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Make Your Own Non-Toxic Fabric Softener
Photo credit: bigstock.com
Making your own cleaning products is a healthy way to save money and avoid toxins, but did you know that fabric softener is one of the most toxic things in your laundry room? Commercially-made fabric softeners are filled with chemicals such as benzyl acetate, which has been linked to pancreatic cancer when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. They also contain synthetic fragrances, which are known to disrupt hormones. They contain a compound called benzyl alcohol, which is extremely irritating to the upper respiratory tract. On top of that, some fabric softeners have even been known to contain chloroform. That’s right, chloroform, that stuff you see in murder movies where a person puts a rag over someone’s face and they pass out. Why does fabric softener need chloroform? Besides being an accomplice to murder in the movies, it is a known neurotoxin and carcinogen!
Why deal with all those toxins when you can make your own fabric softener at home? This easy to make, inexpensive, completely customizable recipe will leave your laundry smelling super fresh, naturally white, help to remove stains, and leaves clothes super soft. It’s environmentally friendly as well. Who could ask for anything more?
This recipe contains baking soda, which will pull out even the toughest stain. Since baking soda is alkaline, it can neutralize the acid from various stains such as blood, urine, or vomit. This recipe is environmentally friendly, won’t harm delicate fabrics, is perfect for people who have sensitive skin, and will actually remove odors, not just cover them up.
This recipe uses essential oils, but these are only there to add a pretty scent. If you prefer, you can leave out the essential oils and your clothes will still be soft and white. You can choose any scent you like including lemon, lavender, cedar, rose, orange, bergamot, or any scent you love best.
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marie
Jul 3, 2015 at 12:01 am
Can this be used in the New washing machine that needs special detergents and softners?
John Landau
Jul 3, 2015 at 1:51 pm
I think the idea of using ‘special’ detergents and softeners is a marketing gimmick. As the article states, just put this softener directly in the tub with the clothes or try it on your rinse cycle. Use high quality organic essential oils to make sure you are not adding in more synthetic chemicals to your laundry. For those who must have their clothes smelling good, this is a great idea, but personally, I don’t want my clothes smelling like anything. Too many people suffering from respiratory illnesses and we have to be considerate of others in public. We don’t use fabric softener and our clothes are soft, never clingy. Commercial fabric softeners actually ruin clothes faster because they break down the fibers in the material.