I love the scented fabric softener crystals you can get at the store and I wanted to know how could I make homemade fabric softener crystals myself. I have made my own homemade fabric softener in the past, but I like these little crystals. When I picked up the bottle to read the label the first ingredient listed was sodium chloride. This is the fancy name for salt. Yes, they are selling you just plain ole salt that smells good. Well I know I can make something that smells just as good for less than half the price of that stuff.
Homemade Fabric Softener Crystals
Why would you use salt as a homemade fabric softener?
Salt is a natural water softener. Therefore if your clothes are washed in water that is softened, the clothes will be softened too. I am not fond of the vinegar smelling clothes, so this is a great alternative to me. I suppose you could use a little of both if you wanted. I can get sea salt for around pretty cheap from the bulk bins at the store. That is pretty frugal fabric softener if you ask me. Plus I can add my own scents with a few drops of natural essential oils.
Let’s take the bath salts recipe, you can use the same exact recipe for Homemade Bath Salts to make fabric softener. It really is that easy.
Ingredients for Homemade Fabric Softener:
1 Cup Sea Salt
1 Cup Epsom Salt
20-30 drops of essential oil (Eucalyptus or tea tree smells nice)
How to make Homemade Fabric Softener Crystals
Just mix these simple ingredients together and Boom. You are done. Use about 1/4 -1/2 per load. Depends on load size to how much you may need.
I have discussed the benefits of Epsom salt and the benefits of Sea salt, now you can wear these on your clothes to get the most benefits from both. Homemade fabric softener crystals will soften your clothes and add a fresh scent with the essential oils you choose to add. Who knew this would be so easy. Now you can make a large batch and use in your bath or with your clothes to keep smelling fresh and clean all the time.
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Susie @ Homemaker-mom.com says
February 21, 2013 at 11:55 pmOk this is fantastic! I have this stuff on hand and can’t wait to try it! YAY thank you so much
Rosey says
February 22, 2013 at 8:02 amWhat a great idea. The cost of fabric softener has gone through the roof and this seems like a better alternative in more ways than one. Thank you for sharing!
I’m visiting today from Thursday’s Favorite Things.
Maria F. says
March 18, 2013 at 7:23 pmYou say to use 1/4-1/2. What? TBSP? cups? The total amount made?
Amy says
March 18, 2013 at 7:36 pmUse a 1/4 to 1/2 cup. I guess I left that out. Thanks for catching this.
Luanne says
July 2, 2016 at 5:33 pmDo you add it at the start with detergent or just before rinse cycle?
Amy says
July 6, 2016 at 12:01 pmI am sure you are supposed to add it at the rinse cycle, but I never remember. I just add it at the beginning.
Andrea says
April 27, 2013 at 2:58 pmWouldn’t the salt harm the drum of the washing machine over time?
Kevin Wilderman says
September 25, 2013 at 9:49 pmDefinitely going to have to share with my life- she’s been looking for wars to cut back on household expenses like this. Thanks for sharing, your posts have really been helping us along with our new frugal lifestyle!
Amy says
September 26, 2013 at 8:39 amI am so glad these can help.
Peggy says
January 5, 2014 at 3:35 pmdo you add to rinse cycle? or right from wash cycle?
Amy says
January 28, 2014 at 9:11 pmI add at the start of the wash cycle. I have not added at the rinse cycle. If you try this let me know if anything is different.
Lia says
May 29, 2014 at 9:39 amI think this is a great way to replace Purex Crystals in my homemade laundry soap but I have an issue with your recipe. Epsom Salts is Magnesium Sulfate. Calcium and magnesium in water make your water hard which interferes with the cleaning action of soaps and detergents. What’s the point of adding scent to clothes that just aren’t getting as clean as they should be? Also, Purex Crystals aren’t a fabric softener, they’re a fabric enhancer. They just make your clothes smell better.
Ginny says
March 22, 2015 at 6:26 pm@Lia…I just read the same thing on another website. Just today, I made up some what I thought was fabric softener crystals using Epsom salt. Oh well, I’ll just use it along with some baking soda in my wash for now and see how it works out.