To make this recipe, you will need -
- 6 cups of white vinegar
- 8 cups of tap water
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 15 drops of essential oil (your preference - optional)
In a large bowl or pan, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of water.
Slowly add 6 cups of vinegar. It will bubble up. Just stir gently and remember to add a little at a time.
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Add the remaining 7 cups of water to the mixture. Combine thoroughly. Add vinegar carefully.
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| Mixture will bubble up - stir gently |
Add 15 drops of essential oil. I used lemongrass this time. Lavender would be nice too. I bought my essential oil at the health food store. There are so many varieties of oil that one could create virtually any scent.
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| Adding essential oil |
To use, add to wash cycle as you would any commercial softener. 1/2 to 1 cup to per load seems soften sufficiently.
Store in a loosely covered container. I just used an old fabric softener bottle with the lid not on all the way.
We're very happy with this softener and it only cost around $1.20 to make 112 ounces.
Have to try this! Thanks
ReplyDeleteDoes the baking soda make a difference? I have been using just white vinegar and it seems to work fine for us. I may have to try this to see if it works better.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Judy,
DeleteI think it does make a little difference in cutting down the static electricity. But vinegar is a great softener and easy enough to pour in your rinse cyle. You might try this recipe to see if you notice a difference.
Thanks for stopping by!
RaShell
Great site we all need ideas on stretching our budgets! jennyx
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Jenny! I agree, we can always use money saving ideas! Sometimes it's just nice to meet other likeminded people too!
DeleteHave a great week!
RaShell
This is the best fabric softner I've found! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear it works well for you! I think it works very well and really love knowing I'm not putting a bunch of unknown chemicals on our skin!
DeleteThanks for stopping by Beverly!
Have a great day,
RaShell
This looks awesome! Yep, I'm glad you found me, so I could find you! :) I've been using your laundry detergent recipe for many years - I found out it works just as well with Ivory soap instead of the Fells Naphtha, and if you like using hot water, you can just use a food processor, put all the ingredients (except the water) in and crate into a fine powder. Use as a powdered detergent. A heaping tablespoon will wash a load of laundry just as well as the liquid. I like to keep the powdered and liquid on hand. I use the liquid for cold water washing.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to make this softener today!
Patty, thanks for stopping in! I really appreciate the laundry soap tip! I am getting my food processor out right now! Can't wait to try it in the powdered form. Sounds like a little less work too!
DeleteHave a wonderful day!
RaShell