If you're looking for a cheap and green alternative to fabric conditioner or softener, vinegar will do the trick without those horrible, strong, artificial fragrances.
Since becoming more eco-friendly, I developed a strong dislike for standard laundy liquid and washing powders. I find their fragrance to be over-powering to the extent that I don't even like walking down the household goods aisle in the supermarket.
I use a natural laundry liquid which is softly-scented and I don't always use a fabric conditioner. but when I do it's our old friend vinegar to the rescue. Pour a quarter of a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine's fabric softener drawer and add a few drops of essential oils to add some natural fragrance. The great thing about this is that you can scent your laundry to fit your mood or the purpose of your laundry. For example, you may want to fragrance your bed linen and pyjamas with lavender.
Where to buy white vinegar
Although, it's called white vinegar, it is actually clear. Support your local hardware shop as they often sell vinegar and other traditional cleaning products or you can get it online from:
Found this website useful?
Please consider donating a few pounds to help me develop this site. Or share this post with your friends and follow me on social media. Thanks for your support!
- Big Green Smile – £1.39 500ml bottle
- Natural Collection – £1.95 500ml bottle
I’ve just discovered your website and read your post on alternatives to strong smelling washing powder and fabric conditioners.
I couldn’t agree more. Laundry products have become much more heavily scented in recent years and as an allergy sufferer, I avoid any products which contain “perfum”.
I’ve had two recent experiences while staying in self catering accommodation, where the scent of the bedlinen was overpowering.
I wish holiday home owners would take this issue into consideration, when washing laundry and using room fresheners. They seem to equate good hygiene and cleanliness with over-powering sickly fragrances.
Thanks for your comment, Judith. It’s good to hear that I’m not alone. I think you’re right that in recent years these scents are becoming more overpowering. And I definitely think that sometimes people think if it smells “clean” then it is clean. I hope you find some laundry products that work for you.