LifestyleDitch fabric softeners: Vinegar's the budget-friendly switch

Ditch fabric softeners: Vinegar's the budget-friendly switch

Many people want their laundry to be fragrant and soft, so they often use fabric softener. However, there's another, much cheaper product found in our kitchens that works perfectly.

What instead of fabric softener?
What instead of fabric softener?
Images source: © Adobe Stock

Stores offer a variety of fabric softeners, but the prices of quality products can be staggering. Are they truly necessary if we desire a fresh scent and soft fabrics? There's a much better and significantly cheaper alternative.

Forget about fabric softener

It's a common belief that clothes won't smell as nice without fabric softener. During winter, this becomes particularly worrisome since we can't dry clothes outdoors. Fortunately, this is a misconception.

While fabric softeners do make clothes soft and fragrant, they're not always the best choice. They can irritate sensitive skin and sometimes even negatively impact the washing machine's performance.

"Truly, you can leave the fabric softener compartment empty, and nothing detrimental will occur. The clothes might not be as soft and fragrant, but you'll save money, care for the environment, and perhaps your health," shared Sylwia Panek on Instagram, who describes herself as a "natural chemist."

Alternative to fabric softener

Instead of spending more on specialized and costly fabric softeners, consider investing in a product that's both cheaper and multifunctional. In this case, it's vinegar.

Some are hesitant to use vinegar due to its strong scent, but fortunately, this smell disappears after washing. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to it.

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