DIY Fabric Softener: How to Make Fabric Softener & Save Money on Laundry (Clean My Space)

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Here are two easy recipes to make your own fabric softener! Everyone loves a little DIY cleaning recipe!
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All you need is vinegar and essential oils (for the first recipe), add 10 drops of essential oil (any type you wish) to 1 litre of vinegar and store in a clean bottle. Use 1/4 cup for HE loads and 1/2 cup for regular loads.
For the second recipe, take a mason jar and fill it with 2 cups of epsom salts, 1/2 cup baking soda and 40 drops of essential oils. Shake well and add 2-3 tablespoons to your rinse cycle.
Enjoy!
Let us know your questions, tips and tricks in the comments!

[@nicoleb9554]

Love it! I've been using vinegar and lavender essential oil as my fabric softener for the past few months and my clothes are in excellent shape, and i feel like my towels in particular are softer than ever. (And for anyone wondering, once everything is dry you don't smell vinegar at all!)

[@hassanmansour5398]

Great info! How do the clothes smell though? Do they smell good from the essential oil? Because, I honestly love the smell of normal fabric softeners.

[@nicoleb9554]

Hassan Mansour They smell good, but it isn't as strong as commercial fabric softener. To me, it's ok because I feel like it's more environmentally friendly and economical for the same anti-static and softening performance. :)

[@Splendid123456789]

Nicole B Thx! How much and what kind of essential oil do you find works best in your mixture?

[@Splendid123456789]

Sheffield vloggers author878 poetry and vlogs Those sound awesome, thx!

[@gemcleanse3124]

This is the comment I was looking for lol thanks! How much of each do you use?

[@TessieDobey]

The epsom salt & baking soda is what I add to my bath. If you add some eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils you have a bath that will soothe your muscles aches and pains away.

[@salsasoul4112]

Tried the vinegar and essential oils formula. I didn't care for it. Washed my kitchen towels with it. Although the fragrance was ok, there was a hint smell of vinegar and the material wasn't soft. It was stiff, but I'm glad to know vinegar kills bacteria. Will try the Epsom Salt formula. Thanks, Melissa :-)

[@jackieeeap2]

Increased Standards did the second recipe work out for you? Im asking so i can try it.

[@shazboticon]

Be warned that many manufacturers discourage the use of vinegar in a washing machine because it can damage the rubber hoses and gaskets due to the acidity of the vinegar. Something to consider.

[@booboo8]

Scott Lanford That is true it will wreck the rubber and Epsom salts will cause rust also build up minerals in machine .Neither are good for machine on a regular basis.

[@linajmval]

How about ammonia...I’m currently using this to remove stubborn tough odors caused by old build up of aluminum deodorants as well as bad detergent and bad fragrance build up...but only until I remove them from all of everyone’s clothing in the Household then I will just be using free and clear brands well I’m currently using them. My clothes smell and look amazing while everyone else’s smells and looks well not as great so I’m basically saving them from these build ups...it’s been very hard but I do it because my clothes will be effected when I put them into the wash.

[@asuka3407]

So this is good for hand wash cleaning I huess

[@SusanBrooklyn]

I guess I will leave out the vinegar and Epsom salt. I wonder if baking soda a essential oils will work?

[@rhyta5042]

​@@linajmvalBetter be careful if you use it in the washer and then use bleach in another load, it can cause dangerous gas.

[@Shoshauney1980]

I use my old Downy ball for my DIY (vinegar) fab softner. That way I do not have to remember to add during the rinse cycle! I used to be an excessive laundry product user, and thanks to you have completely stopped using store bought fabric softener. Saves $ & my clothes are always soft & static free! Thanks for the awesome tip! :)

[@fonluv4ever]

Thanks Melissa your videos are ALWAYS very informative. I appreciate all of you and your husbands hard work.

[@RosaButton]

Epsom salt makes hard water harder. I use sea salt instead.

[@toxictonic5963]

Thanks for sharing ur knowledge

[@lifeiseverything9]

Thanks

[@judytinney5357]

Better watch it if you have a septic bed. Salt and bacteria do not like each other! You could kill off your working bacteria?

[@bpavilion8994]

"Salt is sodium chloride (NaCl) and Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. ... So by adding Epsom salt to your laundry you are making your hard water actually harder. Hard water causes soap to be less effective, fades colors and causes fabric to feel rough and scratchy."

[@TheNeshuh]

b pavilion thank god someone came and saidthis

[@ecofriendlyBuzz]

Very useful tips

[@KimmyErin]

SO HELPFUL, especially for glamourbabies like me who try to keep it au natural when possible! smooches!

[@ChairmanOProductions]

I use the vinegar method but I add lemon juice to the vinegar instead of the oils.

[@melaniereeder2349]

I really love your videos! I was wondering if you could do a video about your schedule for cleaning? Do you have a weekly or monthly cleaning pattern that works well for you? Thanks again- you and Chad are great!

[@Americamxo]

Epsom salts make hard water even harder. And I would recommend diluting the vinegar

[@warzshadow9701]

1 cup of Epsom salt to 1 gallon of water will soften your water. Not make it harder.

[@HelloDahling1]

I know there's a bunch of videos on how to make home made laundry detergents. I am asking you, Please! make a video of eirher a dry detergent or liquid one :) I love how you and your husband work together on these videos and think it would be useful. thank you in advance if you decide to make one and keep me posted on when to watch.

[@alephtav4254]

Thanks Ms. Melissa😄👍

[@GULFSTREADREAM]

I tried the white vinegar and personally I don't think it does much for softness. Baking soda seems to work but you need a good amount of it to feel any difference

[@islamdeen6368]

Wow I like the idea will give it a try. Thanks

[@elreyes58]

Works tried both tks

[@marynewman4873]

This is my DIY for this weekend!

[@cleanmyspace]

DIY Fabric Softener!

[@TransformChantel]

Hi Melissa! If I used the recipe with the Epsom salt, do I just throw the measured amount into the washer when the rinse cycle is about to start?

[@daniellegrazianistone4632]

I have my own but I don't like it! Will definitely try this!

[@TigerWild1]

That's a great video. Thanks! You forgot to mention that liquid softener is for softening the water, so more of the soap will wash out of your clothes, and you won't break out with a rash from the soap that didn't come out. I don't get static cling because I don't have plastic clothes, like polyester and nylon.

[@calielizabeth4714]

Hey Melissa! Do you think you can give some tips on how to deep clean glass sliding doors? Thank you!

[@marytim1168]

Cali Elizabeth I

[@Vanessa-re6ij]

I have tried the vinegar wirh essential oil and it works great! but I kind of miss the smell. I've heard some people say it's ok to use fragrance oil since essential oil doesn't stay on clothes. would that be correct? I want my clothes to smell good 😕

[@charmyers5461]

Tomorrow will be laundry day for me. I am gonna try that:)

[@trinitypoole3784]

Hey Melissa. I was wondering is there a specific day of the week when you upload videos?

[@pamelaquander8485]

when I miss the rinsing cycle, to add fabric softener, I just put the load in our dryer and put 1 or 2 capsule of fabric softener on a large towel. 😊

[@AustriaGermany]

thank you great video

[@JessicaReinke]

Can you do a How To video on cleaning out the car?

[@weebitfluffy]

Love this idea,

[@butterflyqueen9260]

Jessie Reinke now she does

[@sureshpatel9879]

Great 👌👍 Thanks for sharing

[@Tarham84]

Hi, I'm a huge fan. Have a question: will the scented oil stain clothes or not?

[@lenishe]

depends on whether it's colored or not. Some of them, such as orange, for example, are somewhat yellowish and can possibly leave some stains if not dissolved well in the vinegar. Oils that are actually clear will not affect the color of the cloth obviously

[@carissamiller5142]

Can you use the vinegar one in the dryer with the sponges?

[@sharonlatour6230]

That does it, I subbed!! Thank you!!!!

[@michaeldiehl2458]

Thank you

[@sofiabarbieri]

Great stuff Melissa!!! Quick question: what nail polish are you wearing?

[@Nikki262626]

When you say, “add to the rinse cycle” for the Epson salt one, is that at a specific time in the wash or do you mean add it in the rinse aid try? Thanks!

[@vanev]

Doesn't the salt also rust your machine more quickly?

[@corina6627]

Love this ❤

[@lilly4able]

Do u have a homemade laundry detergent powder?

[@TrueTydin]

Won’t salts crystallise over time and damage the machine?

[@toxictonic5963]

Yes. It will

[@marika.mbelvedere3014]

thank u I'll try soon

[@JayxGonzalez]

Has anyone ever told you that you remind them of Wren Stevens from Even Stevens? :P

[@NextGenerationHealth]

Melissa is MUCH prettier

[@elinorjones9396]

When my son who is now 21 started school he had a very expensive uniform. Bought only at the school's, school shop. The lady at the shop said, don't use fabric softener on his jumpers. It ruins the natural wool and they will keep better shape. When he was 11. I sold his jumpers 2nd hand at the same shop. They were perfect in colour ( maroon) and in shape. This was a private school. And clothes were expensive. I did not attend private school myself, but looking back, when I was a child of the 60's and 70's. my mother's whites were white, colours were perfect. No fabric softener. I really think we overbuy now. I've never used fabric softener since he commenced school, thanks to the lady at that school shop 👍 X

[@Mom2joshuar]

Can you do a DIY for a similar Febreze please?

[@debibaird]

To make a Febreze-like product, you will need 1/2 cup vodka or Ever Clear grain alcohol, 1/2 cup bottled water and 96 drops of your favorite essential oils. Mix them up in an 8 oz glass spray bottle and enjoy. The alcohol stabilizes the oil and the alcohol smell will disappear, leaving behind the nice scent. Try 45 clary sage, 27 lemon, 18 lavender. You could also substitute pure vanilla extract (yep, the one you cook with) for the lemon.

[@jamesx2703]

Cheap fabric softener is like 1.50 for a bottle so I think this might actually be just as expensive once you've bought the vinegar?

[@danadavis8333]

Vinegar is multi purpose though. It's good for a lot of diy projects.

[@erikab1501]

James X The essential oils are the ones that makes this mix very expensive.

[@missdanidoo]

White vinegar is about 30p in lidl in the UK, so really cheap. The oils can be expensive depending which you like but if you only use 10 drops it will be way way cheaper than buying fabric softener in the long run.

[@nickolastiguan]

The essential oil is optional right? Thanks.

[@bsantiago945]

I believe the biggest problem with soaps and detergents lays in the type of water you have at home. Hard water or chemical treated water are NO BUENO. Hard water makes detergents stick to fabrics, soap stick to skin and soap scum to walls and other surfaces. (I have well water and reverse osmosis and I used to live in house with hard water the difference is day and night) I do like cleaning some odors with baking soda and vinegar but there is valid point on how salts and acid in vinegar can ruin your appliances, that being washer, coffee makers, irons, etc. I think dentures cleanser tablets are a better option in these internal parts of appliances. That’s my opinion. But we are free to choose what works for us as individuals 😉

[@ericsun7100]

I bought OHOCO Wool dryer balls on Amazon and it's better than chemical ones.

[@goblinstavern9757]

That was a good video, particularly well edited! Thanks!

[@Lunac12]

Hi! For How long can I use the fabric softener? And the electronics cleaner? And the bathroom scrub? Thank you!

[@DeniseDCoy]

Hi Melissa, do you use baking soda to wash clothes, if so, how do you do it? Thx! Love the channel! I changed some of my cleaning products to the homemade ones and I am very pleased with the results!

[@Laura-xw9cc]

Love it!

[@nicolenew1708]

SUPER AMAZING

[@StacyAngel]

great....thanks

[@catherinelee1064]

Is vinegar ok for colored fabric?

[@Chatzkies]

yes

[@dt564]

I could be wrong, but- doesn't essential oils break down plastic? I was always advised to use glass containers when making anything containing oils.

[@onedopemom5534]

yes it does..I have experienced this first hand

[@crystalamason5191]

It's the citrus ones that break down plastic And you can use it in the high grade like medical plastics cant remember what it's called but its expensive

[@daisyamezcua2849]

Thank you for sharing an option that does not include vinegar ☺️

[@phoeb13]

hi melissa, which is better? liquid or powder detergent? thanks :)

[@brightpurpleviking]

my washer kept needing service for various things. The subject of the infamous funky washer smell came up and I asked him what he uses and he said powdered because the liquid has oils in it that build up over time. Sure enough, shortly after using powdered I've got no funky smell in the washer. Yes! I also noticed some gray chunks occasionally floating around from the oils releasing after switching to powdered. Didn't last long, though, and now there is no grime, no stink.

[@Mimipinales]

Where do you get your essential oils from??

[@lindamalinena6693]

Hey! Nice video, but what do u mean by adding one cup? One cup like Bottle Lid cup? Thanks :)

[@cloudwolf3972]

"cup" is just a measurement reference to help you. You can use any amount as a "cup" so everything that is 2 cup or 1.5 cup, you actually use the amount you used for the "cup" and multiple by the 2 or 1.5

[@trublue2952]

Amazeballs!!

[@khunc]

Hi Melissa. How long does it last for?

[@sailakshmikv3073]

Would you please share some tips for baby's laundry, especially fabric softener and regular washing methods. TIA 😊

[@trinitypoole3784]

Do you have a garage? If so could you do a video on how to clean it?

[@jessieordonez]

Can you do a laundry detergent DIY video? Thank you

[@godloves824]

if you dont want to use an oil what can i use

[@laurettagalm7103]

Good and to the point

[@kennymartin379]

How many cups of vinegar was that

[@Wise4771]

Vinegar doesnt harm coloured cloths?

[@beverlynugent8844]

Do the oils not stain your clothes?

[@annieying0629]

Will the vinegar affect the color of the clothes ???

[@azizarahmatulla773]

Annie Chiu no

[@nawtybrunette82]

I use vinegar and scented condioner

[@Gyftomancer]

is white vinegar (from grapes) OK for similar results? I mean vinegar of 6 degrees that can be found in super markets and can be used in cooking too.

[@airazd]

Where can I get essential oils? Thanks

[@caracadotte1705]

Any large store like wal mart,or natural food stores, they usually keep it in the candle isle in regular stores.

[@manicmistress9493]

Cara Suler Oakley those aren't essential oils, those are just fragrant oils...big difference

[@caracadotte1705]

well I assume she can read the difference

[@TigerWild1]

Is it possible to turn the Epsom salt and baking soda into a liquid form so it can be added in the softener drawer?

[@rashirathi254]

Can I add vinegar in bleach dispenser

[@fernandot988]

nice background soundtrack

[@83optics]

thanks, Melissa! remember Snuggle the Bear?

[@favvdior4206]

why Epson salt an baking soda?

[@cleanmyspace]

+Denisha Lawrence because it works!

[@Leereigns]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sisib2902]

Hi

[@cherylcosgrove511]

Any DIYs for quartz countertop cleaners?

[@brittanygarza3180]

Can you use sea salt instead of epsom salt?

[@cgarvin4637]

Epsom salt is really not a salt it is Comprised of the minerals magnesium and sulfate. Hope that helps :) I don't know why it has the name 'Salt' attached to it. I guess I will have to do a little research.

[@daisymatild8988]

C Garvin Because it's still a salt! Sodium chloride is what we use in food, but there are many salts that involve the ionic bonding of two oppositely charged ions- sodium chloride is not the only salt! If you say it's magnesium sulfate, then that's MgSO4 (Sulfate is a polyatomic ion with a 2- charge, and Mg forms an ion with a 2+ charge). Also sea water contains many different halide ions (bromide, iodide), so- unless it's purified- sea salt doesn't only contain sodium chloride. I'm not sure what the laws on that are though.

[@IAmGunzNoob]

Daisy Matild Get your Chemistry out of KZbin.

[@daisymatild8988]

IAmGunzNoob Never!

[@IAmGunzNoob]

Daisy Matild :(

[@gabrielcastillo4860]

So what do you do with that stuff if you are actually having to wash your clothes in

[@TaylorSwiftGleek]

Do you use this instead of washing detergent? :)

[@MiaHessMusic]

Melissa, can you do it without the essential oils??

[@raquelcarrasco6104]

I was wondering if anyone knows how long the fabric softener will last? Before they start loosing there smell?

[@Lunac12]

Is Epsom salt just a regular salt?

[@blackbutterfly233ify]

Cínthia no

[@joni4761]

Can you use Epsom Salts and vinegar?

[@Critique808]

Doesn't the diy liquid fabric softner leaves your clothes smelling like vinegar and the powder fab softener make your clothes gritty and scratchy?

[@thatcrazywolf]

No if you just use a little bit of vinegar like 1/4 to 1/2 cup you won't notice it but it does make your clothes softer and helps remove detergent residue.

[@infanta55]

I found that there is no fabric softener dispenser in my washing machine, what to do?

[@shawnaeardley4692]

Downy makes something called a Downy ball for about $3. You can pour fabric softener into it and it opens up during the rinse cycle. :) I've gotten mine at Target or Wal-Mart, but I'm sure you can find them on Amazon as well.

[@infanta55]

Can't find them in Canada, So SAD.......

[@infanta55]

Nope. can't find any except the ones sold extremely expensive in Ebay

[@lalathaqueen100]

I dont have one neither, so i use the Downy Ball, which can be found at WalMart works great , mine cost less than $3

[@carolynpagano659]

chaeper to buy than all this stuff

[@Zara-ng2ko]

Won’t it smell bad

[@patwagner9308]

I have used white vinegar so many times as a fabric softener but it hasn't done the job. It hasn't softened our laundry at all. Sorry to shoot down that idea but , for me, it hasn't worked.

[@danaadedokun21]

what is that salt? I dont know that:)

[@joni4761]

Epsom Salt is also called magnesium sulphate and is found in the pharmacy section of any big box store. You can usually find it near the laxatives.

[@PennAHY]

For all the recipes that call for vinegar, would apple cider vinegar also work the same?

[@marcmarc4776]

With all that shit you buy, it's cheaper to just buy fabric softener at Dollar General with a coupon.

[@folksonomy6152]

the essential oils are not necessary

[@natashagreen-chillaxedprod7769]

Plus 2 Tablespoons Of a Carrier Oil otherwise you could have a reaction with the essential oils

[@DSGryme]

Why? Ain’t it diluted it the wash water?

[@lbenegas]

Can you use this in your washing machine? (to wash your clothes)

[@Critique808]

Does the vinegar leave your clothes smelling like vinegar and does the Epsom salt and baking soda make your clothes gritty?

[@crystalrosenzweig6001]

Critique808 I tried the vinegar and no it does not smell like vinegar