All Natural Homemade Laundry Fabric Softener Recipe
This Homemade Laundry Fabric Softener is simple to make, non-toxic, and works just as well (if not better!) than the commercial stuff.There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing your laundry is clean, soft, and naturally fresh — without relying on store-bought commercial fabric softeners filled with toxic chemicals and artificial fragrances.
Using natural ingredients like distilled vinegar, a touch of all-natural conditioner, and pure doTERRA essential oils, this recipe softens your clothes, reduces static cling, and leaves a light, refreshing scent that’s completely customizable. It’s another easy way to keep your homestead running clean and free of harmful chemicals.
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Why You’ll Love This DIY Recipe
- Non-toxic & eco-friendly: No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
- Budget-friendly: Costs just a fraction of the store-bought versions.
- Customizable scents: Mix and match your favorite doTERRA essential oils.
- Gentle on fabrics: Leaves clothes soft and fresh without residue buildup.
- Simple ingredients: Just a few pantry staples and essential oils needed!
Supplies You’ll Need to Make Homemade Fabric Softener
Before you begin, gather these essential ingredients and tools:
- 1 gallon glass container, glass bottle or a glass dispenser with a spigot
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or stirring utensil
Ingredients to Make your Own Homemade Fabric Softener
- 1 gallon bottle of white vinegar
- ¼ cup all-natural hair conditioner (I use doTERRA brand for a clean, gentle formula)
- 20 drops doTERRA Wild Orange Essential Oil
- 20 drops doTERRA Bergamot Essential Oil
- 20 drops doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil
Useful Supplies to Make your Own Homemade Fabric Softener
Step-by-Step Instructions for Laundry Fabric Softener
- Combine conditioner and vinegar:
- In a measuring cup, add ¼ cup of natural hair conditioner to 1¾ cups of white vinegar. Whisk or stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour into container:
- Transfer the vinegar mixture into your 1-gallon glass jar with a spigot.
- Add essential oils:
- Add 20 drops each of doTERRA Wild Orange, Bergamot, and Lemon Essential Oils. These oils combine beautifully for a clean, citrusy scent that naturally uplifts and deodorizes.
- Top up with vinegar:
- Fill the rest of the jar with distilled vinegar.
- Mix well:
- Stir or gently shake the fabric softener dispenser to combine the contents. The mixture may settle between uses — give it a few good shakes or stir before each use.
NOTE:
Your laundry will NOT have a vinegar smell.
Why This Natural Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe Works
Each ingredient has a purpose — and together, they make a powerhouse combo:
- Distilled Vinegar: Naturally softens fabric, helps remove detergent buildup, and neutralizes odors.
- All-Natural Conditioner: Adds a gentle, silky texture to clothes without harsh residues.
- doTERRA Adaptiv Oil: Known for its soothing and stress-reducing properties, it adds a comforting scent to your laundry.
- doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil: Naturally cleansing and deodorizing, perfect for bright, fresh-smelling clothes.
How to Use This Homemade Laundry Fabric Softener
➡️ For Top Loading Washers:
Add ¼ cup of your homemade fabric softener directly to the final rinse cycle or use a Downy Ball Automatic Dosing Dispenser, in the wash cycle, to release it at the perfect time.
➡️ For a Front-Loading High-Efficiency Washer
Pour 2–3 tablespoons of the mixture into your washer’s fabric softener compartment before starting the wash cycle.
PRO TIP:
Mix and match essential oils to create your own unique scent blends! Try Lavender and Cedarwood for a calming evening wash, or Eucalyptus and Peppermint for an energizing, crisp aroma.
How to Store Homemade Laundry Fabric Softener
- Keep your DIY fabric softener in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Shake before each use to re-blend ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use this in HE (High-Efficiency) washers?
Yes! It’s safe for a HE washing machine — use 2 tablespoons instead of ¼ cup.
2. Does it smell like vinegar?
Nope! The vinegar scent disappears as your clothes dry, leaving only the clean, citrus aroma of the essential oils.
3. Can I substitute different oils for a different scent?
Absolutely! One of the best parts of making your own fabric softener is customizing the scent. Just add some drops of your favorite essential oil. Try Lavender essential oil for a calming aroma, Eucalyptus for a clean, crisp freshness, or Peppermint for an energizing boost. You can also mix oils — like Lemon and Wild Orange — for a bright, cheerful fragrance. Make sure it’s free of silicones, parabens, and artificial fragrances — those can coat fabrics and reduce absorbency.
4. Can I substitute the vinegar with another ingredient?
Vinegar is key for softening and removing buildup. If you’re sensitive to vinegar, try using citric acid (diluted in water) as a mild alternative.
5. What if I don’t have doTERRA oils?
Any high-quality, pure essential oils will work, but doTERRA’s purity and testing standards make it ideal for natural home cleaning.
Special Tools (affiliate links): Glass Laundry Detergent Dispenser Set with Stand | doTERRA Oils for Fabric Softener |
This DIY Laundry Fabric Softener is a natural alternative and a staple in our homestead laundry routine — simple, effective, and naturally fresh. With its non-toxic ingredients and customizable scent, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought fabric softener versions again.
If you try this recipe and love it, please tag me on Instagram or Facebook @grindinggearsfarmstead.
Happy washing, happy sharing, and may your laundry always smell clean and fresh.
Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)
All Natural Homemade Laundry Fabric Softener Recipe
Equipment
- 1 gallon glass container glass bottle or a glass dispenser with a spigot
- Measuring Cups
- Whisk or stirring utensil
Ingredients
- 1 gallon bottle of white vinegar
- ¼ cup all-natural hair conditioner (I use doTERRA brand for a clean, gentle formula)
- 20 drops doTERRA Wild Orange Essential Oil
- 20 drops doTERRA Bergamot Essential Oil
- 20 drops doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions
Combine conditioner and vinegar:
- In a measuring cup, add ¼ cup of natural hair conditioner to 1¾ cups of white vinegar. Whisk or stir until fully combined and smooth.
Pour into container:
- Transfer the vinegar mixture into your 1-gallon glass jar with a spigot.
Add essential oils:
- Add 20 drops each of doTERRA Wild Orange, Bergamot, and Lemon Essential Oils. These oils combine beautifully for a clean, citrusy scent that naturally uplifts and deodorizes.
Top up with vinegar:
- Fill the rest of the jar with distilled vinegar, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Mix well:
- Stir or gently shake the fabric softener dispenser to combine the contents. The mixture may settle between uses — give it a few good shakes or stir before each use.
