How do you use Lavender oil for fabric softner?

Naturally · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 17

Hey guys,

I saw the thread below on essential oil and I am interested in hearing more about their use as a fabric softner in the wash? Could you please fill me in on directions for use?

Thanks!

Mr. Clean · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 708 Location: Garland, Texas

Naturally,

I missed this post, and assume it was directed to me as I made the mention on using Lavender oil in my wash/rinse cycle.

To clarify, I don't use it as a fabric softener, but as soothing scent. Over the years, I have significantly reduced the amount of fabric softener agents in the laundry. I still use the occasional dryer sheet during the Winter months when the air is drier and there is more static electricity. Or, I will use fabric softener in the washer, but use only 1/3 or 1/2 of the recommended amount. For most of the laundry however, I use 5% vinegar in the softener dispenser.

Scott-in-Texas · Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:59 pm Post subject:

Mr. Clean,

What is the purpose of the 5% Vinegar in the wash?

Mr. Clean · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 708 Location: Garland, Texas

Scott,

It reportedly helps the fabric release excess detergent, leaving the fabric feeling softer. In the case of towels, they also absorb better without the fabric softeners.

I began experimenting with the vinegar with my microfiber towels which I use for automobile detailing and general household cleaning. When cleaning auto glass or household mirrors, they seemed to streak less when rinsed with vinegar (note: I never used fabric softeners or dryer sheets with the MFTs) I then moved onto the household towels (cotton) and noticed an improvement in absorbency.

Scott-in-Texas · Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 7:15 am Post subject:

Thanks for the info. How much do you use?

Mr. Clean · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 708 Location: Garland, Texas

Scott-in-Texas wrote: How much do you use?

For a full load of towels, I fill the softener dispenser to the Full line. Smaller loads, I just eyeball; similar to the approach I take with mixing lawn ammendments :lol:

Tricky Grama · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:51 am Post subject: vinegar in rinse cycle

This is also an old 'Heloise' hint. I think she used to say about 1/4 c vinegar per load. I'm assuming it's white vinegar.
Patty

Mr. Clean · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 708 Location: Garland, Texas

Hmmm interesting...And what was her rationale for using it?

Yes, it is white vinegar, the 5% variety.

Tricky Grama · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 8:14 am Post subject: vinegar

Mr. C-
Rational for using vinegar in rinse is just as you said: releases the detergent in the fabric. Same thing for after shampooing. Except it's more likely hair.
:lol:
Patty

Mr. Clean · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 708 Location: Garland, Texas

Excellent, I'm glad to hear that. I used the term "reportedly" in my first post, as I have no means of measurement, to state it as fact.

So do you use vinegar regularly as a replacement for a laundry specific softener? Does anyone else?

Tony M · Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 1084 Location: McKinney,TEXAS

Earlier this year I totally discontinued using fabric softeners. I don't notice any diminishment in softness. I fill the bleach dispenser and fabric softener dispenser with 5% white vinegar.

I too had heard that using fabric softener on things like towels reduces water absorbancy, but the reason I stopped using it was that the whites were getting dingy and I didn't want to use bleach. So I added vinegar both to the wash cycle and the rinse cycle to use it's power first to clean the clothes and then to help rinse the detergent off.

Between making this change and haning the whites on the clothes line when convenient, I have reversed the dinge. I haven't found any reason to go back.

If you want your clothes to be softer and you want them to feel like they've been ironed, let them dry in the sun and wind. The breezes we have flap all the wrinkles out and the fabric is so soft and smooth. There's nothing like wind dried T-shirts and sheets. The sun will brighten everything, so be sure to hang dark T-shirts inside out.

Marlyn

Mr. Clean · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 708 Location: Garland, Texas

Marlyn,

Thanks for adding your information, it raised a couple of questions... :)

Quote: ... I didn't want to use bleach...

What are your feelings about the "oxygen powered" bleachless products (ie. OxiClean)?

Quote: So I added vinegar both to the wash cycle ...to use it's power first to clean the clothes...

Is there something you read that led to to the conclusion that the vinegar enhances the cleaning process, or was it something you found through personal experimentation?

Marlyn · Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 66 Location: ,

Although I would hard pressed to cite a reference for you, I have read about using vinegar for cleaning projects from cleaning windows to cleaning counters and floors. I probably first used it for windows, then made it my cleaner of choice for floors. So I guess I just assumed it would be effective in the wash....

I don't know anything about oxygen powered "bleaches" in terms of their desireability. The only bleach that I ever found to work particularly well is the chorine bleach - so I have reverted to sunlight as my alternative.

When Tony and I honeymooned in St. Lucia, we noticed how white all the childrens shirts and blouses were despite living in poor circumstances. All of the clothing were washed by hand in communal wash stations or in the river and were hung in the sun to dry. Everything simply gleamed. It was stunning.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

Marlyn

Mr. Clean · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 708 Location: Garland, Texas

Marlyn wrote:
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

:lol: :lol: :lol:
I don't blame you!

I have also used vinegar for those same cleaning chores (windows, counters, floors). I discontinued the use on floors (linoleum) because I got tired of replacing mops. Vinegar is sooo caustic it just immediately attacks the metal components of the mop :(

Marlyn wrote:
so I have reverted to sunlight as my alternative

Speaking of sunlight, I could stand to see some real soon. Some warmer weather wouldn't hurt my feelings. :wink:

Naturally · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 17

Mr. Clean,

So how much lavender oil do you use for the aroma in a wash? I wasn't as interested in the "softening" agents as I was the nice smell. Sorry if I confused you. I would love to find something that would add a nice scent to my laundry. Any suggestions?

Thanks!