Make Your Own Fabric Conditioner

Intro: Make Your Own Fabric Conditioner

Once upon a time I was out of fabric conditioner and money.

That's pretty much the story of my life really.

Anyway, in a desperate attempt, I raided the cupboards in the hope of making my own and it ended up being one of the best conditioners I'd used. It is also incredibly easy to make!

Unfortunately, I made this before joining, so I don't really have photos from during the process.

I have put the vinegar as optional only because the first time I made it, I had none and it worked fine, but it is better with it :)

Things You Will Need

1. 4 cups of hot water
2. half a cup of baking soda
3. half a cup of hair conditioner
4. 1 cup of white vinegar (optional)

What Now?

Add all the ingredients and mix together. It really is that simple!

There will be some foaming, especially if using the vinegar due to it mixing with the baking soda so be sure your mixing bowl/container is big enough to handle the excess.

To Finish

Transfer to the container of your choice. I use an old plastic milk bottle. Be sure to label the bottle clearly.

Obviously you can change the measurements to make more or less as needed. I only made a little for storage reasons.

Variations

I'll add more variations as I come to find them.

1. No Hair Conditioner Variation

You can leave the hair conditioner out if you want a more organic, natural mix. Just substitute with 5-10 drops of your choice of essential oil instead. Trust me, it works just as well. You may need to add an extra cup of the white vinegar as well.

Comments

[kolacky]

Be careful using vinegar in your washer. Someone recently claimed to me that using it ruined the lining of their plastic washer tub. I don't if this is true (she lies all the time) but I'd be careful anyway.
Still, using a little now and then can't hurt. Maybe the baking soda the baking soda keeps that from happening.
Has anyone else had long-term experience with using vinegar in their washer?

[ssorensen]

I use vinegar with the husband's clothes (LOTS of man funk on it). I've never had a problem with the washer due to vinegar.

[PatrizziaA]

I'll have some of your materials to be needed for my i.p. thanks :)

[fatenhappy]

I use vinegar all the time anyway so adding the other ingredients is a great idea. I have a stainless steel bowl in my machine and the vinegar is a great clothes conditioner. Thank you for the recipe.

[wublub]

I can't wait to try this! I'm going to skip the vinegar in the solution, though - won't it neutralize when combined with the baking soda? I like to use vinegar in my wash cycle, and I'll use this recipe in a fabric softener ball to keep them separate. Thanks!

[j0lt]

Funny thing, in most supermarkets in my country a bottle of hair conditioner costs more than a bottle of fabric softener.

[Foojay]

Okay I'm stealing this ha ha. Thank you very much, this is a wonderful idea clever girl.

[ChronicCrafter]

I'd definitely recommend adding the vinegar if possible! Thank you :)

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Sounds great! I'll have to try this :) Do you know about how much you use of each for each load of laundry?

[ChronicCrafter]

I just pour straight into the machine using my usual amount. I'd say I use about half a cup , a cup at the very most :)