How to Make Homemade Fabric Softener & Febreze
Most over-the-counter laundry products are packed with harmful causing chemicals. We use these products and are unknowingly exposing our families to these toxins. This fabric softener and room deodorizer is a healthier alternative.
Ok, here is the honest truth. This post isn’t going to be about pretty flowers or cute kittens or warm andcozy rooms. Nope. It’s about a Laundry Product and an Air Freshener. Nuttin’ purdy about that, I know. But, I promise you I am soooo in LOVE with these ideas and I couldn’t wait to share.
One of the products I am sharing I have been using for several months…Homemade Fabric Softener “Sheets.” Trust me, when you make this – you will never buy Fabric Softener (liquid or sheets) ever again. And making it yourself costs pennies on the dollar.
- Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer
- Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
- Ethanol: On the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Hazardous Waste list and can cause
- central nervous system disorders
- A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage
- Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list
- Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
- Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
- Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
- Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled
Nice huh?
When I found out what I was using on my babies clothes and their bedding, I literally threw away the dryer sheets I had on hand the same day and made a trip to the Dollar Store to get the basic ingredients needed to create a homemade version.
All you need is:
- 2 cups White Vinegar (the miracle liquid)
- 2 cups Conditioner, any scent (I used *Suave Ocean Breeze)
- *disclaimer: you could use an organic or all-natural conditioner for even less chemical exposure
- 6 cups boiling water
- (1) Airtight container
- Sponges
Here’s how you make it:
1.) Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat.
2.) Add the conditioner and stir until it dissolves then add the vinegar.
3.) Place in an airtight container, and add several sponges cut into halves.
When you need a “dryer sheet” simply squeeze out some of the liquid from the sponge, and throw it in the dryer. You can replace the sponge into the liquid container after clothes are dry. This batch will last you close to forever and a day. I store the excess in a pitcher and refill the sponge container as needed.
Now for the BONUS!
I made this next product earlier this week. I did slightly tweak the recipe from when I made it, which I will share at the end. You would not have to.
I love Febreze. I used to have a can in almost every room of the house. That is until I read about what it contains.
BHT
ACETALDEHYDE
1,3-DICHLORO-2-PROPANOL
METHYL PYRROLIDONE
BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL
ETHYL ACETATE
BENZALDEHYDE
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL ETHER
ETHYLHEXANOL
HEXYL CINNAMAL
Kinda funny when you consider that their slogan is “Breath Happy.” I did some research, and come to find out – I could use the same base recipe as I used above for the Fabric Softener, tweak it with the addition of some Baking Soda, and create my own “Homemade Air Refreshener.”
Here’s the recipe:
- 1/4 Fabric Softener Recipe (above)
- 2 Cups Boiled Water
- 1 tsp. Baking Soda
- You simply add the baking soda to the boiled water, stir to dissolve.
- Then add the 1/4 cup Fabric Softener.
- Pour into a cute little spray bottle.
- Add a cute little chalkboard tag. 🙂
The one thing I did later was I added a few drops of orange-scented essential oil. It gave it a slightly stronger scent. But what I love is that I can make a batch of the basic recipe and have two separate uses for it. No empty spray bottles or containers to dispose of. And no nasty chemicals I can’t pronounce or don’t want to expose my family to.
A Source for Products You May Need:
Here are some other Natural Products by The Everyday Home:
Homemade Rosemary-Citrus Goats Milk Soap
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Paula@SweetPea says
I haven’t used a dryer sheet in years and just recently bought a box. Now I want to toss them and make your environmentally friendly version. Thanks so much for sharing this useful tip!
View CommentBarb says
I could not believe something so everyday could be so toxic. I have not missed them at all. Thx for stopping by. xxoo
View CommentDanelle - Tattered Treasures says
This is something I’ve always wanted to try. I just pinned it so I can find it later. What did we do before Pinterest. Ha! Thanks for sharing.
View CommentBarb says
You’ll never buy them again and its so easy. 🙂 Thx for stopping by. xxoo
View CommentConfessions of a Plate Addict says
Wow! Who knew dryer sheets were toxic! Love the idea of your natural version, Barb! Thanks for sharing it!…hugs…Debbie
View CommentBarb says
I know, Deb, right? Something so simple we use everyday. I am afraid every product in our home these days is like this. 🙁
View Commentsamantha riley says
I love this! I have used a similar recipe but used wash cloths instead of sponges. It adds an extra boost of scent when you wash the cloths with a regular load of laundry.
View CommentBarb says
Wash clothes is a great idea, too. Thanks for sharing that. xxoo
View CommentCindy says
So glad to know…about the bad ingredients and how to make with good ingredients! I’ve pinned…
View CommentBlessings,
Cindy
Barb says
Thanks for the pin and I hope you do make them. 🙂
View CommentKathy says
Well, after reading this – I’m a changed woman! Will never buy those items again – fantastic recipes! Not only will I Pin, but also share on Facebook – great post, Barb!
View CommentKathy
Barb says
Its scary to think of all of our everyday household items which are riddled with toxins we are not even aware of. 🙁
View CommentKathy says
Yes, yes it is! I think our Great-Grandmothers lived a cleaner life. That’s why I am glad our home is not insulated like newer homes – and that we have the old glass windows. Even though they say it’s for energy efficiency, I think our air in our home is cleaner because the house can ‘breathe’. Thanks again for putting this wonderful gathering together! I am honored to be among you all.
View CommentHave a blesed day,
Kathy
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
I can’t wait to try these… so much healthier options!
View CommentBarb says
Yes, soooo much healthier. One less thing to worry about poisoning your family.
View CommentBarb says
Please do give them a try you will love how easy and inexpensive it is too. Thx for joining this showcase. xxoo
View CommentLinda says
I’m loving this. Thanks so much for the tips. Linda @ Crafts a la Mode
View CommentKathleen G says
Vinegar is a miracle liquid. I use fabric sheets and I didn’t know how toxic they are. My sister makes homemade cleaning and beauty products. I will let her know and thank you for the information. Important to know. Kathleen in Az
View CommentBarb says
Please share as much as you like. Yes, it is a miracle liquid. I buy it by the huge gallons at Sams. 🙂 Thx for stopping by.
View CommentSondra @ Sondra Lyn at Home says
This was chock full of useful information! I use liquid fabric softener, but it’s probably just as bad. How would I mix your recipe up if I just wanted to add to rinse? Cut the amount of water?? Anyway, I’ll try it!
And thanks for letting me be a part of the Showcase… I have loved it!!
View CommentBlessings,
Sondra
Barb says
Sondra – yes they both have the same toxins and in fact, the liquid form is the WORST. 🙁 I am not sure if you used it in the rinse. You could try adding a few teaspoons and try it. Loved having you part of this showcase. xxoo
View CommentBecca says
I can’t wait to try this! I have a recipe I try now- but I am ALWAYS looking for the best one! Thanks!!
View Commentxoxo
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Bourtique says
Great homemade natural alternatives Barb. Have pinned for later reference… thanks!
View CommentJennifer @ Town and Country Living says
I like the idea of making my own fabric softener. Had no idea those sheets were so toxic!
View CommentSarah@On The Way Home says
Thank you for sharing!! I’ll definately have to try this- it’s simple enough and I didn’t even think about the toxins in fabric softeners. Great addition to the Home & Beauty showcase!
View CommentDenise says
I can’t wait to make this tomorrow. Not only did I realize that they will be healthier/safer but will also save a bit of money. Very fun!
View CommentJeanie @ create&babble says
Thanks for this informative post Barb. I had no idea about all the nasty ingredients in dryer sheets. I am going to make a batch of this right away and also make one for daughter, too! No more toxic dryers sheets for my grandbabies! Pinned!
View CommentStephanie says
I love the idea of using a natural condition as well. Then it’s perfect!
View CommentMary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says
Oh my goodness, Barb, I had no idea how toxic the dryer sheets were. I have been trying to detoxify my home and this is another thing to add to the list….I seriously cannot wait to try your ‘recipe’ ~ thanks so much for sharing it.
View CommentAnne says
Love these ideas! And I agree I hate using chemicals,cannot wait to try this!
View CommentYesenia says
I love this idea! I also really like that is more cost efficient, also. Has anyone tried their “Febreze” on furniture? I would think it would be okay since there is no bleach involved; still, I would like to know if anyone has tried this with successful results.
View CommentBarb says
I have not tried it on furniture but I did on my white shower curtain and it was fine. 🙂
View CommentBetty says
Hello there,I have used just white vinegar in my washing machine,topped up the dispenser where rinse softener once went.It cleans the machine,no more gunk hose build up! Keeps washing soft as it is rinsing out the powder I use.I will share your healthy ideas too
View CommentPatricia says
HI!
This is awesome! Thank you so much!
Do you have any ideas on how to make a solid bar of fabric softener similar to the bounce dryer bar?
They have discontinued this product and in my search to stock up I have discovered all this great info about DIY and the chemicals in these products. Yikes! IS there any way you can think of or do you have any suggestions on how I might be able to make a solid bar of fabric softener that I could just allow to cool on the plastic holder for the bounce bar? Then I could make my own and still use the stick to the side of the dryer model.
Thank you!!!
View CommentBarb says
Hi Patricia – no I have no idea how to make these. Don’t you hate it when you find a product you really love and then they discontinue it? :-/ Maybe check on Pinterest and see if anyone else has found a way to make these. Good luck! ~ Barb
View CommentP mormile says
Does the fabric softener in deodorizer stain fabric
View CommentBarb says
No, I use it in all of my washes, both whites and colors and have never had any issues at all. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Barb
View Comment