Think Twice Before Buying Fabric Softener! Here is a Natural Recipe
Think Twice Before Buying Fabric Softener! Here is a Natural Recipe
Many of us have used commercial fabric softeners for years to make our laundry oh-so-soft and smell so good. But, did you know just how many harmful chemicals are in fabric softener and how bad they are for our bodies and the environment? Did you know you can make your own, safe and effective fabric softener at home for a fraction of the price?
What’s In Fabric Softener?
When fabric softener was first invented, it was just a harmless mixture of soap and olive oil designed to counteract the stiffness of clothes washed in harsh detergents. Through the years, that basic recipe has been replaced with a host of harmful chemicals and fragrances known to cause health risks. Beyond health problems, these chemicals are finding their way into our soil and waterways with every wash load of liquid softener and every dryer sheet that ends in a landfill.
Kids are especially sensitive to the toxins in fabric softener and have been known to break out in irritating, itchy rashes where the clothes touched their skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists fabric softener as the third leading cause of allergic skin reactions.
Just a few of these toxins include:
• Ethyl Acetate: a chemical the EPA lists as hazardous waste.
• A-Terpineol: a chemical known to cause respiratory problems, damage to the central nervous system and fatal edema.
• Chloroform: a carcinogenic neurotoxin.
• Benzyl Alcohol: an irritant to the upper respiratory tract
• Benzyl acetate: a chemical linked to pancreatic cancer
• Linalool: a known cause of central nervous system disorders and a narcotic
RELATED ARTICLE: Homemade (Non-Toxic!!) Fabric Softener
Make Your Own Fabric Softener
Follow this simple recipe to make your own fabric softener in a snap:
In a large plastic container (at least one gallon to contain the vinegar/baking soda reaction), add 3 1/3 cups of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Once the bubbling stops, add in 2/3 to 3/4 cups of hot water and mix in 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Stir well. Lavender, lemon, sweet orange, lemon and peppermint essential oils are a good choice for their anti-bacterial properties. Experiment with different oils to find your favorite scent. Transfer contents to a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake the jar thoroughly before using. Add the liquid to your washer’s softener dispenser before each load. Four tablespoons should fill the dispenser.
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