Did you know that some of the most harmful ingredients in many of the commercial liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets include benzyl acetate (pancreatic cancer), benzyl alcohol (upper respiratory tract irritant), ethanol (central nervous system disorders), limonene (carcinogen) and chloroform (neurotoxin and carcinogen)? Seventh Generation and Ecover are two brands that offer an eco-friendly choice. But, one thrifty and healthy way you can avoid exposing you and your family to these scary neurotoxins is to make your own natural, homemade softener. Here's one recipe for a liquid fabric softener:
- 3 cups Vinegar
- 2 cups Hair Conditioner (natural/organic)
- 6 cups Water (distilled, if you have it)
Mix and use as you would with any store-bought softener product.
Before you throw away the aluminum foil you won't be saving for your oven anymore (see my other tip regarding foil), toss an aluminium foil ball into the dryer with your laundry to remove static cling.
Jordana G. says:
Here's an article on the Scientific American about how harmful dryer sheets and fabric softeners actually are! Good reason to make you're own...
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=greener-laundry
(I personally don't use either. Are they really necessary? I didn't grow up using them, and I still don't)
Cris Bisch says:
Thanks for the additional info, Jordana. Another suggestion is to simple throw a dry bath towel in with your wet laundry and it will help to soften everything as they tumble about in the dryer.
Adam W. says:
Can I keep re-using the same ball of foil, or do I need a new one for every dryer cycle?
Cris Bisch says:
Is this a trick question? I suppose it entirely depends on the size of the ball when you put it in and what it looks like when you take it out, and how much aluminum shrapnel you end up picking out of your under short.
Lulu L. says:
Check out: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/simple-green/how-to-keep-your-laundry-healthy-073530 for a comprehensive guide on non-toxic purchased and homemade remedies.