2 Ingredient DIY Vinegar Fabric Softener (Effective & Natural)
This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.
I’ve stopped using fabric softener looong time ago. They offer ‘soft’ and fresh-smelling laundry, but they always come in plastic, plus are filled with strong synthetic fragrances and unnecessary ingredients, so I just didn’t see the point of using it.
Then, I met my partner, and he was also not using commercial fabric softener, but was making a DIY one – a simple mix of white vinegar and essential oils that I found out works surprisingly well as a DIY natural fabric softener.
Best of all, it’s inexpensive, low-waste, and easy to make with ingredients you probably already have at home.
This article walks you through how the vinegar fabric softener works, how to make it properly, how to use it safely, and what to expect from it.
Why use vinegar as a fabric softener?
White distilled vinegar has been used in laundry for decades, and for good reason. This simple vinegar laundry softener works by:
- Breaking down detergent residue left on fabrics
- Softening fibers by neutralizing alkaline buildup
- Reducing stiffness, especially in hard water areas
- Helping prevent static (though not completely eliminating it)
- Keeping washing machines cleaner over time
Unlike commercial softeners, vinegar doesn’t coat fabrics. This makes it especially good for:
- Towels
- Activewear
- Cotton and linen clothing
- Reusable cloths
What about the smell?
Once clothes are dry, vinegar does not smell at all. If there’s a scent, it disappears during the drying process. Also, this is where essential oils come in. Their role is mostly to:
- Make the softener pleasant to use
- Add a subtle scent & freshness
- Provide mild antibacterial or deodorising benefits
The essential oils won’t bring extremely strong scent to your laundry but more of a subtle and clean-smelling scent.
How to make vinegar fabric softener
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) white distilled vinegar
- 10 drops of essential oil (optional)
- Upcycled glass jar or bottle with a tight lid
Instructions
- Pour ½ cup (120 ml) white distilled vinegar into a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Add 10 drops of essential oil, if using.
- Close the lid tightly and shake gently to disperse the oils.
Batching options
You can either make a single dose, a small batch (two doses), or a larger amount in advance. For best results and even scent, use one of the options below:
- Small batch (2 doses): 1 cup (240 ml) white distilled vinegar + 20 drops essential oil
- Larger batch: 1 litre (1,000 ml) white distilled vinegar + ~80 drops essential oil; shake well before every use and measure ½ cup (120 ml) per wash
- Vinegar in bulk, scent per load: Add ½ cup (120 ml) white distilled vinegar per wash to a jar + 10 drops essential oil, shake gently, and use immediately
How to use it in your laundry
- Add ¼ cup (120 ml) to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine.
- Always shake it before use, as the essential oils aren’t water-soluble and will separate from the vinegar over time. Shaking ensures the oils are evenly dispersed.
- For very hard water or especially stiff laundry, you can use up to ½ cup, but more is not always better.
Essential oil suggestions for laundry
- Classic & calm: Lavender
- Fresh & clean: Eucalyptus, tea tree, or peppermint
- Light & uplifting: Sweet orange or grapefruit
What this vinegar fabric softener is (and isn’t)
It IS
- Low-waste
- Budget-friendly
- Gentle on most fabrics
- Good for towels and everyday clothing
- Easy to customise
It Is NOT
- Strongly scented
- Suitable for every fabric
Important tips
- The vinegar laundry softener works best with white distilled vinegar.
- Do not mix vinegar with bleach. Ever.
- Avoid using vinegar on silk, acetate, rayon, or very delicate fabrics.
- Don’t use excessive amounts. Small quantities work best.
- Only add this mixture to the fabric softener compartment, never directly on clothes. Essential oils can cling to fabric if poured straight onto laundry, potentially causing uneven scent, residue, or irritation on sensitive skin. The rinse cycle dilutes the mixture properly.
- More essential oil does not mean softer or better-smelling laundry.
FAQs
Why do my clothes still feel stiff?
This usually means there’s detergent buildup, very hard water, or the laundry is being over-dried. You can try to use less detergent and reduce drying time. The vinegar laundry softener works best when clothes aren’t over-washed or over-dried.
Why can’t I smell the essential oils?
Essential oils evaporate and break down quickly during washing, especially in hot cycles. Vinegar-based softeners are meant to soften fabrics and reduce residue, not strongly scent laundry. If scent matters to you, experiment with adding more essential oil.
Can essential oils stain clothes?
Yes, if they come into direct contact with fabric. Essential oils are oily and not water-soluble, so they can leave spots or darken light fabrics. This is why the mixture should always go into the fabric softener compartment and be shaken before use.
Can I use apple cider vinegar OR cleaning vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Avoid cleaning vinegar; it’s more concentrated and unnecessary for laundry. ACV works, but it’s not ideal. It can slightly tint light fabrics and may leave a faint smell. This DIY vinegar fabric softener is best when made with white distilled vinegar. It’s a safer choice for laundry since it’s clear, colourless, and free from sugars or pigments, so it won’t tint or stain fabrics.
Is vinegar safe for washing machines?
Used occasionally and in small amounts, vinegar can help reduce mineral buildup. Using ¼ cup per load is generally considered safe for most machines. If you want to be extra cautious, read your machine manual and see if it advises against it.
Final thoughts
This DIY vinegar fabric softener isn’t something extraordinary and it won’t make your laundry smell intense and perfume-y.
But it works and it does make your clothes feel soft and fresh, does not leave weird residues, and lastly, helps you to haver a more sustainable approach to everyday washing.
So, if you’re trying to reduce waste, simplify your routines, or just stop buying unnecessary products, this is an easy swap to start with.
