Fabric softener is popular for making clothes feel soft and smell fresh, but it can have several downsides.
It often contains harsh chemicals, including artificial fragrances and preservatives, which can irritate sensitive skin and contribute to allergic reactions.
These chemicals can also build up on fabrics over time and reduce the absorbency of materials like towels, clogging fibres and making them less breathable.
Thankfully there are alternatives that can help you achieve soft clothes for a fraction of the price.
Swapping out traditional fabric softeners with vinegar is an effective alternative to soften your laundry.
TikTok influencer Carolina McCauley (@home_reimagined) recently shared this easy hack, showing how distilled white vinegar can make your clothes softer, fresher, and cleaner without the use of harsh chemicals.
Unlike commercial softeners that coat fabrics with artificial fragrances and chemicals, vinegar works by breaking down detergent and mineral buildup on your clothes, which can make them feel stiff over time.
All you need to do is add about half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine.
This gentle acid helps neutralise soap and mineral deposits, leaving your fabrics soft without any of the strong artificial scents or residue left behind by fabric softeners.
Vinegar is also hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin.
It doesn’t leave the chemical buildup that can irritate some people.
Plus it’s incredibly affordable, costing just pennies per load compared to more expensive fabric softeners.
Many users on TikTok and in online communities have embraced this laundry hack, praising it for its effectiveness and eco-friendly benefits.
And for those concerned about the smell, rest assured that your clothes won’t come out smelling like vinegar — the scent evaporates during the rinse cycle, leaving your laundry smelling fresh and clean.
