Happy Laundering!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Cheap Fabric Softner
I received a lot of positive emails and facebook comments from my post about homemade laundry detergent, so I decided to try a new fabric softener too. To be honest, the only time I ever use fabric softener is when one of my kids has an "accident." One of my children has severe allergies and so we don't use anything scented; however, I typically need a little "extra" when laundering those accidents out. Previously, I used scent-free dryer sheets but I heard that they may contain chemicals so I switched to dryer balls. The balls are okay, but everything comes out full of static. So my Mom mentioned an alternative to the Downy I had been using, but I wasn't convinced. I figured my clothes would smell funny. Have you guessed? Have you tried it? It's VINEGAR! I used it today on 5 loads of laundry and I think the clothes are actually softer than with the Downy. I used around 1/4 cup per load and everything came out smelling clean and fresh! There is still some slight static cling out of the dryer but it was much better than when I don't use anything but the dryer balls. I'm sold and plan on keeping a gallon of white distilled vinegar in the laundry room from now on! :)
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I'm so trying this!! And wouldn't you know that I have a gallon of distilled white vinegar right on our laundry shelves? Anyway, thank your mom for me! One more use for vinegar...love it.
ReplyDeleteKatie - I agree! I never would have guessed it had SO many uses! I use vinegar in so many different ways around the house...I'm sure I'll include a vinegar post one of these days! :)
ReplyDeleteOk....I just saw your cute blog header....adorable!!! Wow, look at how much they've grown since those pics!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?! I'm undecided about the kinds of pics I will post of the kids so I decided to put up really old ones. :)
ReplyDeleteMOM mentioned alternative?!?! I've been doing this for over a year! Who do you think she learned it from? :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously?! I guess our phone conversations don't typically cover laundry! :) What other "secrets" do you have up your sleeve?????
ReplyDeleteOK silly question, do you add it in with the wash in the fabric softner dispenser area or with your detergent? I would love to try this but want to make sure where I need to add it :) Thanks so much Just found your page through a link on money saving mom's page.
ReplyDeleteNOT a silly question - I should have been more clear! :) I put it right in the fabric softener dispenser area. I fill it up, using the same amount of vinegar as I used to use with Downy. I hope you love the savings and the softness as much as I do!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi! Motherhood on a Dime sent me over here for your laundry detergent recipe! wow! I really like your blog--is there a way I can follow it on fb, cause I prefer seeing posts that way (i'm too much of a hoarder w/email messages and don't do the google follow thing)...thanks!
ReplyDeletelove vinegar! I learned that it is a natural whitener. use it on the counters to get stains out and in the tub for mold! I also read on another blog that you can mix half fabric softner with vinegar and it makes ur softner last longer. That is what I am doing until my last bottle runs out. then all vinegar! (I also poor strait vinegar on poopy undies (potty training) takes out the stain and smell!
ReplyDeleteI've got one potty training too! Thanks for the idea! I will definitely use the vinegar on the undies, especially because I keep a gallon in the bathroom already! :)
ReplyDeleteTami - I'm trying to figure out whether to make a fan page or a group page on facebook. You can always open up any blog using a reader too which won't clog up your email account. I have a google email account and at the top left if you click on "Reader" it will allow you to open up and add as many websites as you like. I currently use it and I LOVE it! :)
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