We tell you how to achieve softness and freshness of clean clothes, using a minimum of synthetic products.
Synthetic fabric conditioners do their job well, but they are harmful to the environment and sometimes to our bodies (some components can cause an allergic reaction). We talk about alternative methods that will help make clothes soft after washing.
Baking soda
It can be poured into the machine instead of conditioner (1/2 cup). Baking soda works as an inhibitor of minerals present in hard water, so they won't affect your clothes. In addition, soda is very affordable and harmless to the environment.
Vinegar
Vinegar has the same properties as soda. However, it can damage some delicate fabrics, so be sure to test it on a small and inconspicuous area of clothing before use. If everything is fine, you can safely add a glass of vinegar to the machine instead of conditioner.
Balls for drying
Another way to make clothes softer without adding unnecessary chemicals is to use tumble dryer balls (provided your machine has this option). They simply beat the clothes when drying, making them softer. Balls can be ordered at many large online markets, and if they are not available, they can be replaced with tennis balls. The only caveat: do not use this method with thin, delicate fabrics - the balls can damage them.
Soaking in soft water
If you have time, you can pre-soak things in boiled or filtered soft water. For further washing, you can safely put the clothes in the washing machine, using only washing powder, after purified water, hard minerals will not affect the fabric so much. In addition, soaking in softened water will allow you to use less detergent (after softened water, the effect of the powder or gel increases).