Fabric Softener

This idea comes from our friend Ashley Poskin. Fabric softeners are a cocktail of chemicals and fragrances, many of which are known carcinogens (limonene and chloroform, to name a few) and have been known to irritate skin. Detergents nowadays are formulated to clean and soften your fabric, which makes adding storebought softener unnecessary. If you have hard water at home, we have a simple eco-friendly alternative for you: scented vinegar fabric softener.

"Adding vinegar to your load actually softens, whitens, and reduces odors—and it's good for your septic system!" she says. "Worried about your laundry smelling like it's pickled? Don't be! Once the clothing dries, the vinegar smell will disappear." If you're looking for that "fresh laundry" scent, just add your favorite combo of essential oils to the mix for added fragrance.

To use: Keep a measuring cup handy and pour 1⁄4 cup of the vinegar mixture into the fabric softener dispenser for each load of laundry. Shake the bottle well before each use. (If you're worried about static cling, toss a few ​wool dryer balls​ into the dryer for all-natural, static-free laundry that dries in less time than usual.)