Homemade Laundry Softener and Stain Remover

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Related Articles: Uses for Fabric Softener | All Natural Stain Removal Guide

Homemade Laundry Softener and Stain Remover
by Sandy Shields

Description: Tips for making your own inexpensive laundry softener and stain remover.

You can save lots of money using these homemade softeners, I know I do!

LAUNDRY SOFTENER

Recipe #1:

2 Cups White Vinegar
2 Cups Baking Soda
4 Cups Water

Combine slowly and carefully over sink. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz. Pour into plastic bottle, cover, and shake. *Hint - Reuse your "Downy" bottle.

Use 1/4 cup in the final rinse or in a "Downy Ball".

Recipe #2:

2-3 Cups Water
1 Cup Liquid Fabric Softener
Large Sponge

Combine water and liquid softener. Cut sponge in 1/2 and keep in liquid. When drying clothes, remove sponge, squeeze out excess liquid and place in dryer with clothes. When dry, just place sponge back in liquid to be used for next load.

You can also use these products alone to soften:

Plain White Vinegar - Add 1/2 cup to final rinse.
Baking Soda - Add 1/4 cup to final rinse.
Regular Fabric Softener - Dilute and use normally.
Hair Conditioner or Cream Rinse - Pour 1 tablespoon into damp washcloth and toss in with clothes.

STAIN REMOVER

Recipe #1:

1/2 Cup Ammonia
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Liquid Laundry Detergent (Use homemade)
2 Quarts Water

Mix well, and store in spray bottle.
*Hint - Reuse your "Spray and Wash" bottle.

Recipe #2:

1/2 Cup Ammonia
1/2 Cup Liquid Laundry Detergent (Use homemade)
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
1/2 Cup Water

Mix well, and store in spray bottle. *Hint - Reuse your "Spray and Wash" bottle.

Recipe #3:

1/4 Cup Borax or Washing Soda
2 Cups Cold Water

Sponge on and let dry, or soak the fabric in Borax mixture before washing in soap and cold water.

Recipe #4:

For Heavily Stained Clothing:

**NOTE: This is for use with white cotton, nylon and polyester only.

1/2 Cup Liquid Laundry Detergent (Use homemade)
1/2 Cup Electric Dishwasher Detergent
1/2 Cup Non-Chlorinated Bleach or Ammonia, Not Both

Soak clothes in washing machine overnight or until stains disappear. Launder as usual.

You can also use these products alone to remove stains:

Plain White Vinegar
Hydrogen Peroxide
Fels Naptha
Castile Soap

Try these recipes today - have fun and save money!

Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of http://www.TheFrugalShopper.com. She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same.