Modern washing machines are equipped with a dispenser that allows you to add liquid fabric softener automatically to your laundry on the last rinse. Some brands claim to have mixed the washing powder and fabric conditioner for customers to save money compared when they are sold separately.
If you really want to save money, making your own fabric conditioner is the most effective way.
Making your own rosemary mint fabric softener is simple, smells amazing, and skips the chemicals you find in store-bought versions.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of white vinegar (yes, vinegar—it’s magic for softening clothes)
- 1 cup of water
- 15-20 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 15-20 drops of mint essential oil
- A clean glass jar or bottle with a lid
- A funnel (optional, but super helpful)
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Start by grabbing everything you need. I keep a stash of essential oils in the kitchen for projects like this. If you don’t have rosemary and mint oils, you can swap in lavender, lemon, or whatever you love.
I also recommend using a glass bottle. It looks cute, and you can leave it right next to your laundry supplies for easy access. I found a pretty one at the dollar store that makes me feel a little fancy.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl or directly in your bottle (if it’s big enough), combine the white vinegar, water, and essential oils. I like to add the essential oils drop by drop while giving it a little sniff to see if the scent feels strong enough.
Pro tip: Go easy on the mint. It’s refreshing, but too much can overpower the rosemary. My first batch smelled like a candy cane instead of the herb garden vibe I was going for.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Once everything is in the bottle, seal it tightly and give it a good shake. This helps the essential oils mix with the vinegar. Don’t worry if they separate a bit between uses—you can just shake it again before adding it to your laundry.
Step 4: Test It Out
Add 1/4 cup of your DIY fabric softener to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine or directly into the rinse cycle. If you’re like me and tend to forget the rinse cycle exists, just toss it in with your clothes at the start—it still works!
The rosemary and mint scent isn’t overpowering, but it leaves your laundry with a subtle, fresh smell.
Tips for a Great Batch
- Store your fabric softener in a cool, dry place. Mine sits on the shelf next to my detergent, and it lasts for months.
- Use filtered water if you want to avoid any minerals mixing in.
- Shake the bottle every few uses to keep the oils blended.
This DIY fabric softener makes my laundry routine feel a little more intentional. It’s better for the environment, it’s better for my family’s skin, and it smells amazing. Plus, I love that I can experiment with new scents—lemon basil is next on my list!
