Alternatives to Fabric Softener?

Updated on February 12, 2009
C.D. asks from Macomb, MI
9 answers

I've stopped using fabric softener sheets, because of all the chemicals and whatnot. Is there anything I can do to my laundry so it doesn't come out of the dryer all static-clingy? Hanging our clothes outside isn't an option because we don't have a backyard to hang them in. I dread hanging them in the apartment to dry, because there isn't any space to hang them where they would be off limits to a small child running around all day - it would be just a matter of time before the nice clean clothes are on the floor! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

UPDATE - I've noticed lots of people suggesting adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Won't that make the clothes smell like vinegar?

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P.H.

answers from Detroit on

I've been using cheap white vinegar for about 2 years now. It's a wonderful thing!

I have front loaders so I just add the vinegar to the rinse compartment in the dispenser. The machine does the rest.

Occationally I'll use a dryer sheet - but I cut it in half and use it for two loads, then throw it away. Mostly for bath towels and blankets though.

I use a tention rod to hang up the clothes. My laundry area is long and narrow, so I span it against one wall, and the front of the upper cabinet over the washer. It's high enough that the opening and closing of the door doesn't hit it, but not so high I can't reach the clothes. Before I put it there, I'd hang things on the tention rod placed as high as I could in the door jamb between the kitchen and dining room. It was in the way enough that I had to take and put the clothes away- they couldn't just hang there for a week or more. (My own attempt at self dicipline!)

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K.H.

answers from Detroit on

Yep vinegar like the earlier responder suggests. You add a 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle... it works as a fabric softener because it breaks down the suds from the detergent and makes for a cleaner rinse. No crunch clothes. The other suggestion I have for line drying clothes in the house during winter is buy an adjustable shower curtain rod and install it at the end of a hallway or in the door frame of a room that you don't go in all the time during the day. Hang the clothes on hangers and space them out over the rod. For faster drying you can point a fan at them as well. When the clothes are dry you can take the rod down and put it away.

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J.T.

answers from Grand Rapids on

I've heard that addding vinegar to the final rinse cycle acts as fabric softener of sorts and it makes them smell good too. I'm not sure of the amount - I would think that you would use an amount similar to the amount of liquid softener you would have used.

J.

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T.A.

answers from Grand Rapids on

Christina,

I'm with everyone else and recommend vinegar, I have also heard of mixing equal parts vinegar, baking soda, and water and using that as a fabric softener in the final rinse.

Something else I do is use a large folding wooden rack and hang up a load of clothes on it overnight. In the winter my house is so dry and I run a humidifier anyway, so hanging the clothes on this to dry adds to the humidity in my house!

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C.W.

answers from Detroit on

I think you have your answer, but I'll reiterate just to make sure: WHITE VINEGAR!
:)

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J.L.

answers from Detroit on

No- it won't make your clothes smell. Just use about 1/2 cup per load. Also- the reusable, cloth dryer sheets are great. You put two in and they create friction to remove the static. They are great.

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H.S.

answers from Detroit on

Switch to a fabric softner sheet from places like Whole Foods ... they have a lot of non-toxic cleaning chemicals ... I recently switched to those instead of liquid softener (even tho I loved the downy lilac sent) good luck!

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M.M.

answers from Detroit on

I use the e-cover brand I think its called from Plum Market but its at whole foods too and I think I got my last bottle at kroger - it works great :)

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K.B.

answers from Detroit on

I use tennis balls. Same concept as those bumpy dryer balls you can buy but they are only $1.50 for 3 at Walmart! Works great and the clothes dry faster!

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