For soft, supple clothes, it’s hard to resist the soothing feel of fabric softeners. However, these may contain chemicals that are harmful to health and the environment. Here are natural and ecological alternatives to traditional fabric softeners, also effective for softening clothes.
In this article, the natural alternatives that we reveal to you are effective and economical. This will not only allow you to not be exposed to the risks of chemical components, but it is also an ecological solution. Tea towels, hand towels, sheets and clothing will be left soft and supple with these natural, eco-friendly ingredients.
Fabric softener in the laundry basket – Source: spm
Natural ways to soften clothes without going through fabric softener
– Baking soda
Baking Soda – Source: Laundry
Baking soda is a great substitute for fabric softener . Add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine’s laundry detergent and run a normal wash cycle. If you want to do a manual wash, sprinkle the baking soda in a bowl of water and then wet the clothes you want to soften. In addition, you can also use the water from the last rinse of your washing machine to add a tablespoon of baking soda.
– Lemon juice
Lemon juice – Source: spm
If lemon juice can replace fabric softener, it is thanks to its ability to dissolve lime that “hardens” the texture of fabrics. To do this, simply pour it into the detergent drawer. Lemon juice also leaves a slight scent on clothing.
– Baking soda mixed with essential oil
Obviously, it is more pleasant to combine the emollient capacity of loose powders with the pleasant fragrances of essential oils. To prepare this mixture, dissolve three teaspoons of baking soda in half a liter of distilled water. Mix and then add 20 drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or other essential oil. Next, pour half a glass of this solution into the softener compartment and enjoy the result.
– White vinegar
White Vinegar – Source: spm
Prepare a basin with warm water in which you will dilute half a glass of white vinegar and then soak the cloths you want to soften. Let it act overnight. To wash in the washing machine, all you have to do is pour it into the fabric softener compartment.
– Steam from the dryer or iron
You can soften sheets, clothes and towels with the steam from the iron or dryer. Keep in mind, however, that the only fabrics exposed to iron are linen and cotton.
– The laundry ball
Laundry Balls – Source: spm
Laundry balls or even tennis balls have the advantage of absorbing static electricity and preventing clothes from sticking. In addition, they allow linen fibers to be beaten especially during tumble drying to soften and smooth garments.
– White vinegar and tea tree essential oil
Tea tree essential oil is a great way to complement the softening effect of white vinegar. And for good reason, it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which make this combination a great softener . To take advantage of this, prepare a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in which you will dilute 10 to 15 drops of tea tree essential oil.
Thanks to these natural recipes you will enjoy clean, scented, ecological and soft clothes.
