ADVERTISEMENT
– **White Vinegar**: A gallon of white vinegar typically costs about $2.50, and you only need **½ cup per load**. There are about 16 cups in a gallon, so a gallon will last you 32 loads. The cost per load is about **5 cents**.
Thus, in total, you are paying about **8 cents per load** to soften your laundry with this simple method. Compare this to the $4 or $5 you might spend on a bottle of fabric softener that doesn’t go as far and often contains chemicals you might want to avoid. Plus, when you consider that a typical bottle of fabric softener may last you only 10-15 loads, the cost of the baking soda and vinegar method becomes even more appealing.
### **The Environmental Benefits**
Apart from saving money, using baking soda and vinegar for your laundry is also great for the environment. By choosing these natural alternatives, you’re reducing your reliance on chemical-based softeners that contribute to plastic waste and can harm aquatic ecosystems.
1. **No Harmful Chemicals**: Baking soda and vinegar are both natural substances that are safe for your skin, your clothes, and the environment. Unlike commercial fabric softeners, which may contain harmful chemicals like quaternium-15 (a preservative that releases formaldehyde) or artificial fragrances, baking soda and vinegar are gentle and non-toxic.
2. **Plastic-Free**: The majority of fabric softeners are sold in plastic bottles, which contribute to the global plastic waste crisis. Baking soda and vinegar come in easily recyclable packaging, or in the case of vinegar, you can buy it in glass bottles.
3. **Eco-Friendly Laundry**: Baking soda and vinegar help reduce the environmental impact of laundry by preventing chemical runoff into the water supply. Since they don’t contain synthetic fragrances or dyes, they won’t pollute the environment when washed away.
### **Additional Tips for Softer Clothes**
While baking soda and vinegar work wonders on their own, there are a few additional tips you can incorporate into your laundry routine to further enhance the softness of your clothes:
1. **Use Less Detergent**: Often, the reason your clothes feel stiff is due to an excess of detergent. Using too much detergent can leave a residue on your clothes, making them feel rough. Try using less detergent, especially if you’re using the baking soda and vinegar method, as they help to clean the clothes more effectively.
2. **Use Warm Water**: Warm water helps to dissolve both detergent and the baking soda more effectively. It also helps loosen dirt and oils that might make fabrics feel stiff.
3. **Consider Wool Dryer Balls**: If you’re using a dryer, adding a couple of wool dryer balls can help soften your clothes further. Wool dryer balls work by tumbling around in the dryer, helping to separate fabrics and reduce wrinkles. They also prevent static cling, which is often caused by dryer sheets.
4. **Avoid Overdrying**: Overdrying clothes in the dryer can make them feel stiff. Remove clothes from the dryer while they’re still slightly damp and let them air dry the rest of the way. This will help preserve their softness.
### **Conclusion**
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to soften your laundry, the baking soda and vinegar method is the perfect solution. This genius trick costs as little as 3 cents per load and provides incredible results without relying on harsh chemicals. Not only will your clothes feel softer and smell fresher, but you’ll also save money and do your part for the planet.
Next time you do laundry, skip the expensive fabric softeners and give this trick a try. You’ll be amazed at how soft your clothes feel—and your wallet will thank you too!
