Ditch The Fabric Softener And Try These Alternatives Instead

If you're accustomed to adding fabric softener to every load, you might view it as a laundry essential. But the truth is, you don't have to use fabric softener to get clean-smelling, super-soft laundry. There are even some good reasons to give it a break and repurpose your fabric softener outside the laundry room instead. To get the benefits of fabric softener without the risks, try using less detergent, drying for less time, adding vinegar to the wash, or using wool dryer balls.

Fabric softener works by coating fibers in a lubricant that's electrically charged, causing clothes to feel fluffy and soft while also reducing static cling and shock. The coating keeps your laundry smelling nice long after wash day, and it can cut down on how quickly your clothes wear out by reducing friction in the dryer. While these perks make fabric softener popular, many laundry pros now recommend ditching it or using it sparingly. That coating builds up over time and clings onto debris, which can actually make your laundry smell worse instead of better. It also has negative effects on specific types of laundry: It makes your towels less absorbent, your swimwear and sportswear less moisture-proof, and your children's sleepwear less flame-resistant.

Moreover, fabric softener can irritate sensitive skin, and many brands contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to your health or the environment. Even your washing machine can suffer from too much fabric softener, as it may cause a film to build up on the drain line and encourage stinky mildew growth. Here's how to avoid all of these difficulties while still enjoying soft laundry.

Wool dryer balls are one effective and eco-friendly alternative to fabric softener. They soften laundry, reduce static, and are reusable for a year or two. You can also DIY your own fabric softener with common ingredients. Combine ½ cup of vinegar, 2 cups of warm water, and ½ cup of baking soda. If you want to add a fragrance, you can also mix in a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Use ¼ cup per load of laundry. If you don't feel like doing any mixing, another method is to add ¼ cup of white vinegar straight to the wash. White vinegar is effective at softening fabrics because it removes excess detergent and leftover residue.

You can also get similar effects by changing your laundry habits a bit. Since stiff laundry is often the result of too much detergent, using less detergent can help with softness. Two tablespoons per load is enough. To reduce static, try drying your clothes for less time (dryer balls can help speed up the process). And for nice-smelling laundry, simply using a scented detergent is often enough to do the trick. Lastly, if you're really committed to soft, non-staticky laundry, nothing beats drying it on a line outdoors.