DIY Fabric Softener Beads Recipe
Here’s a simple guide on making homemade fabric softener beads that leave your laundry smelling fresh and feeling soft without the extra chemicals.
Do you love the smell of fresh, clean laundry but want to avoid the harsh chemicals in commercial fabric softeners? You’re not alone! In this post, I’m sharing an easy DIY Fabric Softener Beads Recipe so you can enjoy naturally fresh laundry without the added chemicals.
Making homemade fabric softener beads is a simple and natural way to keep your clothes soft and smelling amazing, without any unnecessary ingredients. Furthermore, this budget-friendly option gives you full control over your scent and ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and fun to make
If you remember, I shared a post on making homemade laundry detergent a while back. Not only has this been a game changer for our family, but it’s also a budget-friendly option that leaves our clothes feeling fresh and clean without the high cost of store-bought products. We have never looked back at the commercial made detergents again.
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Why Make Your Fabric Softener Beads
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Baking sheet or tray (for drying)
- An airtight container or a glass jar
- (Optional) Muslin bags if making drawer fresheners
How to Make Homemade Fabric Softener Beads for Fresh, Natural Laundry
Ingredients
- 2 cups Epsom salt or coarse sea salt
- 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, lemon, cotton, eucalyptus, etc.)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon baking soda (for added softness and odor control)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the salt and essential oils. Stir well to distribute the scent evenly. Add baking soda if used and mix again.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet or tray to air dry for a few hours to help the oils absorb fully and reduce clumping.
- Transfer your fabric softener beads to a glass jar or airtight container. Label it with the scent and date.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons directly into the drum of your washing machine before adding clothes. Avoid placing it in the detergent or softener dispenser.
Use it in Your Laundry.
Add 2–3 tablespoons of the beads directly into the drum of your washing machine before adding clothes. Note: Do not use it in the detergent or fabric softener dispenser.
Why You Shouldn’t Put DIY Fabric Softener Beads in the Dispenser
You shouldn’t put DIY fabric softener beads (or even commercial scent beads) in the detergent or fabric softener dispenser because:
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Shake the jar before each use to redistribute any oils.
- For a stronger fragrance, add more essential oil. Start with 30 drops and adjust to your liking.
- Store in a cool, dry place to avoid clumping or loss of scent.
- Combine essential oils like lavender + eucalyptus for a soothing blend or lemon + peppermint for a refreshing scent.
- You can mix scents (like lavender + lemon) for a custom blend.
- Adjust the amount of essential oil for a stronger or lighter fragrance.
- Store in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh and effective.
- Always use pure, skin-safe essential oils and avoid synthetic fragrance oils, especially for babies, pets, or sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Makes a Great Gift
Download your free printable labels by clicking the link below. You can use these labels if you gift someone a jar of homemade fabric softener beads.
Additional Ways to Use Homemade Fabric Softener Beads
- Use them as drawer or closet fresheners – Place a small amount of the beads in a breathable fabric pouch or muslin bag and tuck it into drawers, closets, or linen cabinets to keep your space smelling fresh.
- Add coloring to the beads – If you want to color them for fun or gift-giving, use a very small amount of natural food-safe coloring or mica powder. Be cautious, though, as too much coloring can stain fabrics.
- Gift Idea – Make a Fabric Softener Bead Jar for a Friend. These make lovely homemade gifts! Add a decorative label, ribbon, and maybe even a wooden scoop. It’s thoughtful, budget-friendly, and perfect for holidays, bridal showers, or housewarming gifts.
Best Essential Oils to Use for Laundry Beads
Here are some popular essential oils that work well in laundry:
Final thoughts…
Making your own DIY fabric softener beads is an easy, rewarding way to care for your clothes and home. You can enjoy fresh, soft laundry without synthetic chemicals with just a few natural ingredients. Try this DIY fabric softener beads recipe — you might never go back to store-bought again!
DIY Fabric Softener Beads Recipe
If you enjoy the scent of fresh laundry but prefer to avoid the chemicals found in commercial fabric softeners, you're in good company. In this post, I’ll walk you through an easy DIY Fabric Softener
Beads Recipe to help you achieve naturally fresh-smelling laundry.
Materials
- 2 cups Epsom salt or coarse sea salt
- 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, lemon, cotton, eucalyptus, etc.)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon baking soda (for added softness and odor control)
Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Baking sheet or tray (for drying)
- An airtight container or a glass jar
- (Optional) Muslin bags if making drawer fresheners
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the salt and essential oils. Stir well to distribute the scent evenly. Add baking soda if used and mix again.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet or tray to air dry for 1-2 hours to help the oils absorb fully and reduce clumping.
- Transfer your fabric softener beads to a glass jar or an airtight container. Label it with the scent and date.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons directly into the drum of your washing machine before adding clothes. Avoid placing it in the detergent or softener dispenser.
Notes
Add 2–3 tablespoons of the beads directly into the drum of your washing machine before adding clothes. Note: Do not use it in the detergent or fabric softener dispenser.
***More than likely, you will have the supplies on hand to make the DIY Fabric Softener Beads Recipe; if not, you can purchase the supplies and make a huge batch.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Shake the jar before each use to redistribute any oils.
- For a stronger fragrance, add more essential oil. Start with 30 drops and adjust to your liking.
- Store in a cool, dry place to avoid clumping or loss of scent.
- Combine essential oils like lavender + eucalyptus for a soothing blend or lemon + peppermint for a refreshing scent.
- You can mix scents (like lavender + lemon) for a custom blend.
- Adjust the amount of essential oil for a stronger or lighter fragrance.
- Store in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh and effective.
- Always use pure, skin-safe essential oils and avoid synthetic fragrance oils, especially for babies, pets, or sensitive skin.
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Hi Dusty, I tried it and love it. Thanks again for a wonderful DIY. Appreciate you.
That is wonderful to hear, thank you so much for your feedback. I appreciate you! 🙂