This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
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Looking for a way to soften up your laundry without using any harsh or commercial chemicals? Well, look no further! There are actually plenty of ways you can naturally soften your laundry, and chances are you already have everything you need at home. Check out this handy-dandy list of options you can use to find the softening solution that works best for you.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionIs borax color-safe?Community AnswerYes, borax can safely be used on white and colored clothes without stripping dye from the fabric. Borax, or sodium borate, is a naturally occurring compound. It is often used as a color-safe bleach alternative, laundry booster, deodorizer, and all-purpose cleaner.
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QuestionDoes salt affect the fabric's color with frequent use?Community AnswerProducts like salt, vinegar, and borax will not strip colors from fabrics, so you can use these methods on white, dark, and colored loads.
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QuestionI have tried vinegar and baking soda (separately) many times to try to soften my towels and they make no difference at all. What can I try?CMOsborneCommunity AnswerTry shaking out your towels after pulling them from the wash, as well as after taking them out of the dryer or down from the clothesline. If you use a dryer, try adding several wool dryer balls to each load.
wikiHow Video: How to Naturally Soften Laundry
Warnings
- Always check the tag for specific washing instructions before you add an item to your washing machine or dryer. If it’s marked as dry-clean only, don’t try to wash it in your machine or it could damage the material.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://naturesnurtureblog.com/how-to-naturally-freshen-your-laundry/
- ↑ https://naturesnurtureblog.com/how-to-naturally-freshen-your-laundry/
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/clothing-care/natural-fabric-softener.html
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/clothing-care/natural-fabric-softener.html
- ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/8683740/Women-buying-essential-oils-blamed-for-rise-in-house-fires.html
- ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-fabric-softener-355877
- ↑ https://naturesnurtureblog.com/how-to-naturally-freshen-your-laundry/
- ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/8683740/Women-buying-essential-oils-blamed-for-rise-in-house-fires.html
- ↑ https://thehomemadeexperiment.com/fabric-softener-recipes/
About This Article
To naturally soften your laundry, add a scented vinegar solution to your washing machine. Add about 40 drops of an essential oil like lavender or mint to 1 gallon of white vinegar. The vinegar solution acts as a natural fabric softener and will clean, neutralize any unwanted odors, and leave a pleasant smell on the clothes when they’re washed. You can also soak your laundry in saltwater before you run it through the machine. Fill a large bucket or sink with lukewarm water, add 1/2 cup of salt per quart of water, and stir the mixture. Place your laundry into the solution and allow it to soak for up to 3 days. Then, wash it in your washing machine. For tips about how to run your dryer to naturally soften your laundry, keep reading!