I am currently doing an entire load of wash without fabric softner or dryer sheets. Though truthfully, I've never really used fabric softner.

I washed a load of towels using soap and vinegar. Then when I placed the load in the dryer I added a rad scented with cinnamon oil! Cinnamon was all I had. I can't tell you how the towels are going to smell, they're still in the dryer but the rest of the house smells completely of cinnamon! I might have used too much!

I'll get back when the load is done.

What kind of soap did you use? I'm anxious to see how this turns out. Especially with the oil...I have a few bottles of essential oils, I may have to try that.

I tried using vinegar without softner and my clothes were way too stiff. I bought some seventh generation softner. It is $$ though.

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I was pleased. Now I washed a load but I didn't use the vinegar (it was in the other room and I was too lazy to go get it!). So when I put that load in the dryer I tossed the cinnamon rag in there with a couple of tin foil balls (evidently I wasn't too lazy since I did go into the other room for those). We'll see how those turn out.

I think I actually like the cinnamon scent. I wonder if my husband will notice.

Yay! I will try this with my next load. Now as for the scented oil...about how much did you put on the rag?

I've never had a problem using vinegar (except for towels). My clothes seem to come out soft. Now you have me wanting to go dry clothes just to see how I would like the oils.

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HeatherMama to TWO lovely children
4 year old boy
2 year old girl

I tell you, I was very pleased. I smelled my towels last night and could still smell the cinnamon. I have a small box left of the dryer sheets and then I'm done, actually, I'm thinking of just passing those on to my SIL. I really liked the idea of the blanket that we use to cover the baby up when we go outside not having those chemicals mentioned in that last article.

As for me, I didn't notice a difference with the softness of the clothing with the vinegar though I know a couple of you mentioned it.

The real test is when my husband notices it. But that could be a couple of weeks out!

The homemade laundry soap I made works great without fabric softner or dryer sheets! You can make it and add essential oils to it if you like...I leave ours unscented due to my dd's eczema.

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WAHM to Richie, Becca & Ryan!

I make my laundry soap too. I also bought dryer balls and use them. I think they help keep the towels softer. My towels are so old there isn't much fluff left in them! lol

I use Purex Essentials because it is made with natural ingredients and costs a lot less. I then fill the softener dispenser with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water. The vinegar will kill any bacteria. I then add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash. This helps eliminate odors. I don't use an softener but do use the dryer balls. The towels are not super soft, but in the end I would rather the family dry off with slightly rough towels than ones loaded with chemicals.