We’ve all seen those Pins that boast the many uses of dryer sheets.
Our baseboards are clean, our hair never has flyaways, and our dogs never smell like rain.
Unfortunately, there is one major piece of information missing.
Learn from My Mistakes
While we were busy making everything we have smell so fresh and so clean-clean we were actually covering them in some pretty sketchy chemicals. Chemicals that mess with your air quality and harm your family from the inside out.
The ewg.org website rates dryer sheets and other household items with an “A-F” rating.
Take a look to see how the dryer sheets in your home measure up.
You can also read here about what exactly makes dryer sheets such a problem when it comes to the air quality in your home.
I think I was most let down by Babyganics.
I mean, I knew the smell in the softener I had used in the past was not a natural smell, and it had to come from something synthetic to be that strong, but, et tu, Babyganics?
You mixed the word “Baby” with “organics,” and you got me.
But not anymore.
In-Store Option
This is typically the point where I launch into options for your family to buy at the store if you’re not exactly the DIY-kind-of person.
I want so badly to give you tons of great options again, but unfortunately there is only one that ranked high enough to use with your family, and even it came in at a “B”:
I have not personally used these sheets because I make my own with two much cheaper ingredients, but it’s here as an option if you’re up for trying it:
Grab Green Natural Wet Dryer Cloths, Fragrance Free, 32 Sheets
Though there’s only one option to buy, I do have some good news!
DIY Option
If you’ve got two or three minutes and are looking for a quick, easy recipe that works and is toxin-free, you’re going to love this!
We have been using this fabric softener for about a year now after trying some fairly horrible recipes.
Our clothes have smelled like vinegar, been so electrically charged we have shocked each other in passing, and grumbled through folding as we endured multiple zaps.
Finally we agreed on this.
I use this softener with these wool dryer balls to help combat static. We love it! Even in the winter, when static is tough to fight, we have found success!
You’ll need:
Baking Soda
3-5 drops essential oil
Fill your container 3/4 of the way full with epsom salts and 1/4 of the way with baking soda.
Stir to incorporate and break up any clumps.
Use 1/2 cup with large loads and 1/4 cup for small loads. Pour right into your washer with the detergent! 🙂
When it’s time to switch over to the dryer: add essential oils (we like Citrus Fresh or Purification for our laundry) to dryer balls like these .
How to Get the Oils that Save Your Extra Stinky Laundry
Citrus Fresh is a part of something called the Premium Starter Kit that gives you a big discount on every product you buy with Young Living.
Read this post to learn what all comes in this crazy-good deal and learn more about all you can replacement buy with Young Living as a brand you know you can trust here.
Final Thoughts
Something I really love about non-toxic laundry detergent and fabric softener is that our boys like to help with the wash.
I love that their tiny hands can hold on to a measuring cup full of something that isn’t harming them if they spill a little here and there.
It’s a great feeling to have soft, fresh laundry that you know is not only safe but effective, too!
You don’t have to sacrifice your health or your wallet for products that work.
Enjoy!
~Andrea 🙂
Hi!! Any restriction with this in he washers? Chase and I just made it, and I wanted to check before I used it😊
We put it directly into our washer .We had an older washer before we just got a new one and didn’t have an issue in either. 🙂
You put it right in on top of the clothes? We have a front load HE washer so I’m wondering if I put it in the compartment that says Fabric Softener or right on top of the clothes in the washer.
I have a drawer for it, but I also have put it on top of the clothes, yes. 🙂 The fabric softener goes right on top of the clothes before turning on the machine. 🙂
Love that I already have all of these ingredients at home! Thanks for sharing!
Right!? I was once so concerned that going non-toxic meant buying up the store, but just like you said, I have most of these things at home. If I do have to buy something, I’ll be using it in another recipe soon anyway! 🙂
This is such a great way to add some scent to your natural detergent! I love having a jar of epsom salt to put my old essential oil bottles in so it soaks up what’s left in the bottle. Then I use that salt for baths or for this fabric softener recipe!
this is a good idea thanks,
Laurie! That’s brilliant! I’m doing that ASAP! Thank you 🙂
Where do you buy your ingredients that size? Sam’s or Costco or anywhere?
I get the baking soda from Costco and shop Amazon for everything else.:)
What size glass container do you use?
It’s linked right there in the recipe where it says “Glass Container.” Enjoy! 🙂 1.5 gal!
do u have exact measurement of how much to add, I already have a 2.5 gal jug I bought awhile ago for the homemade laundry detergent but the other one I had was the perfect size for detergent so now I have this 2.5 so I figure y not use it, I would appreciate it, if anyone can answer would b great
ok so my fiancé did the math and for the 1.5gallon its takes 18cups of salt, 6cups of soda, does that’s sound about right? is there any other eo u can use like thieves, lavender, etc
You can totally eyeball it! Put in a big bag of epsom salts and call that 3/4 of the recipe and add baking soda on top that looks like the other 1/4 and stir! It doesn’t have to be perfect to work–one of the beautiful things about this recipe! 🙂 Enjoy!
Can this be used along with the Thieves laundry detergent?
Sure thing!
Wow! Your links for the ingredients worked
Perfectly and now my Amazon cart is ready! Thank you so much❤️
You’re so very welcome!