Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Nico
Standard fabric softeners are made from chemicals that are linked to hormone disruption, skin issues, and more. Here are some less toxic alternatives to fabric softener.
Fabric softeners have long been sold to us as necessary to keep our clothing soft and smelling fresh. But the chemicals that are used to make them can actually be toxic to our bodies and environment. Luckily there are simple alternatives to fabric softener that are less expensive and far less toxic.
Why switch to fabric softener alternatives?
Companies do not tend to tell people the full extent of the chemicals used to make fabric softeners. However some of the known ingredients used in fabric softeners are toxic to our bodies and environment, and can lead to asthma, skin irritation, and even hormone disruption. Here are some examples.
Hormone disruption
Fabric softeners can contain quaternary ammonium compounds – or QACs. These compounds help to make our clothing feel soft. However, they have been linked to hormone disruption which can negatively impact on fertility. QACs have also been tied to asthma.
Synthetic fragrance
By using the catchall terms like “fragrance” and “perfume”, companies are able to hide the exact chemicals used to create their products. There are about 4,000 possible ingredients hiding behind the term fragrance. One of these is phthalates, which are known to reduce testosterone and estrogen levels and have been identified as toxic to the reproductive system.
Preservatives and colours
Like “fragrance”, companies can list “dyes” or “preservatives” on their fabric softener ingredient labels. It’s unclear what these ingredients actually are. One chemical can be methylisothiazolinone, which has been shown to cause skin irritation, neurotoxicity, and even organ system toxicity in rats.
Environmental damage
Beyond the toxic impacts that they can have on humans, the chemicals in fabric softeners can also destroy marine life and cause great damage to our water systems when the chemicals flow into our waterways.
Fabric softeners weaken clothing
Over time, fabric softeners build up a residue on clothing. This can create a good environment for mildew to grow in, which can cause clothing to weaken overtime. Fabric softeners have also been shown to damage spandex and reduce the fabric’s ability to stretch.
Leave residue on washing machine
Fabric softeners also leave a residue on your washing machine over time, which can cause your washer to develop a smell.
Expensive
Finally, fabric softener is an unnecessary product that, when used with every load of laundry, can be expensive. Here are some less toxic alternatives to fabric softener.
Fabric softener alternatives
White or apple cider vinegar
White or apple cider vinegar both can help to freshen and soften your clothing. Add ¼ cup of vinegar to your wash cycle. Don’t worry, the vinegar smell will dissipate when your clothes are being washed. This is my favourite alternative because it’s super inexpensive and we always have vinegar on hand for cleaning.
Baking soda
Baking soda can help to reduce bacteria and smells. Add ¼ cup of baking soda on top of your load of laundry and then add the detergent and run the cycle as normal. (Don’t use both vinegar and baking soda at the same time as the two react when combined!)
Epsom salt
Epsom salt is another good fabric softener alternative. Add 2 tablespoons to each load of laundry and run the cycle as normal.
FAQ
How can I make my laundry smell good without fabric softener?
You could make your own homemade fabric softener. Combine about 4 cups of epsom salt with 1 cup of baking soda into a glass container. Add 30-40 drops of an essential oil of your choice and shake well. Add 2 tablespoons into each load of laundry and run the cycle as normal.
Will my clothing smell like vinegar if I use it for fabric softener?
No. The smell goes away during the washing cycle.
However if you want to, you can make your own scented vinegar. Do this by adding orange or lemon peels (or both!) into a glass jar and filling the jar with vinegar. Allow the jar to sit for about a month and then strain it off. You’ll have made your own fresh scented vinegar.
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