Take a package of soft cloths (e.g., generic brand of J-Cloth) and cut them in half. Soak in fabric softener, wring out well, and hang dry. When ready to put a load of clothes in the dryer, slip a dried softener sheet in. These can be used a few times over and then you can start the soaking process over again. The sheets last forever and you'll never need to buy fabric softener sheets again.
By sooz from Toronto, ON
This page contains the following solutions.
Pour a dab of fabric softener on an old sock then put in the dryer with your clothes. It can be used for several loads. It saves using Bounce sheets.
This isn't homemade, but it stretches your softener. Get a 5 gallon bucket with a lid and add to it: 1 large bottle of fabric softener, 2 bottles (use fabric softener bottle) water, 4 all purpose sponges cut in 1/2.
In a bowl combine 1/2 cup vinegar and 8 -12 drops of essential oil. Cut j-cloths (cleaning cloths) into 3 strips and add them to the mix to saturate them.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have read the posts on how to make your own fabric softener. Can you then, instead of putting it in on the rinse cycle make your own sheets as others have recommended and use the homemade softener on a sheet in the dryer? I always forget the rinse cycle. Thanks.
By Lorrie from OH
You sure can. Just soak several small thin fabric squares the size of regular dryer sheets in the full solution, wring out, hang and allow to air dry. That will be great because that fabric can be re-saturated and used over and over again. :-)
You can keep a sponge in the solution and just squeeze it out and throw it in the dryer with your clothes.This works just like a dryer sheet.
I have used the fabric in the dryer when it was still wet with the fabric softner. Just wring out the fabric so that it is just damp.
You can also use some inexpensive hair conditioner. I just grab the largest bottle at the dollar store. Use a clean cloth or rag, wet and squirt a bit of conditioner on it. Throw it into the dryer and try with your clothes. I have used this several times when I have been out of dryer sheets or don't want to spend the money on dryer sheets.
I've read to use either clothes or inexpensive sponges cut in half. You can water down liquid softener in a bucket and leave sponges in there. Wring them out and use in dryer.
Time how long it takes your washer to reach the final rinse cycle (usually about 20 minutes) and set your cell phone or microwave timer to alarm in 20 minutes, reminding you to put in the fabric softener.
I always set my timer I use in kitchen,I don't have a cell phone.
Does anyone know how to make homemade dryer sheets using vinegar? I don't have a softener bucket in my washer and I am not always around or hear the final rinse so putting it in that way is not really an option.
By Cynthia M
Try putting 1 cup of vinegar in the last rinse cycle of your wash. Works the same way. :-)
The OP said that putting the vinegar in the rinse cycle isn't an option. That's why s/he was asking about vinegar dryer sheets.
This tip I read in a magazine has worked: You need liquid fabric softener and a washcloth. Pour about a teaspoon in the softener cap, then put a clean washcloth into the cap to absorb the fabric softener liquid. This washcloth is your dryer sheet! I use the same washcloth for several loads and then wash it with my load of towels and start fresh again. One bottle lasts a long time. Once I learned that dryer sheets don't biodegrade I wanted to stop using them and this has been a good solution.
I take 1 cup of cheap fabric softener, 1 cup water, and 1 cup of white vinegar and mix them together. I put it in an old plastic Folgers can. Then I use a sponge and soak it in the solution. When I need to use it, I wring the sponge out back in the can. If you are like me, and you hate the feeling it leaves on your hands, just take a small hand towel and wipe your hands, and throw the towel in to the dryer.
And no, before you ask, it does not make your clothes fade, or leave spots on anything you dry. I have been doing this for about 6 years now. It leaves your clothes soft, and static free. And no spots. Thank you for allowing me add my opinion. Weezy
Dryer sheets are basically scented chemicals and fabric softener leaves a waxy residue on clothes. It also seems to build up mold in front loading machines. They are basically used for fragrance which is unnecessary if clothes are properly washed and clean.
However vinegar works wonders for odor control disinfecting and as a fabric softener. It has endless uses and not only do I use it as the final rinse in my h/e front load washer but also prewash all of my dirty microfiber cloths in several cups of vinegar and a hot water cycle. If the micro fiber has had excessive dirt or multiple cleaning chemicals, I then proceed with a small amount of detergent and another hot cycle.
Apple cider vinegar is also great to rinse hair prior to washing as it cleans the scalp and all residue in addition to being anti bacterial and anti- fungal. Shampoo will wash the odor out but it also makes your shower smell good as you are bathing. Again, since it has so many uses ...vinegar will become your friend!
Yes I have its 1 cup of vinegar and some essential oils of your choosing but I honestly think this is better and you can even make your own fabric softener. It's really easy. 3 cups of water 1/2 cup of vinegar 1 cup of hair conditioner and I melt some unstoppable stop make it smell really nice.
How do I make homemade fabric softener sheets?
ALSO A SPONGE WORKS GREAT. THEY ARE REALLY CHEAP AT THE $ STORE AND CAN BE CUT DOWN TO THE SIZE THAT U WANT. JUST DROP IT IN THE SOFTNER MIXTURE AND SQUEEZE OUT THE ACCESS. WORKS LIKE A CHARM!!
I simply pour a little fabric softner on an old washcloth. (or you can spray it on from a bottle) I can use it 4-5 times before having to pour more on the rag. I've done this with the same old rag for the last 6 months!
I simply pour a little fabric softner on an old rag (or you can spray it on from a bottle). I can usually use the rag 4-5 times before having to put more softner on. I've used the same old rag for this purpose for the last 6 months!
Can the softener/water/sponge solution be stored at room temperature? I've been told that it should be refrigerated. Yes or no?
By Kathy
If you have a very cool area in your garage that doesn't get hot then you can store them there. Otherwise, it is best to store them in your refrigerator.
Reusing wash cloths soaked in fabric softener, wrung and dried, you can make your own dryer sheets. This is a page about easy reusable dryer softener sheets.
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Although dryer sheets are so convenient, I discovered a way to keep my clothes static-free for less.
Take an old towel and soak it in liquid fabric softener. Wring it out good, pour the liquid fabric softener back into the bottle and let the towel dry before using.
