If you’re looking for ways to soften your clothes without using fabric softener, here are some natural alternatives that you can use for the washing machine and tumble dryer.

Washing Machine Fabric Softener

• Baking Soda

This versatile product helps to regulate the pH balance of water, suspends detergent and mineral residue that causes your clothes to feel rough. When going to wash your clothes, wash as usual, include your regular amount of detergent to the load and add 1/2 a cup of baking soda to the drum. Alternatively you can add it to the final rinse cycle.

• Vinegar

White distilled vinegar helps to reduce stiffness, allowing your clothes to remain soft. Add 1/2 a cup of vinegar in the fabric softener drawer to the final rinse cycle or along with the wash cycle itself.

• Epsom Salt

Make DIY fabric softener crystals using Epsom salt and essential oils. Mix a cup of Epsom salt with 10 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Add 1/4 of a up of this mixture to the drum before you begin the wash cycle. You can also choose to add Epsom salt only if you don’t want to make your clothes more fragrant.

Dryer Fabric Softener

• Wool dryer balls

Wool dryer balls are made from  natural wool and act as a great natural alternative to fabric softener and dryer sheets. These can last up to 1000 loads and can make your clothes smell naturally fragrant if you add a few drops of essential oils on them.  

• Aluminium foil

Aluminium foil works great in reducing the static of your laundry, keeping the fabrics smooth. Roll aluminium foil into a smooth ball and chuck them into your dryer along with your clothes.