Vinegar as Fabric Softener

I've been making my own laundry detergent for several months and have been as happy with it as any manufactured laundry detergent. So, the next thing I decided to experiment with is using vinegar in place of fabric softener.

I had been using vinegar with success on our towels and washcloths to help rinse out soap residue, but was hesitant to use it on our clothing because I feared it would make them smell like vinegar. I'm happy to report that it does not; they actually smell quite fresh. I was also a bit sad to give up my Downy Lavender . . . until I found myself suddenly out of it one day and ran to Walgreens to buy some full-priced at $6.29. That was the day I decided to try the vinegar for $1.50!

I use about 1/4 cup vinegar in my fabric softener dispenser, and it works great; the clothes smell fresh and clean, and have no static. It may also help that we mainly wear cotton or cotton blend products; I have not tried this with polyester.

The added benefit will be that my washer will not get that nasty gunk build-up in it that is so difficult to clean.

For more tips on frugal living, check out Biblical Womanhood's Frugal Friday.