Last Updated on 6 months by Susan Mayrich
Do you want to know how to soften clothes without fabric softener? For this purpose, you can use wool dryer ballas, softener crystals, baking soda, coconut oil, essential oil, hair conditioner, and aluminum foils.
Fabric softener makes the feeling of clothes on the skin differently and lovely. Fabric softeners make clothes feel softer, but they can also leave a residue on your clothes. Their chemicals can also adversely affect the skin or trigger eczema and other allergies.
But there are homemade fabric softener substitutes you can use to make your clothes feel softer without using fabric softener. There is much more to learn, my friends; if you’re ready, let’s start!
Ways To Soften Clothes Without Fabric Softener
Below we have listed some fantastic ways on how to soften clothes without fabric softener:
#1. Wool dryer balls
Wool dryer balls can be a great way to make your clothes feel softer without taking the chance of fabric softener.
Wool dryer balls are used to soften clothes like fabric softeners, but they contain no chemicals and have many other benefits.
These include being environmentally friendly, saving money, and aiding in reducing static cling.
#2. Softener crystals
Another way to make clothes feel soft without using a traditional fabric softener is to use Softener Crystals.
These are particular types of chemicals that are added to the rinse cycle.
They have no adverse effects and are comparable to traditional fabric softeners.
#3. Baking soda
Baking soda is also an excellent way to make your clothes feel softer.
Just add a cup or two to the rinse cycle of your washing machine.
Again, this has no adverse effects and can be comparable to fabric softener.
#4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is also known for its softening effects.
Try adding an ounce or two to the rinse cycle, just like you did with baking soda.
#5. Epsom salt with baking soda
Epsom salt has long been used for medicinal purposes but can make clothes softer.
To do this, you must add it to the rinse cycle of the washer.
For best results, combine the Epsom salt with baking soda.
You can use a cup or two of baking soda in Epsom salt.
#6. Essential oils
Essential oils are volatile plant extracts due to their low boiling point. They are used for many purposes, including perfumes and aromatherapy.
Many cultures have used them for thousands of years, and you can use them too. In particular, you will want to ensure that the essential oil is labeled safe for skin contact.
While this doesn’t mean that it will cause problems.
#7. Hair conditioner
A hair conditioner is used to reduce the tangles in your hair. It also coats the strands of hair with a protective layer that keeps moisture inside your hair.
Conditioners serve the same function as fabric softeners. But, as with fabric softener, conditioner can leave a residue on your clothes.
They also harm human skin if applied directly to it. The chemicals in products like hair conditioners are not natural and can have long-term effects on your health or skin.
#8. Aluminum foil
Aluminum foil is transparent, thin sheets of metal that are both durable and malleable. Many people use it as a cooking aid to shield food from high-temperature heat or in an oven.
This kitchenware is also used for making holiday gifts, such as decorated place settings for a dinner party.
#9. Vegetable glycerin
Vegetable Glycerin is a plant extract with many benefits for skin and hair.
The glycerin can be used as an all-natural conditioner, just like fabric softener, but it is more natural and can have positive side effects on your skin.
The downside is that you will need to avoid any glycerin that is not made from plants. This means avoiding any artificial glycerin products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below you’ll find the answer to a few questions:
How to soften clothes without a dryer?
Since the clothes will take so long to dry, you will want to use softeners and dryers. Softeners work by coating the fabric with a coat of softening chemicals. The downside is that those same chemicals can also adversely affect your skin.
Fabric softeners can also leave residue on your clothes and cause them to smell after they’re dried. The good news is that there are many ways you can soften clothes without using a fabric softener and a dryer. Here are some suggestions:
#1. Washing in cold water
While this may be counterintuitive, cold water might be better for removing static cling than hot or warm water. That’s because when you wash in warm or hot water, you are agitating the clothing and causing static cling.
Washing in cold water may reduce static cling. Of course, this isn’t always practical with more oversized items of clothing that need to be washed together. Washing clothes in cold water will also cause them to take longer to dry, so you’re probably not going to want to do this with comforters or other large items.
#2. Air drying
Air drying is one of the best ways to eliminate static cling. This is because the wind will cause the clothes to move, which will help eliminate any static charge they may have picked up when you put them in a dryer. You can dry your clothes outside on a line or use an indoor drying rack to hang the clothing.
#3. Natural liquid soap
Using natural liquid soaps instead of detergents will reduce static cling and eliminate that dryer sheet scent that comes from using chemical-based detergents. Natural liquid soaps do not have harsh chemicals in chemical-based detergents.
You can use any kind of natural liquid soap for this, whether castile soap, pure castile soap, or an all-natural liquid laundry detergent. Using natural liquid soaps removes not only static cling but also reduces the number of chemicals you’re putting on your skin.
#4. Natural dryer sheets
To get rid of static cling without fabric softeners, you can replace the chemical-based dryer sheets with natural alternatives such as wool balls or a couple of sheets of aluminum foil.
How to soften clothes without a dryer?
You can also soften clothes by adding 1/4 cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the wash. You don’t need a detergent, and there’s no need to rinse; just tumble dry as usual.
How to soften clothes with vinegar?
Mix a cup of vinegar with a gallon of hot water. Squeeze the clothes out and then place them in the mixture. Wait for about five minutes, and then rinse with cold water. This should help to soften up your clothes.
How to soften scratchy fabric?
We have been trained to believe that fabric softeners are the only way for clothes to feel soft and smell good. The truth is that fabric softener coats your clothes with chemicals that don’t work, making them smell like a new car. Here are some other easy ways to soften clothes:
#1. Hand washing
When you hand wash, you aren’t agitating the clothes so much, so static cling won’t be an issue. Hand washing also helps get rid of any detergent residue and reduces the chemicals that come in contact with your skin.
#2. Baking soda
As an alternative to chemical-based fabric softeners, try adding 1/4 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle of your laundry load.
How to soften clothes with fabric softener?
A fabric softener is a must-have for anyone who wants to avoid dryer sheets and plastic bottles. Take a fabric softener sheet out of one of your drawers and tear it into three or four smaller pieces to make it easier to measure. Pour liquid fabric softener into a measuring cup marked in cups, tablespoons, or milliliters.
Place the torn-up piece of fabric softener into the washing machine at the start of your load. Fill an empty bottle with a liquid fabric softener and add water until it’s complete. Add this to your wash load, and you will have a lovely-smelling, soft load of laundry.
Howdoo soften clothes after washing?
To soften clothes after being washed, you can tumble them in a dryer for about 10-20 minutes with fabric softener sheets or a dryer ball. This should cause the clothes to become softer and reduce any static cling when pulled out of the dryer.
How to soften the fabric without washing?
- Wipe down the fabric with rubbing alcohol or fabric softener and water
- Freeze fabrics overnight
- Put cloth outside in the sun for a day
How do you soften fabric naturally?
Rinse the fabric with a mixture of water and white vinegar. The qualities of vinegar, such as sizing, coagulation, or setting properties, can be used for finishing dried fabrics to make them more soil-resistant. Vinegar also softens by breaking down some textile fibers, removing alkaline deposits left on fabric by detergents, and setting the dye in prints that typically fade.
How can I soften my laundry without a softener?
I pour water into the washer before tossing it in my laundry. This eliminates the need for a softener, though you can still use one if your clothes are too stiff afterward.
What can I use in place of fabric softener?
Instead of fabric softener, you can use:
#1. Starch
Starch is a natural alternative to chemical-based fabric softeners: Mix 1/4 cup cornstarch or potato starch with 2 cups of water to make your starch mixture. Store the variety in an airtight container and shake well before using.
Add it to the washing machine after the rinse cycle has finished. You can also add it to wet clothes as they are drying by sprinkling it on them and allowing them to dry in a dryer for 30 minutes.
#2. Baking soda
As an alternative to chemical-based fabric softeners, try adding 1/4 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle of your laundry load.
What is the best way to soften stiff fabrics?
The best way to soften stiff fabrics is to soak them in a basin of cool water with a few drops of fabric softener. You can also hang the fabric outside in the sun, ironing it after it has dried. If you’re looking for a more affordable way to soften stiff fabrics, you can make your fabric softener home by mixing vinegar and fabric conditioner in a 50/50 ratio.
Will vinegar soften clothes?
Vinegar can soften clothes by breaking down some textile fibers. There are several ways to make vinegar act as a fabric softener. You can mix the vinegar and fabric conditioner in a 50/50 ratio or add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle of your laundry load.”
How to wash clothes without using chemicals?
There are a few steps of what you should do when washing clothes without chemicals, and this includes using a clean sink or basin, filling it with hot water and then adding soap or another detergent, wetting the clothing, and then rubbing it against itself until dirt begins to come off, and finally rinsing and squeezing out excess water before hanging.
How do you soften scratchy fabric?
Scratchy fabric can be made more comfortable by following a few steps.
#1. Place 2 cups of white vinegar in a pot on the stove and heat to boiling.
#2. Remove from the heat and pour 1/2 cup of cooking oil into the pot, stirring it with a spoon until they are evenly combined.
#3. Place the heated mixture into your dryer along with one or two garments that need softening, according to our article on delicates vs. heavy duty washing for more information about treating different types of clothing).
#4. Run as usual or use a delicate cycle if applicable for up to 30 minutes.
#5. Turn off your machine and let soak for 10-20 minutes before removing clothes from the dryer.
#6. Wash as usual, but hang them up instead of putting them back in
What is the best homemade fabric softener?
Some of the best homemade fabric softeners are:
Vinegar and fabric conditioner in a 50/50 ratio.
Can I use a hair conditioner instead of a fabric softener?
For laundry, a fabric softener is best if you are trying to remove static and prevent clothing from clinging together while in the drier. Hair conditioner and laundry detergent will remove static and make your clothes smell better, but only fabric softener will make your clothes less likely to cling together.
What happens to make the cloth softer?
The textiles break down, which makes the clothes softer.
How do I substitute vinegar for fabric softener?
You could try using a fabric softener sheet or the vinegar in a squeeze bottle (make sure to dilute the vinegar at least 50% with water). Add 1 cup of 100% pure baking soda when washing your clothes. Make sure to dissolve it in hot water and add the mixture to the final rinse cycle.
How can I make my laundry smell good without fabric softener?
There are a few steps of what you should do when washing clothes without chemicals, and this includes using a clean sink or basin, filling it with hot water and then adding soap or another detergent, wetting the clothing, and then rubbing it against itself until dirt begins to come off, and finally rinsing. Add 1 cup of 100% pure baking soda when washing your clothes.
Make sure to dissolve it in hot water and add the mixture to the final rinse cycle. Make sure that there is enough time for all the clothing items to get soaked in the garment soaker before adding anything else. Wash as usual but hang them up instead of putting them back in.”
How do you soften fabric?
You can soften fabric by washing it in cool water, adding vinegar to the rinse cycle, or, if your machine has a fabric softener dispenser, use liquid fabric softener instead of dryer sheets. You should also try using warmer water when you wash clothes (washing your clothes in warm rather than cold reduces the amount of shrinkage and helps protect colors).
Cold detergents will make clothes stiffer and rougher. Dryers without vents are less effective at removing moisture from clothing and more likely to cause shrinking since they tumble clothes continuously during drying.
Sunlight is another option for making fabrics softer. Place clean jeans or other dark denim outside on a cloudy day for two hours before wearing them, and this removes natural chemicals which can make the denim stiff and rough.
How do you soften a 100% cotton shirt?
To soften a 100% cotton shirt, wash it in warm water and add fabric softener or dryer sheets before and after washing. Toss a crunchy cotton shirt in the dryer with an old sports sock to soften it. The next time you put this cotton-polyester blend in the dry place, your clothes will feel softer with that added boost of that fresh-from-the-dryer crispiness.
How do you soften a shirt with vinegar?
To soften a cotton shirt with vinegar, soak the article of clothing in a generous amount of vinegar until it’s completely immersed. Agitate the garment by hand to help remove toxins and thoroughly rinse in cold water after soaking for at least 15 minutes, then place the item on a drying rack or laundry line outdoors to air dry.
Does Epsom salt soften clothes?
Epsom salt is a type of salt with magnesium and sulfur, which can act as a softener. You must put the Epsom salt in the wash cycle, regular detergent, and fabric softener. You should only do this once every six months because the minerals could cause damage to clothing if used too frequently.
Hanging clothes outside can help soften them up, allowing them to absorb sunlight that enhances their elasticity and helps break down natural chemicals that make them stiffer or rougher. It’s best not to use bleach when washing clothes because it also breaks down the fibers.”
How does salt soften cotton?
Sodium ions from the salt can dissolve some of the fibers in the cotton, weakening it and causing it to soften. It takes time due to how tightly woven cotton is. It also depends on humidity levels and exposure to heat, as low temperatures or high humidity can slow the process down, which means that a slightly damp piece of cloth will take longer.
We recommend leaving clothes in a washing machine in the sun without any detergent for an hour or two to speed up softening, but ensure you keep them dry afterward. Returning them to storage may result in storing wet clothes, which also increases the chances of mold growth with long-term storage.
How do you soften clothes that hang dry?
Clothes that hang dry need a little time to soften up. It’s best not to wash them in hot water, making fabrics brittle and drying them quicker. It takes time due to how tightly woven cotton is.
It also depends on humidity levels and exposure to heat, as low temperatures or high humidity can slow the process down, which means that a slightly damp piece of cloth will take longer. We recommend leaving clothes in a washing machine in the sun without any detergent for an hour or two to speed up softening, but ensure you keep them dry afterward.”
How do you soften a cotton blanket?
Take the blanket in a washing machine out in the sun for at least one hour and with no detergent.
Does vinegar soften water?
No, vinegar is an acid and won’t turn water soft. Adding vinegar to your rinse cycle may help remove soap scum and improve the texture of your clothes, but it will not make them softer. You may also be interested to know about fabric softener compartment.
How can I make my hoodies softer?
Here are some tricks to make your hoodies softer:
- Wear the thinnest possible layer of cotton underneath it.
- Rinse in cold water and hang dry after being washed.
- Throw the dryer with a wet towel or old sports socks for 20 minutes before hanging out to dry.”
Can I wash clothes without fabric softener?
Here are some recommendations for washing clothes without fabric softener:
- Dryer sheets can be substituted with a small towel or old sports socks, which can help soften cotton.
- Be sure to use cold water and lower the dryer setting to avoid extra heat that causes fabrics to shrink and fade.
- Use mild detergent in your load.
It’s A Wrap!
Finally, we have discussed how to soften clothes without fabric softener. You can you any method that you find suitable for softening your clothes. All these methods work amazingly. Thanks, my dear friends, for reading this article! You may also want to read about how to get fabric softener smell out of clothes and is fabric conditioner the same as detergent.
