Fabric softener
Laundry can sometimes feel stiff or rough, even when it's clean. This is often caused by a build-up of detergent residue, soap residue or minerals from hard water.
The recipe
Add the citric acid to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine, or directly to the rinse cycle — it will dissolve in the rinse water.
Good to know
Suitable fabrics
This method is suitable for most everyday laundry that can be done in a washing machine. It may not be suitable on pure wool or delicates, so use with care on those items.
Storage
Store in a labelled airtight container away from direct sunlight. Although citric acid can be food grade, keep away from children and pets — especially when essential oils are used.
Vinegar option
Vinegar is another great option for laundry rinse, however you usually require more. Most recipes call for between 1/2 to 1 cup, which means more storage and more product.
Don't mix with laundry powder. Citric acid is acidic while washing soda and sodium percarbonate are alkaline, so combining them neutralises both and wastes the effectiveness of each. Use this in the rinse, not the wash.
Why this works
This simple fabric softener uses citric acid and works by:
You can also choose your own fragrance using essential oils — citric acid is great at dispersing them through the wash.
Related laundry recipes
Under Your Sink · teaching you the system, one recipe at a time.