I love making my own laundry supplies.
Whether it’s this homemade fabric softener, DIY liquid laundry detergent, or organic dryer balls, it feels so great knowing that I’m washing my family’s clothes with all-natural and safe laundry supplies that I’ve made myself. Find more favorite natural laundry recipes here: 11 Best Essential Oil Recipes for Laundry
Why you’ll love this homemade fabric softener:
- It’s natural and non-toxic, which means it doesn’t have any of the nasty chemicals you find in most commercial fabric softeners.
- Not only does it help soften laundry, it also helps get clothes even more clean than detergent alone. It strips away any residue left on clothes by soaps and detergents.
- Unlike store bought softeners, this DIY version doesn’t add a surface coating to fabrics. That makes it great for towels. Towels get soft and fluffy, but unlike with store-bought softeners, because there’s no added layer or coating caused by this homemade softener, towels stay thick, thirsty, and absorbent.
- It helps prevent static cling.
- And, of course, it smells great!
How to make natural fabric softener
step 1:Â fill a quart-size container with vinegar
tip: Use a jar or bottle that’s safe to use with essential oils. Glass, stainless steel, and certain types of plastic (#1 PET or #2 HDPE) work well.
tip:Â I used a quart-size container, but you can make this in pretty much any size container.
tip:  This recipe uses 4 cups (quart) of vinegar. If you’d like to double the recipe, use 2 quarts (8 cups) of vinegar. If you’d like to cut the recipe in half, use 2 cups (pint) of vinegar.
tip: I love to use vinegar in my laundry and other cleaning. If you love natural cleaning too, pick up a giant bottle of white vinegar at Costco. It’s incredibly cheap, natural, and effective. Here are a few other homemade cleaning recipes that use the awesome natural power of vinegar: trash can deodorizer spray (click here for recipe), stainless steel polish (click here for recipe), dusting spray (recipe here), anti mold & mildew spray (click here for recipe), homemade shower cleaner (recipe here), kitchen & bathroom cleaning wipes (recipe here), and streak-free window & glass cleaner (click here for recipe).
step 2:Â add 10-15 drops of essential oil
tip: Many essential oils will work great. Use an essential oil that you like the scent of. Lavender, lemon, orange, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are some of my favorites to use in fabric softener.
tip: You can also combine several essential oils together to create a unique scent. Here are a few that my family loves:
10 drops lemon + 5 drops lavender
6 lavender + 6 drops lime + 2 drops spearmint
5 drops cypress +4 drops tangerine + 2 drops lime + 2 drops bergamot
10 drops lemon + 2 drops basil + 3 drops spearmint
7 drops eucalyptus + 7 drops spearmint
5 drops orange + 5 drops bergamot + 5 drops lemon
step 3:Â stir to mix well and apply a label to your bottle/jar
click here for free printable recipe and label
tip: I print the label on regular, plain printer paper.  Then I attach it to the spray bottle using packing tape. I find that this method does a great job of keeping the label adhered to the bottle and makes it waterproof so that it stays looking great for a long time. Or, if you prefer, you can also print the label on full-sheet label paper instead.
tip: Before putting on the label, wipe the spray bottle with a bit of rubbing alcohol to make sure that the bottle is completely clean and the label will stick very well.
Here’s the natural fabric softener recipe one more time
step 1:Â fill a quart-size container with vinegar
Get essential oil recipes, info, and ideas via our email newsletter.
step 2:Â add 10-15 drops of essential oil
step 3:Â stir to mix well and apply a label to your bottle/jar (click here for the free printable recipe and label)
How to use
- stir or shake to mix well before use
- add fabric softener to rinse cycle
- use about 1/2 cup for small to medium sized loads, about 1 cup for large loads
click here for free printable recipe and label
here are a few other essential oil posts that I think you’ll like:
11 Best Essential Oil Recipes for Laundry
homemade “Lysol” disinfecting spray
streak-free window & mirror glass spray
kitchen & bathroom cleaning wipes
Please join us…
click here to sign up our email newsletter
Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer: Please know that this website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link. Â
Want to Save This Post?
Enter your email & We'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get essential oil recipes, info, and ideas via our email newsletter!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from One Essential Community.
Just wondering if the oils will effect my washer in any way?
I’ve used essential oils in my washer for years without any problems.
I made this today, and have already used this on 2 loads of laundry. Thank you for the recipe!
It feels so good to start using natural cleaners and laundry aids, doesn’t it? I’m so impressed with all that you’ve been making. Way to go, Jennifer!
Do you put this in the same place as regular fabric softner? Or in the drum like you do detergent???
If you have a top-loading washer, you can either put it in the place where you put regular fabric softener or the drum. If putting it in the drum, don’t put it in the drum at the beginning of the wash, wait until the rinse cycle to add it.