We all enjoy soft fabrics, but do human bodies enjoy commercial fabric softeners?
Fabric softener is one of those washing items that seem innocent enough to use them for our laundry softening. Let’s give it a second thought now. All fabric softeners are actually harboring a variety of harsh chemicals that can be avoided by using natural, readily available substances.
So, we do not advise you not to soften your clothing. On the contrary, we only suggest that you do that in another, much safer manner. We know that softening fabrics and making them smell great and fresh is an essential part of doing laundry. We agree that nothing is better than apparel that is as soft as velvet and smells great, but there is no need to expose your body to the chemicals that are often found in commercial fabric softeners.
What is the toxic substance used in most commercial fabric softeners?
Most commercial fabric softeners contain benzyl acetate, which has been linked to pancreatic cancer when inhaled or when it comes in contact with human skin. Not to mention, most fabric softeners are made from petroleum based chemicals!
Benefits of making your own homemade fabric softener
The greatest benefit of making your own fabric softener is that it is entirely natural. The second gain is its inexpensiveness. With a few simple substances (everyone already keeps in their kitchen) you can make your own scent-enhancing fabric softener and brag to your friends about it!
How to prepare your own fabric softener
Perhaps you already know that Epsom salts have a dozen of household uses. One of those uses is to make a fabric softener. All you need to make your very own fabric softener is Epsom salts (or alternatively sea salts), your favorite essential oils, and the powerful baking soda.
Directions:
Take 2 cups of Epsom salts and put it in a glass container with a sealable lid. Right after that add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oils for scent. Lemon or lavender are both great scent-enhancers as they have a fresh, clean and fragrant smell.
Add in a half a cup of baking soda and shake the jar very well to mix and combine everything together. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the mix to each load of laundry and let it soak before you run your laundry cycle. The Epsom or sea salts will naturally soften the fabric, while the baking soda is great for removing stains and disinfecting the garment. The essential oils soak in the clothing so that, once it has been washed and dried, it will have a great, natural smell.
You can add more baking soda for heavily stained clothing, and you can experiment with different scents to see what pleases you most. This all-natural homemade product will quickly replace store-bought fabric softeners, and aside from saving money, you will find out that this home-produced variety of fabric softener actually works better!
We are positive that a great majority of you will welcome this “customized” softener for your tedious chores!
Source: http://curiousmindmagazine.com/