DIY Fabric Softener Crystals with Essential Oils
If you’ve ever been turned off by the smell of vinegar in homemade laundry softeners or worried about toxic chemicals in commercial fabric softeners, this simple recipe is the perfect alternative. These homemade fabric softener crystals use natural ingredients, smell amazing, and are gentle on sensitive skin. Plus, they’re super easy to make and a great way to save money.
Whether you’re already making your own homemade laundry detergent or just want to improve your laundry routine, this DIY fabric softener is a great option.
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Why Make Your Own Fabric Softener Crystals?
Most store-bought fabric softeners and dryer sheets are loaded with synthetic fragrance, harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrances. These can irritate sensitive skin and even leave residue on workout clothes, towels, and bedding. Making your own fabric softener gives you control over what goes into your wash.
Another bonus? You can customize the scent using your favorite essential oils.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Your Own Fabric Softener Crystals
- 3 cups epsom salt
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 30-40 drops of essential oils
- I used 20 drops of lavender essential oil, 15 drops of lemon, and 5-10 drops of tea tree.
Instructions for Making Fabric Softener Crystals
Combine Epsom Salt and Baking Soda
Start by measuring 3 cups of epsom salt and 3/4 cup of baking soda. Pour both into a quart-sized mason jar, large bowl, or another airtight container. The epsom salt acts as a water softener, while the baking soda helps balance pH and keep your laundry fresh.
Mix Thoroughly
If you’re using a jar, screw on the lid tightly and give it a good shake for 20-30 seconds to combine the salts and baking soda. If you’re using a bowl, stir with a spoon or whisk until evenly blended. This step ensures the baking soda doesn’t clump and is distributed throughout the salt.
Add Your Essential Oils
Choose your favorite essential oils for scent. I used 20 drops of lavender, 15 drops of lemon, and 5-10 drops of tea tree oil. Slowly drop them into the salt mixture. Try to spread them out rather than placing all the drops in one spot.
Shake or Stir Vigorously
Once the oils are added, close your container again and shake very well—this helps to evenly distribute the oils so every scoop of crystals smells amazing. If you’re mixing in a bowl, stir thoroughly until there are no wet clumps and the mixture is consistent throughout.
Store Properly
Transfer your crystals to a mason jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid if you haven’t already. Label it if you’d like, and keep it in a cool, dry place near your other laundry products.
How to Use Fabric Softener Crystals
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of your homemade fabric softener crystals to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. You can adjust the amount depending on the size of the load—use 1-2 tablespoons for a small load or more for heavily soiled laundry.
These crystals are safe for both top and front loaders and can be used along with laundry soap or homemade laundry detergent. They help soften clothes, reduce drying time, and leave your laundry with a fresh scent without the overpowering chemicals of liquid fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
Customize with Your Favorite Scent
The best part about making your own fabric softener is choosing your own scents. Try a mix of lavender and lemon for a clean scent, or use drops of your favorite essential oils like orange, eucalyptus, or peppermint. You can even adjust the number of drops for a stronger scent if preferred.
Looking to ditch liquid softeners completely? Pair this recipe with our Dryer Ball Spray for an extra benefit during drying. It’s a great way to reduce the use of plastic containers and synthetic fragrances in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use straight vinegar instead?
Yes, oftentimes I will add white vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener. But if you don’t like the smell of vinegar, this recipe is a better choice.
Is this safe for workout clothes or sensitive skin?
Yes! Because it contains no artificial fragrance or harsh chemicals, it’s gentle on skin and safe for most fabrics.
Is this like Purex Crystals or other scent boosters?
Yes, these laundry crystals work similarly to scent boosters like Purex Crystals, but without any synthetic ingredients.
Conclusion
This homemade fabric softener recipe is one of the easiest DIY recipes to add to your natural products lineup. With just a few cups of salt, some baking soda, and a handful of drops of essential oils, you can make a long-lasting scent booster that’s kind to your skin, your clothes, and the planet.
If you enjoy DIY laundry products or are looking for the best option to replace commercial fabric softeners, give these homemade fabric softener crystals a try. You’ll wonder why you didn’t ditch the back of your fabric softener bottle a long time ago.
DIY Fabric Softener Crystals with Essential Oils
Equipment
- Quart-sized mason jar or airtight container
- measuring cups
- Spoon or whisk (if not using a jar)
- Funnel (optional, for easier pouring)
Ingredients
- 3 cups epsom salt or sea salt
- ¾ cup baking soda
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 –10 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions
- Add 3 cups of epsom salt and ¾ cup of baking soda to a mason jar or large bowl.
- Mix thoroughly by shaking the jar (with lid tightly sealed) or stirring with a spoon.
- Add 30–40 drops of essential oils: 20 drops lavender, 15 lemon, and 5–10 tea tree.
- Shake or stir vigorously until the oils are evenly distributed with no clumps.
- Store in an airtight container. Use 2–3 tablespoons per load during the rinse cycle.
Im excited to try this bit Im worried it will gum up my front loader. Do you put it where the liquid fabric softener goes???
I put it directly in the wash.
Do you put into the softener dispenser of washing machine?
Do you add liquid for that?
My washer has a lock lid.
Because these crystals are made with salt, baking soda, and essential oils rather than liquid fabric softener, I add them directly to the washer drum before adding the clothes. There’s no need to add liquid, and I don’t recommend putting the dry crystals in the softener dispenser because they may not dissolve or dispense properly.
Is this and your detergent recipe safe for “HE” front load washer and septic? Excited to try them, just worried about washer and my septic. Thanks!
This detergent is low-sudsing, but because it’s a homemade Castile soap formula, it hasn’t been officially tested or certified for HE washers or septic systems. Castile soap may also cause buildup in some machines, especially in homes with hard water. If you decide to try it, I would start with ¼ cup per load and check your washer manufacturer’s recommendations first. I completely understand wanting to protect both your washer and septic system!