe. It works even better than the commercial brand for me. It’s a great addition to my homemade household cleaning products and I can’t see me ever going back to store-bought.
So glad to hear it! I too am really loving the results from it and will definitely make it again when I run out. Oh, and thanks for the tip about using it in the dryer. Rachel
This is a great recipe but you neglected instructions for use. Could you please let us know how much per load and is there a way to use it in the dryer?
You’re right, I did forget. I add 2 TB to my washer. Not totally sure about the dryer–maybe if you out a little on a towel or washcloth and then run the dryer?
I sometimes dampen a small rag ( about 2 in sq made from an old raggedy towel) with the homemade softener and throw it in the dryer. Works great!
Anxious to try this… : ]