You know that feeling when you lie down in soft blankets and feel like you’re in a cotton ball? But that’s especially true with new bedding. With the second wash, most sheets are hard and scratchy. One option to bring back the softness of the bedding here is – using fabric softener and other fabric softeners. Only, fabric softeners are a hidden threat not only to the environment but also to our health. In addition, fabric softeners and fabric softeners destroy fabrics, which lose their elasticity after multiple washes. And what’s the worst? They are full of toxins and perfumes. It is chemicals called phthalates that cause the desired softness. These are substances – softeners that affect human health to no small extent. They cause allergies, lower immunity and affect the hormonal and reproductive systems not only in adults but also in children. In addition, chemicals pollute water and contaminate nature.
Vinegar, a preferable alternative
Both detergent and vinegar have the same effect. The difference is that vinegar is minimally expensive and contains no harmful substances. It also has several benefits for the washing machine itself – it keeps it free of deposits, mildew and limescale. The laundry is then not only soft, but also nice and fresh. Vinegar has two perfect properties and these are: it neutralizes odors and it is very cheap. You can buy a litre of vinegar in any grocery store for seven to twelve crowns. Pour 100 ml of vinegar into the washing machine every time you wash your sheets, which means that one bottle of vinegar is enough for ten washes. If the linen smells of vinegar when you take it out of the washing machine, don’t worry, the vinegar will evaporate when the linen is dry. If you want to give your laundry a specific scent, use lavender essential oil.
Recipe for an eco-friendly fabric softener
We have prepared a recipe for an eco-friendly fabric softener that saves both the environment and your health. You can use the vinegar fabric softener on your bed linen as well as on regular clothes. Mix these ingredients:
- 500 ml bottle
- 100 ml vinegar
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
In an empty bottle, mix vinegar, lavender oil and top up with water. Shake well and pour into the detergent dispenser of the washing machine.