FABRIC SOFTENER

I am a homemaker and I take my job seriously.  That's right I said JOB.  Because it's WORK.  I feel that part of my job as a homemaker is to find ways to stretch our one income as far as it will go.  This is an on-going procedure that is constantly being tweaked as I learn more and improve my homemaking skills.

One of the easiest areas I've found to shave $$ is in the laundry room.  I began making my own laundry soap probably a year or so ago.  I began using straight vinegar in the place of fabric softener about that same time.  Oh, we tried going back to store-bought fabric softener a couple of times 'just to see' - but, we  like what the vinegar does for our clothes better.  It's really much better at cutting down on static, too.  Not to mention...it's way cheaper. 

Well, a few weeks ago I ran across a recipe for homemade fabric softener that piqued my interest.  I wish I could remember where I saw it, because I would give credit where credit is due.  But the recipe was so simple I remembered it.  It used vinegar, water and baking soda. 

My homemaking wheels began to churn.  I pay $2.69 for a gallon of vinegar.  If I could successfully dilute it, then I could stretch my vinegar further - therefore saving some fundage.  So, I tried it yesterday.  I don't have any pictures, but really, there's not much to see.  Just use your imagination.

I used an empty gallon sized vinegar container to make it in.

FABRIC SOFTENER

1/2 c. baking soda
6 c. vinegar 
8 c. water.
10-15 drops of essential oil.

First, put the baking soda in your gallon sized container and add the vinegar.  Shake a little at a time to incorporate baking soda without cause an eruption. Not that I did that or anything. OK. Yes, I did. I was lying. Sue me.:0)  Well, not really.  Anyway...  add the water already. 

I don't think that the essential oil would be necessary, but I had it so I went ahead and added some.  It smells sooo good.

I haven't completely worked out the economics of it.  But, I figure I can get at least two batches out of the vinegar this way cutting my cost from $2.69 to about $1.35.  I have the added cost of baking soda, but I can get that for about $.50 per box and only need a 1/2 cup per batch.  So, I figure that the cost for a gallon of fabric softener would come in around $1.50 - probably less.
 
I washed our sheets with this new fabric softener yesterday and my husband said that he thought they felt softer.  I thought they did, too.  I don't know what would cause this - unless the baking soda has some sort of effect on it.  But, I'm pretty pleased with it.  I'm sure I'll continue to make it.
 
Happy Homemaking!