For years, I jut skipped the fabric softener in my home, since I viewed it as an unnecessary expense. Then one day, I got two bottles of fabric softener for practically nothing. Now I’m hooked. I love the softness and the smell of the laundry when I use fabric softener, and apparently so does everyone else in my family. There was a noticeable difference. Unfortunately, finding a lifetime supply of free fabric softener is probably an impossible task, unless someone invites me to go on the Extreme Couponing show.
So now, when I can get the fabric softener cheaply, I buy it. When I can’t, I make my own. I’ve tried a number of different home made recipes. So far, I like the vinegar recipe the best, because it softens nicely and removes the soap residue. Plus it is the easiest to execute! It doesn’t make the clothes smell like a fresh spring morning, just like clean clothes, so I sometimes mix it up with the hair conditioner tip.
Vinegar Solution
Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to your wash water. That is it!
Hair Conditioner
Buy a bulk container of hair conditioner (if you have a beauty supply store, you will get it cheapest there). Use a three to one ration of water to conditioner. The conditioner should only make up about one third. I measure it by the lines in my washing machine fabric softener dispenser. The nice thing about using the hair conditioner? Not only does it soften, but you can choose your favorite scent like rose or coconut, and it does a great job of softening the clothing.
Glycerin
The glycerin method is all natural and great for the environment. You can find glycerin at your local health food or natural food store. Mix 1 cup of glycerin with one gallon of water. Use an air tight container. For each load of wash, add 1/2 cup to your dispenser or the rinse water.
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