Swap pricey softeners for vinegar: The thrifty alternative
Many people want their laundry to be fragrant and soft. To achieve this, we often use fabric softener. However, there's another, much cheaper product that works perfectly, and it can be found right in our own kitchens.
There is a wide variety of fabric softeners available in stores, but the prices of quality products can be quite high. Are they necessary if we're just looking for a fresh scent and softer fabrics? It seems there is a much better and significantly cheaper alternative.
Forget about fabric softener
Many people believe their clothes won't smell as pleasant without fabric softener. This is a particular concern during the winter when we cannot dry clothes outdoors. Fortunately, this is just a misconception.
While fabric softeners can make clothes soft and fragrant, they are not always the best choice. They might irritate delicate and sensitive skin and can sometimes even negatively affect the washing machine's performance.
"Really, you can leave the fabric softener compartment empty, and nothing will happen. The clothes may not be as soft and fragrant, but you'll save money, take care of the environment, and perhaps your health," wrote Sylwia Panek on Instagram, who refers to herself as a "natural chemist."
Alternative to fabric softener
Instead of spending more money on specialized and expensive fabric softeners, it's worth considering a product that is cheaper and has multiple uses. That product is vinegar.
Some people hesitate to use vinegar for laundry due to its strong, distinctive smell. Thankfully, this smell dissipates after removing the clothes from the washing machine. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a pleasant fragrance.
