32 Essential Oil Fabric Softener Recipes

Making your own fabric softener is a brilliant way to keep your clothes feeling soft and smelling wonderful without any harsh chemicals.

It's a simple switch that's kinder to your skin and the planet.

Plus, you get to pick your favorite scents, making laundry day a little more enjoyable!.

Table of Contents

1. Natural Fabric Softener with Essential Oils & Vinegar

This wonderfully simple fabric softener uses white vinegar to naturally soften fabrics and reduce static, while essential oils add a lovely, fresh scent.

It's a budget-friendly and eco-conscious choice that leaves your clothes feeling wonderfully soft and smelling naturally delightful..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Hair Conditioner
Warm Water
Baking Soda
Essential Oil

Benefits:

Softens fabrics
Reduces static cling
Adds natural fragrance

Pro Tip: Shake well before each use, as the mixture can separate. For an extra boost, add a few drops of essential oil directly to your dryer balls.

Get the Recipe: Natural Fabric Softener with Essential Oils & Vinegar

2. Simple DIY Natural Fabric Softener with Essential Oils

This easy-to-make, all-natural fabric softener is a game-changer for your laundry.

Using just white vinegar and your favorite essential oils, it effectively softens clothes and combats static cling, offering a much healthier alternative to commercial options..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Softens clothes naturally
Reduces static
Affordable and natural

Pro Tip: If you use lemon essential oil, be sure to store your fabric softener in a glass container to prevent any degradation.

Get the Recipe: Simple DIY Natural Fabric Softener with Essential Oils

3. All-Natural Fabric Softener with Vinegar & Essential Oils

Discover the magic of a truly natural fabric softener that leaves your clothes feeling incredibly soft and static-free.

This recipe uses simple vinegar and essential oils to condition fabric fibers without any unwanted coatings, making it perfect even for towels!.

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Essential Oil

Benefits:

Non-toxic and natural
Conditions fabric fibers
Prevents static cling

Pro Tip: This natural softener works beautifully on towels, leaving them fluffy and absorbent, unlike conventional softeners that can leave a coating.

Get the Recipe: All-Natural Fabric Softener with Vinegar & Essential Oils

4. 2-Ingredient Vinegar Fabric Softener with Essential Oils

Embrace a chemical-free laundry routine with this incredibly easy, two-ingredient fabric softener.

White vinegar softens fabrics and tackles odors, while a few drops of your favorite essential oil add a subtle, beautiful scent.

It's a super affordable way to achieve soft clothes!.

Key Ingredients:

White Distilled Vinegar
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Softens fabric fibers
Removes soap buildup
Natural odor remover

Pro Tip: When using vinegar in your laundry, avoid mixing it with chlorine bleach, as this creates harmful fumes. Always add vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Vinegar Fabric Softener with Essential Oils

5. Natural Liquid Fabric Softener with Glycerin & Essential Oils

This liquid fabric softener offers a natural way to get soft, static-free laundry.

It uses vegetable glycerin to moisturize fabric fibers and essential oils for a gentle, natural scent.

It’s a delightful alternative to store-bought softeners and can even be made into dryer sheets!.

Key Ingredients:

White vinegar
Water
Vegetable glycerin
Essential oil

Benefits:

Softens laundry
Reduces static
Adds natural fragrance

Pro Tip: For a subtle, natural scent, essential oils are a great choice. They won't overpower your laundry like artificial fragrances in commercial products.

Get the Recipe: Natural Liquid Fabric Softener with Glycerin & Essential Oils

6. Gentle Liquid Fabric Softener with Essential Oils

Create a wonderfully soft and beautifully scented laundry experience with this simple homemade fabric softener.

Combining water, vinegar, vegetable glycerin, and your chosen essential oils, it leaves clothes feeling smooth and fresh without any harsh chemicals..

Key Ingredients:

Water
Vinegar
Vegetable glycerin
Essential oils

Benefits:

Softens clothes
Reduces wrinkles
Adds natural scent

Pro Tip: Store your homemade fabric softener in an old laundry soap or detergent container for easy pouring into your washing machine.

Get the Recipe: Gentle Liquid Fabric Softener with Essential Oils

7. DIY Fabric Softener & Scent Booster with Epsom Salt

Boost your laundry's softness and add a lovely scent with this simple DIY fabric softener and scent booster.

Made with Epsom salt, baking soda, and your favorite essential oils, it’s an effective and incredibly affordable way to get fresh-smelling, soft clothes..

Key Ingredients:

Epsom salt
Baking soda
Essential oils

Benefits:

Softens laundry
Adds scent
Brightens clothes

Pro Tip: Pure essential oils provide natural fragrance. If you find citrus oils don't linger as long, try floral or woody scents like lavender or frankincense.

Get the Recipe: DIY Fabric Softener & Scent Booster with Epsom Salt

8. Gentle Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils

This DIY fabric softener is a dream for sensitive skin, crafted with simple, natural ingredients.

It effectively softens fabrics and cuts down on static without any irritating chemicals.

The combination of vinegar and essential oils leaves your laundry feeling incredibly soft and smelling wonderfully fresh, making it a must-try for a gentler laundry routine..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Baking Soda
Essential Oils
Water

Benefits:

Softens fabrics
Reduces static cling
Gentle on sensitive skin
Cost-effective

Pro Tip: You can customize the scent by mixing different essential oils. Try lavender for a calming aroma, lemon for a bright freshness, or eucalyptus for an invigorating lift. Start with a few drops and adjust to your preference.

Get the Recipe: Gentle Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils

9. Quick & Easy Vinegar Fabric Softener Spray

This super simple vinegar fabric softener spray is a game-changer for a soft and static-free laundry experience.

Just a few spritzes directly into the dryer with your wet clothes can make a big difference.

It’s an incredibly easy way to achieve soft, fresh-smelling laundry without any fuss or harsh chemicals..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Benefits:

Softens clothes
Reduces static
Easy to use
Pleasant scent

Pro Tip: Make sure your clothes are thoroughly dry before adding the spray to the dryer. This helps prevent any lingering vinegar scent, ensuring your laundry smells delightfully fresh.

Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Vinegar Fabric Softener Spray

10. DIY Fabric Softener Crystals with Epsom Salts & Essential Oils

These DIY fabric softener crystals are a delightful way to add a touch of freshness and softness to your laundry.

Made with simple ingredients like Epsom salts and your favorite essential oils, they leave clothes smelling clean and feeling wonderfully soft for days.

It's a simple, natural alternative that’s easy to make and use..

Key Ingredients:

Epsom Salts
Essential Oil
Baking Soda

Benefits:

Softens laundry
Leaves a fresh scent
Natural ingredients
Easy to make

Pro Tip: You can double or triple this recipe and store it in airtight containers. Label them with the scent for easy grabbing, or even mix different scents for unique laundry aromas.

Get the Recipe: DIY Fabric Softener Crystals with Epsom Salts & Essential Oils

11. Cost-Saving Liquid Fabric Softener with Vinegar

This incredibly simple liquid fabric softener recipe uses just inexpensive white vinegar to soften your laundry.

It requires no mixing, saving you time and effort.

Adding it during the rinse cycle helps to soften fabrics and reduce static cling, leaving your clothes feeling wonderfully smooth and fresh..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar

Benefits:

Softens laundry
Reduces static
Very economical
Simple to use

Pro Tip: While some recipes suggest adding essential oils, the scent doesn't tend to linger on the clothes. It's often best to save your essential oils for other natural cleaners or diffusers.

Get the Recipe: Cost-Saving Liquid Fabric Softener with Vinegar

12. Natural Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils

This DIY fabric softener is a fantastic alternative to commercial products, offering naturally softened clothes without harsh chemicals.

It effectively removes detergent residue and reduces static cling, leaving your laundry feeling soft and smelling wonderfully fresh.

It's a simple, customizable, and eco-friendly choice for your laundry routine..

Key Ingredients:

Distilled Water
Citric Acid
Cationic Guar Gum
Calcium Chloride
Potassium Sorbate
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Softens clothes
Reduces static
All-natural and biodegradable
Skin-friendly

Pro Tip: This recipe is great for sensitive skin because it uses gentle, natural ingredients. You can adjust the amount of essential oils used based on your scent preference or omit them entirely if needed.

Get the Recipe: Natural Fabric Softener with Vinegar and Essential Oils

13. Homemade Fabric Softener with Hair Conditioner & Vinegar

This unique homemade fabric softener uses hair conditioner and vinegar to create a super moisturizing and softening laundry experience.

It's a cost-effective way to get wonderfully soft clothes, and you can choose your favorite conditioner scent for a personalized touch.

This recipe is surprisingly effective at making fabrics feel smooth and comfortable..

Key Ingredients:

Hair Conditioner
White Vinegar
Boiling Water
Tea Tree Oil
Essential Oil

Benefits:

Softens clothes
Cost-effective
Reduces static
Customizable scent

Pro Tip: Shake the mixture well before each use, especially for the first few uses, as the ingredients may need a bit of stirring to stay fully combined. Allow the mixture to cool before putting the cap on the storage bottle.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Fabric Softener with Hair Conditioner & Vinegar

14. Vinegar and Baking Soda Fabric Softener

This recipe combines the power of vinegar and baking soda for a gentle yet effective fabric softener.

Baking soda helps neutralize odors and soften fabrics, while vinegar tackles detergent residue and static.

It’s a simple, natural way to get your clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh, all without those pesky artificial chemicals..

Key Ingredients:

Baking Soda
Vinegar
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Softens clothes
Neutralizes odors
Natural ingredients
Gentle on skin

Pro Tip: Use this mixture in the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. You can add a drop or two of essential oils for a pleasant, natural scent.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Baking Soda Fabric Softener

15. Simple Fabric Softener with Vinegar

This is the simplest DIY fabric softener around – just white vinegar! It's incredibly economical and requires absolutely no mixing.

Adding vinegar to your rinse cycle effectively softens fabrics, reduces static cling, and eliminates odors.

It’s a straightforward way to achieve soft, fresh laundry..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar

Benefits:

Softens laundry
Reduces static
Eliminates odors
Very cost-effective

Pro Tip: You can add vinegar directly to the fabric softener dispenser or use a fabric softener ball. It's a versatile solution for naturally soft clothes.

Get the Recipe: Simple Fabric Softener with Vinegar

16. DIY Laundry Softener & Scent Booster

This homemade laundry softener and scent booster is a wonderful all-in-one solution.

It's non-toxic, helps remove unpleasant odors, and softens laundry all at once.

Made with simple ingredients and your favorite essential oils, it leaves clothes with a subtle, fresh scent and a wonderfully soft feel..

Key Ingredients:

Epsom Salt
Baking Soda
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Softens laundry
Removes odors
Adds a fresh scent
Inexpensive

Pro Tip: You can easily double or triple this recipe to have a good supply on hand. Store it in an airtight glass container to maintain its freshness for up to a year.

Get the Recipe: DIY Laundry Softener & Scent Booster

17. Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar & Essential Oils

This recipe offers a fantastic homemade fabric softener using vinegar and essential oils.

It’s a budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and customizable way to make your clothes feel super soft and smell amazing.

The vinegar works to soften fabrics and reduce static, while essential oils add a lovely, natural fragrance..

Key Ingredients:

Fabric Softener
Vinegar
Water

Benefits:

Makes clothes smell good
Clothes feel amazing
Triples savings

Pro Tip: This recipe effectively triples a small amount of fabric softener, making it a great way to save money. Your towels will smell so fresh and clean after using this homemade solution!

Get the Recipe: Homemade Fabric Softener with Vinegar & Essential Oils

18. Simple Conditioner & Vinegar Fabric Softener

This super easy fabric softener uses just three ingredients to leave your laundry feeling soft and static-free.

The vinegar acts as the softener, while your favorite hair conditioner adds a lovely scent.

It’s a budget-friendly way to achieve that cozy, soft feel you love in your towels and sheets..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Hair Conditioner
Hot Water

Benefits:

Softens fabrics
Reduces static
Inexpensive to make

Pro Tip: Choose a conditioner with a scent you absolutely adore, as this will be the primary fragrance for your laundry.

Get the Recipe: Simple Conditioner & Vinegar Fabric Softener

19. Vinegar & Conditioner Fabric Softener

Tired of pricey, chemical-filled fabric softeners? This homemade version is your answer! It’s incredibly affordable, gentle on sensitive skin, and customizable with your favorite essential oils for a personal touch.

You’ll save money and be kinder to the planet with this simple, effective recipe..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Hair Conditioner
Hot Water
Essential Oils (optional)

Benefits:

Budget-friendly
Gentle on skin
Customizable scent
Eco-friendly

Pro Tip: Avoid using this softener on clothes with elastic, as vinegar can degrade it over time.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar & Conditioner Fabric Softener

20. Epsom Salt & Baking Soda Laundry Scent Boosters

Boost your laundry with a wonderfully fresh scent and added softness using these simple scent boosters.

Made with Epsom salt and baking soda, they help neutralize odors and leave your clothes feeling great.

You can customize the scent with your favorite essential oils for a truly personalized laundry experience..

Key Ingredients:

Epsom Salt
Baking Soda
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Adds fresh scent
Softens fabric
Neutralizes odors
Customizable

Pro Tip: Make a larger batch and store it in a big mason jar to save time on future laundry days.

Get the Recipe: Epsom Salt & Baking Soda Laundry Scent Boosters

21. Natural Laundry Scent Booster

Ditch the overpowering scents and embrace a beautifully natural fragrance for your laundry.

This simple recipe uses quality ingredients to gently enhance your clothes, leaving them soft and delicately scented.

It’s a delightful way to make laundry a calming ritual..

Key Ingredients:

Essential Oils

Benefits:

Natural fragrance
Softens clothes
Sustainable option

Pro Tip: Experiment with different essential oil blends to create unique scents that match your mood or the season.

Get the Recipe: Natural Laundry Scent Booster

22. Citrus Peel & Vinegar Laundry Softener

Infuse your laundry with a bright, natural scent using citrus peels and vinegar! This DIY softener adds a refreshing aroma and helps to soften your fabrics.

It’s a wonderful way to repurpose kitchen scraps and avoid the chemicals found in traditional softeners..

Key Ingredients:

Citrus Peels
White Vinegar
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Natural citrus scent
Softens fabrics
Reduces waste

Pro Tip: Let the citrus peel and vinegar mixture sit for at least a week before using to allow the flavors and scents to meld beautifully.

Get the Recipe: Citrus Peel & Vinegar Laundry Softener

23. Simple Natural Fabric Softener (Vinegar Base)

If you're looking for a straightforward and effective natural fabric softener, straight vinegar is a fantastic option.

It works wonders to soften clothes and eliminate static without any questionable ingredients.

It’s a simple, no-fuss approach to softer laundry..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar

Benefits:

Softens fabrics
Eliminates static
Simple and effective

Pro Tip: For those who find straight vinegar too strong, this recipe is a great starting point before moving to more complex blends.

Get the Recipe: Simple Natural Fabric Softener (Vinegar Base)

24. DIY Natural Fabric Softener Recipes

Explore a variety of DIY natural fabric softener options, including recipes that use baking soda, vinegar, vegetable glycerin, and essential oils.

These methods aim to keep your clothes soft and fresh while avoiding harsh chemicals, making them a healthier choice for your family and the environment..

Key Ingredients:

Baking Soda
Distilled White Vinegar
Vegetable Glycerin
Essential Oils
Epsom Salts

Benefits:

Reduces chemical exposure
Softens fabrics
Prevents static cling
Variety of options

Pro Tip: Understand the potential chemicals in commercial softeners to appreciate the benefits of making your own natural versions.

Get the Recipe: DIY Natural Fabric Softener Recipes

25. Vinegar and Essential Oil Fabric Softener

This easy-peasy fabric softener uses simple white vinegar to naturally soften clothes and reduce static.

By adding your favorite essential oils, like calming lavender or invigorating lemon, you can give your laundry a delightful and natural fragrance.

It's a gentle yet effective way to make your fabrics feel wonderfully soft and refreshed after every wash..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Water
Vegetable Glycerin

Benefits:

Natural Softening
Reduces Buildup
Naturally Fresh Scent

Pro Tip: Shake the mixture well before each use, as the ingredients can separate over time.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Essential Oil Fabric Softener

26. Lavender Vanilla Salt Fabric Softener

Infuse your laundry with the soothing scents of lavender and vanilla using this simple salt-based fabric softener.

Just a few tablespoons sprinkled into your rinse cycle works wonders to soften fibers and leave clothes smelling absolutely amazing.

It’s a lovely way to add a touch of aromatherapy to your laundry day..

Key Ingredients:

Kosher Salt
Lavender Essential Oil
Vanilla Essential Oil

Benefits:

Softens Fibers
Infuses Natural Scent
Reduces Yellowing

Pro Tip: Feel free to experiment with different essential oil combinations to create your own signature laundry scent!

Get the Recipe: Lavender Vanilla Salt Fabric Softener

27. Epsom Salt and Super Washing Soda Laundry Booster

This two-ingredient powerhouse is incredibly easy to make and gives your laundry a natural boost.

Epsom salts help soften fabrics, while super washing soda tackles odors and brightens clothes.

It’s a simple, non-toxic way to achieve soft, clean, and fresh-smelling laundry without any harsh chemicals..

Key Ingredients:

Epsom Salts
Super Washing Soda

Benefits:

Natural Softening
Odor Neutralizing
Brightens Clothes

Pro Tip: Add this mixture directly to the washer drum for HE and non-HE machines, not the softener dispenser.

Get the Recipe: Epsom Salt and Super Washing Soda Laundry Booster

28. Hair Conditioner and Vinegar Fabric Softener

Get ready for incredibly soft and static-free clothes with this clever fabric softener recipe! By combining hair conditioner, water, and white vinegar, you create a wonderfully effective softener that makes laundry feel amazing.

Add a few drops of essential oils for a beautiful, custom scent that will leave your clothes smelling delightful..

Key Ingredients:

Hair Conditioner
Distilled White Vinegar
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Soft and Static-Free
Pleasant Natural Scent
Effective for Hard Water

Pro Tip: Using a repurposed glass juice bottle or fabric softener bottle makes storage and pouring super convenient.

Get the Recipe: Hair Conditioner and Vinegar Fabric Softener

29. Simple Hair Conditioner and Vinegar Fabric Softener

This wonderfully simple fabric softener recipe uses just a few key ingredients to make your hand-washables feel luxuriously soft.

A combination of hot water, white vinegar, and an inexpensive hair conditioner creates a gentle yet effective softener.

It’s perfect for those times you want that extra touch of softness without reaching for store-bought options..

Key Ingredients:

Hot Water
White Vinegar
Hair Conditioner

Benefits:

Softens Hand-Washables
Inexpensive to Make
Adds Pleasant Scent

Pro Tip: If you don't have hair conditioner, you can use an essential oil of your choice for scent instead.

Get the Recipe: Simple Hair Conditioner and Vinegar Fabric Softener

30. Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Essential Oil Fabric Softener

This recipe combines the power of vinegar and baking soda for a truly effective fabric softener.

Vinegar tackles detergent residue and softens fibers, while baking soda neutralizes odors and keeps things fresh.

Adding your favorite essential oils creates a beautiful, custom fragrance for laundry that feels as good as it smells..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Baking Soda
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Natural Softening Agent
Odor Neutralizer
Customizable Scent

Pro Tip: Always use white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar, to avoid staining your clothes.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Essential Oil Fabric Softener

31. Essential Oil Infused Laundry Recipes

Elevate your laundry with the natural power of essential oils! This guide offers fantastic recipes for stain removers, liquid detergent, and fabric softeners, all enhanced with beautiful scents.

Choose from invigorating citrus to calming lavender to make your clothes smell incredibly fresh and clean, all while being gentle on your skin and the environment..

Key Ingredients:

Essential Oils
Vinegar
Baking Soda
Epsom Salt

Benefits:

Natural Fragrance
Gentle on Skin
Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Pro Tip: Adding a few drops of essential oil to wool dryer balls is a simple way to add fragrance to your load.

Get the Recipe: Essential Oil Infused Laundry Recipes

32. Vinegar and Essential Oil Fabric Softener Recipe

This simple and effective recipe uses white vinegar to naturally soften fabrics and banish static cling.

Just a few drops of your favorite essential oils, like lemon or eucalyptus, add a lovely, fresh scent without the harsh chemicals found in commercial softeners.

It’s an affordable and eco-friendly way to make your laundry feel wonderfully soft and smell amazing..

Key Ingredients:

White Vinegar
Essential Oils

Benefits:

Natural Softening
Reduces Static
Customizable Scents

Pro Tip: Avoid using fabric softener on towels, as it can reduce their absorbency. Instead, wash them with vinegar.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Essential Oil Fabric Softener Recipe