An easy alternative to nasty Fabric Softeners

🌱 DIY Green Cleaning Recipe
By Analisa from Under Your Sink

Conventional fabric softeners are some of the worst offenders in the laundry aisle. They’re usually a cocktail of synthetic fragrances, silicones and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which are known skin irritants and can trigger allergies and asthma. They coat your clothes in a chemical film that only feels soft, while also clogging up your washing machine and wastewater systems. Not great for you, and definitely not great for the environment.

The good news is that you don’t need any of it. A natural rinse is all it takes to soften clothes, reduce stiffness, and help break down the soap residue that makes fabrics feel scratchy. Two simple acidic solutions do the job beautifully:

Vinegar

Plain white vinegar is one of the easiest and most effective fabric softener substitutes. Just fill the fabric softener compartment with vinegar and run your washing machine as usual. Its mild acidity neutralises leftover soap and detergent build-up that causes clothing to stiffen. Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar will work, but always buy from the food aisle - never “cleaning vinegar”, which is petroleum-based and not safe for laundry.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is another reliable and eco-friendly option. It dissolves hard water minerals, prevents stiffness, and helps clothes come out soft and fresh. Simply add 1 teaspoon of citric acid powder into the fabric softener compartment or directly into the rinse cycle. It dilutes with the rinse water and works just as effectively as vinegar, often at a lower cost.

Both of these options are biodegradable, safe for septic systems, and fragrance-free, so they’re perfect for sensitive skin. No chemical film, no overpowering scents, and no unnecessary expense - just naturally soft clothes.