How to Make Your Own Scented Vinegar Laundry Rinse

Making my own scented vinegar laundry rinse has been one of best discoveries I've made in a long time!  I was having problems with my towels not smelling fresh.  They would come out of the dryer smelling clean, but as soon as they got wet when you used them, they would smell yucky again.  I also had laundry from bed wetting that never seemed to be completely fresh either.  I tried everything I could think of in the washer and dryer, but nothing worked.

My last ditch effort was a winner!  Plain white vinegar scented with my favorite essential oils then added to my rinse cycle did the trick!  It not only deodorizes like nothing I've ever used, but disinfects, softens and helps with static.  It also keeps my washing machine fresh even in the middle of a humid summer.  Here is how you make it:

Lemongrass Lavender Vinegar Laundry Rinse
1 gallon white vinegar
20 drops of lemongrass essential oil
30 drops of lavender essential oil

Add essential oils to jug of vinegar and shake well.  That's it!  Couldn't be easier!

Add 1/2 to 1 cup to the rinse cycle of your wash, as you would a fabric softener.  I have a special place in my washer that says 'softener' and that is where I put it.  Make sure to SHAKE WELL BEFORE EACH USE.  The oil floats on the top and you will pour it all off in the first few uses if you don't shake it first.  I recommend marking the bottle with a black marker 'fabric softener' so no one inadvertently uses it in their food thinking it's plain vinegar.

You will smell a bit of vinegar when you open the washer and take the wet laundry out, but I PROMISE you won't smell it on your clothes when they are dry.  They just smell really fresh and clean!  You can also use PLAIN white vinegar in your rinse without putting the essential oils in and it works just as well.  The oils just add another layer of scent if you like that.

If you are not familiar with essential oils, you should be able to buy them at any natural food store or there are many sources online.  I recommend investing in high quality oils and not cutting corners.  They may seem expensive at first, but the true scent you will get is worth a few extra dollars and the seemingly small bottles last a really long time.  

How to Make Your Own Laundry Soap

I love to make my own laundry soap! Not only is it economical, but I feel good using a product that won't harm my family or the environment and it smells heavenly!

I buy all of the ingredients, accept the essential oils right at my local grocery store. I live in a very small town, so I assume if I can get them, most people can. If you can't find castile soap in your grocery store, you should definitely be able to get it at a natural food store, where you should also be able to find essential oils. I personally buy my essential oils online, because there is more of a selection to choose from. I don't mind investing in high quality oils and paying the shipping because they last a really long time! The fun part is experimenting with different scents. My favorite is a combination of lemongrass and lavender, but by experimenting you're sure to discover your own favorite signature scents!

Lemongrass Lavender Laundry Soap
2 bars castile soap, grated. (lavender or citrus)
8 cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
4 cups 20 Muleteam Borax
4 cups baking soda
30 drops of pure lemongrass essential oil
50 drops of pure lavender essential oil

1.  Start by grating your bars of soap on a box grater you would shred cheese on. I like to use the large holes for 'curls' of soap, but you can use the finer side if you prefer that consistency. It's really personal preference. Add grated soap to a very large bowl.

2.  Sift washing soda, borax and baking soda into the large bowl with the soap flakes.

3.  Toss all the dry ingredients together until well mixed. I recommend just using your hands to toss, it's easier than a spoon and seems to puff up into the air less.

4.  Add drops of essential oil over the top of the powders and toss again well. Feel free to adjust the number of drops to your liking and to experiment with different scents. That is the fun part!

5.  Pour into a zip lock bag, glass storage jar or air tight plastic canister.

6.  Put 1 - 2 Tbl in your washing machine before filling, depending on the size of your load and how dirty it is.  Works in cold and warm water and is safe for HE front load washers since it creates low to no suds.

Makes 4 ½ 1-quart mason jars that make wonderful handmade gifts!

I recommend using with a scented vinegar rinse (see separate post). It deodorizes, disinfects, softens and helps with static.  Another inexpensive and safe alternative to store bought products.