Making your own fabric softener is a fantastic way to keep your clothes feeling wonderfully soft and fresh, all while being kinder to your skin and the planet.
Forget those store-bought options filled with artificial scents and harsh chemicals.
These easy DIY recipes use simple, natural ingredients to achieve that cozy, fresh-from-the-dryer feeling.
Get ready to transform your laundry routine with these simple, effective, and budget-friendly ideas!.
Table of Contents
1. Vinegar and Essential Oil Fabric Softener
This simple yet effective fabric softener uses the natural softening power of white vinegar, which helps to break down detergent residue and leave fabrics feeling incredibly soft.
Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils, like lavender or lemon, infuses your laundry with a subtle, natural fragrance.
It’s a gentle and eco-friendly way to keep your clothes feeling fresh and smooth..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Softens fabrics
- Reduces static cling
- Natural fragrance
Pro Tip: The vinegar smell completely dissipates as clothes dry, leaving only the pleasant scent of your essential oils.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Essential Oil Fabric Softener
2. Epsom Salt and Essential Oil Fabric Softener Crystals
Create a wonderfully scented fabric softener with this easy recipe using Epsom salt and your favorite essential oils.
The Epsom salt helps to soften fabrics, while the essential oils add a lovely, natural aroma to your laundry.
Just a few tablespoons per load will leave your clothes feeling soft and smelling delightful, without any harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Epsom Salt
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Softens clothes
- Adds natural scent
- Reduces static
Pro Tip: Store this crystal mix in an airtight container to keep the essential oils fresh and potent.
Get the Recipe: Epsom Salt and Essential Oil Fabric Softener Crystals
3. Epsom Salt and Baking Soda Fabric Softener & Scent Booster
Boost your laundry routine with this simple DIY fabric softener and scent booster.
It combines Epsom salt and baking soda to naturally soften clothes and eliminate odors, while a few drops of essential oils add a pleasant, natural fragrance.
It’s a fantastic way to make your laundry smell amazing and feel incredibly soft, without any synthetic chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Epsom Salt
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Softens laundry
- Boosts scent
- Neutralizes odors
Pro Tip: For a lingering scent, try lavender essential oil, as it tends to last longer on clothes.
Get the Recipe: Epsom Salt and Baking Soda Fabric Softener & Scent Booster
4. Liquid Fabric Softener with Vinegar, Glycerin, and Essential Oils
Enjoy beautifully soft clothes with this liquid DIY fabric softener that uses vinegar for its softening properties and glycerin for an extra smooth feel.
Essential oils add a delightful, natural scent to your laundry.
It's a wonderfully gentle and customizable recipe that leaves fabrics feeling soft and looking great, all while being budget-friendly and eco-conscious..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- Vinegar
- Vegetable Glycerin
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Softens clothes
- Reduces wrinkles
- Natural fragrance
Pro Tip: This recipe is safe for HE washing machines and front loaders.
Get the Recipe: Liquid Fabric Softener with Vinegar, Glycerin, and Essential Oils
5. Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Hair Conditioner
Get incredibly soft clothes with this clever DIY fabric softener that combines vinegar with a touch of hair conditioner for scent and softness.
It's a fantastic way to make your laundry smell amazing, especially your towels and linens, while keeping fabrics wonderfully soft and fresh.
This recipe is easy to make and offers great savings compared to commercial options..
Key Ingredients:
- Hot Water
- White Vinegar
- Hair Conditioner
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Soft fabrics
- Pleasant scent
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: For best results, choose a hair conditioner with a scent you really love, as it will transfer to your laundry.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Hair Conditioner
6. Vinegar-Free Natural Fabric Softener with Citric Acid and Guar Gum
Discover a vinegar-free DIY fabric softener that leaves clothes incredibly soft and static-free.
This innovative recipe uses natural ingredients like citric acid and cationic guar gum to condition fabrics and enhance softness.
It’s a gentle, skin-friendly, and biodegradable option that works wonders for your laundry and is kind to the environment..
Key Ingredients:
- Distilled Water
- Citric Acid
- Cationic Guar Gum
- Calcium Chloride
- Potassium Sorbate
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Super soft clothes
- Reduces static cling
- Natural and biodegradable
Pro Tip: If you have sensitive skin, omit the essential oils or choose hypoallergenic options.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar-Free Natural Fabric Softener with Citric Acid and Guar Gum
7. Simple DIY Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils
This incredibly easy recipe uses just two main ingredients to make your clothes feel wonderfully soft.
White vinegar is the magic behind this softener, helping to break down soap residue and hard water deposits that can make fabrics feel stiff.
Plus, a few drops of your favorite essential oils add a delightful, natural scent to your laundry, making it a truly refreshing experience..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Softens Fabrics
- Natural Scent
- Reduces Static
Pro Tip: You can reuse wool dryer balls multiple times to help reduce static and soften clothes even further.
Get the Recipe: Simple DIY Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils
8. Quick Liquid Fabric Softener with White Vinegar
Need a super simple softener solution? This recipe is as easy as it gets! Just a simple addition of white vinegar to your wash during the rinse cycle will help leave your clothes feeling wonderfully soft and refreshed.
It’s a no-fuss way to get that comforting fabric feel without any fuss..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
Benefits:
- Softens Laundry
- Reduces Stiffness
- Cost-Effective
Pro Tip: If you're looking for a scent, try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar mixture.
Get the Recipe: Quick Liquid Fabric Softener with White Vinegar
9. Homemade Fabric Softener Recipes with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Explore a variety of simple, homemade fabric softener recipes that prioritize natural ingredients.
These methods focus on using common household items like vinegar and baking soda to achieve soft, fresh-smelling clothes.
They're a great way to save money and reduce your exposure to potentially irritating chemicals found in store-bought versions..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils
- Hair Conditioner
Benefits:
- Softens Fabric
- Reduces Static
- Natural Fragrance Options
Pro Tip: For extra fragrance, you can spray a diluted fabric softener mixture onto a washcloth and toss it in the dryer.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Fabric Softener Recipes with Vinegar and Baking Soda
10. Homemade Liquid Fabric Softener with Conditioner
Create a wonderfully effective liquid fabric softener using simple ingredients like hair conditioner and white vinegar.
This DIY recipe is designed to make your laundry feel incredibly soft and smell amazing.
It’s a cost-effective and natural alternative that will leave your clothes feeling luxuriously smooth..
Key Ingredients:
- Hair Conditioner
- White Vinegar
- Boiling Water
- Tea Tree Oil
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Softens Clothes
- Cost Savings
- Pleasant Scent
Pro Tip: Using boiling water helps to properly dissolve the conditioner, ensuring a smooth, well-mixed softener.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Liquid Fabric Softener with Conditioner
11. Natural Laundry Softener and Scent Booster
Elevate your laundry routine with this natural softener and scent booster! Made with Epsom salt, baking soda, and your favorite essential oils, this DIY creates a gentle yet effective way to soften fabrics and impart a subtle, fresh aroma.
It's a toxin-free and inexpensive alternative to conventional laundry boosters, leaving your clothes feeling soft and smelling lovely..
Key Ingredients:
- Epsom Salt
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Softens Laundry
- Neutralizes Odors
- Adds Subtle Scent
Pro Tip: You can double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch that will last even longer.
Get the Recipe: Natural Laundry Softener and Scent Booster
12. DIY Fabric Softener with Essential Oils and Vinegar
Whip up a batch of this fantastic DIY fabric softener using readily available ingredients.
The combination of white vinegar and essential oils creates a wonderfully effective softener that leaves clothes feeling soft and smelling amazing.
It's a gentle, eco-friendly, and budget-conscious way to enjoy softer laundry..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils
- Water
Benefits:
- Softens Fabrics
- Reduces Static
- Customizable Scent
Pro Tip: Store your homemade fabric softener in a cool, dark place, and give it a gentle shake before each use.
Get the Recipe: DIY Fabric Softener with Essential Oils and Vinegar
13. Natural Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils
Simplify your laundry routine with this natural homemade fabric softener.
Made with just two simple ingredients – vinegar and essential oils – it offers a cost-effective and gentle way to achieve wonderfully soft clothes.
The vinegar works to remove soap residue, while essential oils add a pleasant, natural fragrance..
Key Ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Softens Laundry
- Cost-Effective
- Natural Ingredients
Pro Tip: Adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of this softener to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine works wonders.
Get the Recipe: Natural Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils
14. Easy 2-Ingredient Vinegar Fabric Softener
Discover an incredibly easy way to make your clothes feel wonderfully soft with this simple two-ingredient fabric softener.
White distilled vinegar is a powerhouse for softening fabrics by removing detergent buildup and leaving them feeling fluffy.
Add your favorite essential oils for a pleasant, natural scent that will have your laundry smelling fresh and clean..
Key Ingredients:
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Softens Clothes
- Reduces Static
- Natural Scent
Pro Tip: Always avoid mixing vinegar with chlorine bleach, as it can create a toxic gas.
Get the Recipe: Easy 2-Ingredient Vinegar Fabric Softener
15. Simple Natural Fabric Softener Recipe
This natural fabric softener recipe offers a simple yet effective way to get soft, comfortable laundry.
By avoiding the questionable ingredients found in commercial softeners, you can achieve a lovely softness while being kind to your skin and the environment.
It’s a great alternative for those seeking a more natural approach to laundry care..
Key Ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Softens Laundry
- Natural Ingredients
- Eco-Friendly
Pro Tip: Straight vinegar can also be used as a simple fabric softener if this recipe seems like too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Simple Natural Fabric Softener Recipe
16. Vinegar and Dryer Balls for Soft, Fresh Laundry
Discover the power of white vinegar and dryer balls for naturally softening your clothes and reducing drying time.
Vinegar works wonders to remove odors and soften fabrics by dissolving detergent buildup, while wool dryer balls help fluff your laundry and cut down on static.
It's a simple, effective, and eco-friendly way to achieve wonderfully soft and fresh-smelling clothes..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Wool Dryer Balls
Benefits:
- Softens fabrics
- Removes odors
- Reduces drying time
- Reduces static
Pro Tip: You can add vinegar to your washing machine's fabric softener dispenser or use a fabric softener ball.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Dryer Balls for Soft, Fresh Laundry
17. Simple Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Glycerin
This super easy DIY fabric softener uses just three natural ingredients to leave your laundry feeling soft and clean.
White vinegar gently dissolves detergent buildup, while vegetable glycerin acts as a natural moisturizer for your fabrics.
It's a cost-effective and gentle alternative that helps your clothes feel naturally softer without harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Water
- Vegetable Glycerin
Benefits:
- Naturally softens fabrics
- Removes residue buildup
- Gentle on skin
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: Shake the bottle well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Get the Recipe: Simple Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Glycerin
18. All-Natural Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils
Discover a simple, all-natural fabric softener that uses white vinegar and a few drops of your favorite essential oils.
This gentle recipe helps keep fabrics soft and reduces static cling, especially when paired with wool dryer balls.
It's a cost-effective and healthier way to achieve wonderfully soft laundry with a hint of natural fragrance..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Essential Oils
- Wool Dryer Balls
Benefits:
- Naturally softens clothes
- Reduces static cling
- Adds subtle fragrance
- Saves money
Pro Tip: Store this softener in a glass container, especially if using citrus essential oils, as they can react with plastic.
Get the Recipe: All-Natural Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils
19. DIY Reusable Fabric Softener Sheets with Vinegar and Essential Oils
Tired of static and stiff clothes? These DIY reusable fabric softener sheets are a game-changer! Made with vinegar and your favorite essential oils infused into repurposed cloths, they leave laundry feeling incredibly soft and static-free.
It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to get the benefits of fabric softener without the chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Essential Oils
- Repurposed Cloth
Benefits:
- Softens laundry
- Eliminates static
- Reusable and eco-friendly
- Customizable scent
Pro Tip: Repurpose old terry washcloths, t-shirts, or flannel baby blankets to create your own dryer sheets.
Get the Recipe: DIY Reusable Fabric Softener Sheets with Vinegar and Essential Oils
20. Rosemary Mint Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Conditioner
Achieve wonderfully soft laundry with this delightful homemade fabric softener featuring a refreshing rosemary and mint scent.
By combining white vinegar, water, and a hint of conditioner, you create a formula that rivals store-bought options.
It leaves clothes feeling incredibly soft and smelling fresh without any harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- White Vinegar
- Rosemary + Mint Conditioner
Benefits:
- Leaves clothes soft
- Pleasant scent
- Affordable to make
- Gentle on fabrics
Pro Tip: You can also pour 1/4 cup of this softener onto a clean washcloth and toss it in the dryer as a natural dryer sheet.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Mint Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Conditioner
21. Vinegar and Baking Soda Fabric Softener
This homemade fabric softener uses the power of vinegar and baking soda to leave your clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh.
Vinegar helps break down mineral buildup and odors, while baking soda balances pH and reduces static.
It's an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to achieve wonderfully soft laundry without any harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Softens fabrics
- Eliminates odors
- Eco-friendly
- Cost-effective
- Gentle on skin
Pro Tip: For a pleasant scent, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or lemon, to the mixture.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Baking Soda Fabric Softener
22. Vinegar and Baking Soda Laundry Softener
This recipe offers a simple yet effective way to achieve soft, fresh laundry using pantry staples like vinegar and baking soda.
It's a great choice for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals and reduce their environmental impact.
Vinegar works wonders to soften fabrics and tackle odors, making your clothes feel great..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Softens fabrics
- Combats odors
- Reduces environmental impact
- Economical
Pro Tip: Plain white vinegar alone can also be used as a simple and effective fabric softener.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Baking Soda Laundry Softener
23. Fabric Softener Sponges with Essential Oils
Make your fabric softener last longer and add a delightful scent to your laundry with these DIY fabric softener sponges.
Infused with essential oils, these sponges are a frugal and healthy alternative to chemical softeners.
They work in the dryer to leave your clothes feeling soft and smelling amazing..
Key Ingredients:
- Fabric Softener
- Sponges
- Water
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Softens fabrics
- Adds natural scent
- Saves money
- Reduces chemical exposure
Pro Tip: Use a non-toxic, fragrance-free fabric softener for the best results and to avoid harsh chemicals.
Get the Recipe: Fabric Softener Sponges with Essential Oils
24. Homemade Fabric Softener with Essential Oils
Experience a truly natural and wonderfully scented laundry with this homemade fabric softener recipe featuring essential oils.
It's a cost-effective and simple way to achieve soft, fresh-smelling clothes without any artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals.
You can customize the scent to your liking with your favorite essential oils..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Softens clothes
- Natural scent
- Cost-effective
- Eco-friendly
- Gentle on fabrics
Pro Tip: Give the mixture a good shake before each use, as natural ingredients can settle.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Fabric Softener with Essential Oils
25. Epsom Salt and Essential Oil Fabric Softener Crystals
Create a simple and delightful DIY fabric softener by mixing Epsom salt with your favorite essential oils.
These scented crystals add a lovely fragrance to your laundry while helping to soften fabrics.
It's an easy, natural way to make your clothes feel and smell wonderful..
Key Ingredients:
- Epsom Salt
- Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Softens fabrics
- Adds natural scent
- Easy to make
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: Start with about 10 drops of essential oil per 4 cups of Epsom salt and adjust to your scent preference.
Get the Recipe: Epsom Salt and Essential Oil Fabric Softener Crystals
26. White Vinegar as a Natural Fabric Softener
Discover the power of white vinegar as a simple and effective natural fabric softener.
It naturally softens your clothes, reduces static cling, and helps rinse away detergent residue, leaving fabrics feeling clean and soft.
Plus, your laundry won't smell like vinegar – the scent dissipates during the drying process..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
Benefits:
- Softens fabrics
- Reduces static cling
- Rinses away residue
- Odor neutralizer
- Eco-friendly
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar for a subtle, natural fragrance.
Get the Recipe: White Vinegar as a Natural Fabric Softener
27. Baking Soda Laundry Softener Boost
Boost your laundry's softness and freshness with simple baking soda! This pantry staple is a fantastic odor neutralizer and helps soften water, allowing your detergent to work more effectively.
Just sprinkle it in with your detergent for noticeably softer clothes and a cleaner scent..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Softens fabrics
- Neutralizes odors
- Improves detergent effectiveness
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: This is especially helpful for towels and gym clothes that tend to hold onto odors.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda Laundry Softener Boost
28. Two-Ingredient Fabric Softener (Conditioner & Vinegar)
Simplify your laundry routine with this incredibly easy two-ingredient fabric softener made from hair conditioner and vinegar.
It creates a smooth, effective softener that leaves clothes feeling luxuriously soft and static-free.
You can even customize the scent with your favorite conditioner, making laundry day a little more pleasant..
Key Ingredients:
- Hair Conditioner
- White Vinegar
- Hot Water
Benefits:
- Softens fabrics
- Reduces static
- Cost-effective
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: An empty shampoo or fabric softener bottle makes a perfect storage container for this DIY softener.
Get the Recipe: Two-Ingredient Fabric Softener (Conditioner & Vinegar)