People looking for ways to save more money on their monthly bills often look at alternative options for some of the products they use regularly. One product that many people spend a lot of money on is fabric softener, which is bad for the environment and can be harmful to your clothing. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to fabric softener that will help you save money and ensure your clothes are looking their best.
Table of Contents
Washing Soda
One of the most popular eco-friendly alternatives to fabric softener is washing soda, which many people also know as sodium carbonate or soda ash. You can find this product at just about any grocery or home goods store, and it is surprisingly inexpensive compared to some of the other options on the market. When you use washing soda as a fabric softener, you can typically dissolve one cup into your washer for every large load that you run through.
Baking Soda
Another great eco-friendly alternative to fabric softener is baking soda. This product is not only great for your clothes, but it is also good at cutting out odors that linger in your washer. When you use baking soda as a fabric softener, you can typically dissolve one cup into your washer for every large load that you run through. If the smell is too strong for your liking, you should consider combining baking soda with washing soda to dilute the scent.
Borax
Another eco-friendly alternative to traditional fabric softener is borax, which you can find in most grocery stores. Borax is a popular cleaning product that works very well at removing stains and smells from clothing. You should use about one cup of borax every time you run a load through your washer. If you are worried about the stain removal properties of borax, then you can always opt to use it in conjunction with baking soda.
Liquid Drainer
Another eco-friendly alternative to traditional fabric softeners is liquid drainers, typically made from citrus extracts or other natural ingredients. Liquid drainers are not only good for your clothes, but they are also great at getting rid of tough stains and odors that linger in clothing fibers. You can use liquid drainers as a fabric softener by adding one cup to every load you run through your washer.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you want to use an eco-friendly fabric softener, you should consider mixing baking soda and vinegar before adding your clothing. This method is particularly good at removing tough odors like cigarette smoke or sweat while keeping your clothes fresh and clean. Just add one cup each of baking soda and vinegar to every load of laundry that you run through your washer.
White Vinegar
Another eco-friendly alternative to traditional fabric softener is white vinegar, typically found in most grocery stores. White vinegar is very inexpensive, and it works great at getting rid of soap scum or hard water residue that has built up over time. You should add one cup of white vinegar to every load of laundry you run through your washer, which will help remove the smell of any sweat or other odors.
Salt
A popular eco-friendly alternative to fabric softener is salt, which many people already have in their homes. Salt is extremely inexpensive, and it acts as an excellent water softener. You can typically dissolve around one cup of salt into your washer for every large load of laundry that you put through.
Scented Vinegar
If you want to use eco-friendly fabric softener, you may also consider using scented vinegar in the mix. While this product will typically be more expensive than salt or baking soda, it is still very effective at getting rid of tough stains and smells. You can use one cup of scented vinegar for every load you run through your washer.
Tea Bags
Another eco-friendly choice is tea bags, typically made from 100% biodegradable materials. Teabags work well at taking out odors or sweat while also leaving clothing smelling fresh and clean. Just add a few tea bags to each load of laundry that you run through your washing machine, which will help remove any stubborn stains or odors from clothing fibers.
Apple Cider Vinegar
If you want to use an eco-friendly fabric softener, then you should consider adding apple cider vinegar to the mix. Apple cider vinegar is very inexpensive, and it works great at removing soap scum or hard water residue that has built up over time. You can use apple cider vinegar as a fabric softener by simply adding one cup to every load of laundry you run through your washing machine.
Club Soda
Another eco-friendly alternative to traditional fabric softener is club soda, which you can typically find at any grocery store. Club soda is very effective at removing odors, and it also works great on extremely tough stains, including grease or blood. Every time you run a load of laundry through your washer, add about one cup of club soda to the mix for some extra stain-fighting power.
Lemon Juice
If you are looking for an eco-friendly fabric softener, consider using lemon juice to get the job done. Lemon juice is very inexpensive, and it even works on extremely tough stains. Add one cup of lemon juice to every load of laundry that you run through your washing machine. You can also use lemon extract if you can’t find fresh lemons.
Vodka
Another eco-friendly choice is vodka, typically in most grocery stores for around $10. Vodka is extremely effective at removing tough odors, and it also works great at getting rid of ice stains or waterproof residue that has built up over time. Every time you run a load of laundry through your washer, add about one cup of vodka to the mix.
Citrus Peels
You may also want to consider using citrus peels as an eco-friendly alternative to fabric softener. You can dry out and crush up orange or lemon peels after you have eaten them to use as a fabric softener. Just add a few crushed peels to each load of laundry that you run through your washing machine, which will help eliminate any stubborn odors or stains.
Epsom Salt
Another inexpensive choice is Epsom salt, which you can typically find in most grocery stores for around $5 for a large container. Epsom salt is very effective at getting rid of sweat smells, and it also works great at removing tough stains. For each large load of laundry that you run through your washing machine, add around one cup of Epsom salt to the mix.
Milk
If you are looking for an eco-friendly fabric softener alternative, consider using milk in the mix. Milk works great at removing tough odors, and it can help soften your clothing at the same time. You’ll typically want to use whole milk, but you can also use powdered milk if that is all you have available. Just add two cups of milk to every load of laundry that you run through your washing machine.
Apple Juice
Another great eco-friendly choice is apple juice, which you can typically purchase at any grocery store. Apple juice works well at removing tough odors, and it can be used in combination with other more traditional fabric softener alternatives. Just add one cup of apple juice to every load of laundry that you run through your washing machine.
Mineral Water
Another eco-friendly fabric softener substitution is mineral water, which you can typically find at any grocery store. You’ll want to use distilled or purified water rather than regular tap water if possible because that will help eliminate residue in the mix. Mineral water also works great at preventing static cling, so your clothing will feel much softer. Add around one cup of mineral water to every load of laundry that you run through your washing machine.
Coffee Grounds
If you are looking for an inexpensive fabric softener replacement, consider using coffee grounds in the mix. Coffee grounds are very effective at removing odors, and they can also be used on extremely tough stains. Add around one cup of coffee grounds to the mix for each large load of laundry that you run through your washing machine.
Oatmeal
Another great eco-friendly fabric softener alternative is oatmeal, typically found in most grocery stores. Oatmeal works well at removing tough odors, and it can also soften your clothing at the same time. Every time you run a load of laundry through your washing machine, add two cups of oatmeal to the mix.
Cotton Balls
You can also use cotton balls as an eco-friendly fabric softener substitute. Cotton balls are extremely effective at removing tough odors, and they can also help soften your clothing. Add five to six cotton balls to each load of laundry that you run through your washing machine.
Conclusion
There are plenty of inexpensive fabric softener alternatives that can be used in the mix. Some great eco-friendly choices include vodka, citrus peels, Epsom salt, milk, apple juice, mineral water, coffee grounds, and oatmeal. You may also want to consider using cotton balls as an alternative. These make a fantastic fabric softener replacement, but you should be careful not to add too many, or your clothes will feel very stiff. Mineral water can help eliminate residue in the load, and it works great at preventing static cling. Many eco-friendly fabric softener alternatives can be used in the wash, so you’ll want to experiment to see what works best for your needs.
