Fabulous Fabric Softener

I had a little time before work this morning, so whipped up a bottle of homemade fabric softener.  Now, I called it fabulous above and it is true that it is fabulous in that:  The ingredients are simple and cheap, natural, non-toxic, and non-threatening to the environment (as far as I know).  However, this homemade version does not make things as soft and full of scent as a commercial product.  But, it does soften some, get rid of static, and leave a clean scent.  

The reason I use it is I don't trust all of the perfumes, lotions, cleaners, shampoos, candles, etc. with their incredibly yummy smells.  If you can smell it, that means the item is entering your body through your mouth and nose in a gaseous state.  Now, look at the ingredients on these items.  HOLY COW!  What the heck IS all that STUFF????!!!!!  God knows what the health effects to our society have been.  We are always covering our skin and hair with unknown substances (lotions/shampoos), breathing in "scents" and eating preservatives! 

Anyway, that is my rant for the moment.  :)    If anyone is interested, here is the recipe for fabric softener that I actually got off of the internet and cannot remember where exactly it came from.  I just make it in an old laundry detergent bottle.  Before I started making my own natural products, I began saving plastic bottles. 

Raven's Camp Fabric Softener:

2 cups Baking Soda

2 cups White Vinegar

4 cups Hot Water

30 drops of essential oil

I use a funnel and a wooden shish kebab skewer to get the baking soda into the bottle.  Then, I slowly add the vinegar bit by bit.  The vinegar will cause the baking soda to foam up, volcano-like, so take your time.  Then, add the hot water...still slowly.  Finally, add the essential oil.  I have used vanilla, grapefruit, pine, rosewood, etc.   It is really a personal choice.

Now to mix it:  Put the lid on the bottle and gently turn upside down and back a few times.  Give the foam a chance to dissipate and then open the bottle to relieve the pressure.  Put the top back on and repeat.  Do not shake as the pressure may pop the top off of your bottle.  You can swirl as well.

Use about 1/2 cup to 1 cup per load.  You will have to gently give it a few swirls each time as the baking soda settles somewhat.  

Good Luck!  If you try this, or have any ideas or another recipe...or just a random something to say, please comment below and let me know you're there!   Thanks!