How to Make Fabric Softener At Home ?

If you want a more ecological or more economical alternative to commercial fabric softeners, you can make your own at home. Here are a few simple methods you can use.

*Vinegar:

1)Combine 1 gallon (3.8 L) vinegar with 25 to 30 drops essential oil. 
Stir the essential oil directly into the container of white distilled vinegar for a minute or so to ensure that the two liquids combine well.

*Note that the essential oil is not necessary. The vinegar is the component responsible for softening clothes. It strips away residue on your clothes that would otherwise make them stiff, and it has properties that can break down some of the minerals found in hard water supplies.
*If you do decide to use essential oils, you can use any scents you want.

2)Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) to your rinse cycle. 
For a normal load, fill a fabric softener ball with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the fabric softener solution or add the same amount directly to the washer just before the rinse cycle begins.

*Do not add the fabric softener to the machine before its primary wash cycle.
*Pour the rest of the fabric softener into a storage container. Make sure that this fabric softener is labeled so that you do not accidentally use it for another purpose. Shake or stir well to before each use to make sure that the essential oil and vinegar have not separated as it sat.

3)Continue through a standard rinse cycle. 
You do not need to do anything special from this point on. Let your rinse cycle finish up as it normally would.

*Vinegar and Baking Soda:

1)Combine baking soda and hot water. 
Stir 1 cup (250 ml) baking soda into 2 cups (500 ml) hot water until well combined. Combine the two ingredients in a large bucket or other container.

*Note that the baking soda will not dissolve, but it should be completely soaked.
*This homemade fabric softener is often praised by people who have hard water.
*Baking soda regulates the pH level in your rinse water, preventing it from becoming too acidic or too alkaline. It also cancels out mineral deposits, like those found in hard water. These mineral deposits are often responsible for making clothes stiff.

2)Slowly add the vinegar. 
Slowly add 1 cup (250 ml) white distilled vinegar to the mixture. Stir gently until the baking soda is dissolved.

*The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing a fizzy chemical reaction. Do not pour the vinegar too quickly or you will end up with a mess.
*Vinegar strips soap and residue from clothing and also helps to soften hard water.
*Some believe that the vinegar and baking soda cancel each other out, making them ineffective. The salt that is produced from the chemical reaction acts as a buffer in the rinse cycle, however. Moreover, many of the elements that help soften clothes remain in the solution even after the reaction occurs.

3)Scent the fabric softener, if desired. 
If you want to make scented fabric softener, then you need to add essential oil or scent booster to the ingredients. Stir either option directly into the fabric softener solution.

*If using essential oils, 25 to 30 drops should be sufficient.
*If using scent booster, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 125 ml) of the crystals to your water and stir until dissolved.
*Scent booster is usually found in the laundry aisle. It is not a natural product, so it may not be preferable from an ecological sense, but it will lend your fabric softener a pleasant scent and may save you money in the long run.

4)Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) into your washing machine during the rinse cycle. 
For a normal load, fill a fabric softener ball with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the fabric softener solution or add the same amount directly to the washer just before the rinse cycle begins.

*Do not add the fabric softener to the machine before its primary wash cycle.
*Pour the rest of the fabric softener into a storage container. Shake or stir well to combine before each use.

5)Run the rinse cycle as usual. 
You do not need to do anything special from this point on. Let your rinse cycle finish up as it normally would.

*Conditioner:

1)Combine vinegar, hair conditioner, and hot water.
In a large bucket or other container, stir together 3 cups (750 ml) white distilled vinegar, 2 cups (500 ml) hair conditioner, and 6 cups (1500 ml) hot water until evenly combined.

*You can use any hair conditioner you want for this method. To make it more cost effective, choose a cheap brand.
*Since there are many varieties and scents of conditioner available on the market, your scent options are nearly endless.
*Note that this is not an "all natural" solution, but it is quite effective. The vinegar strips aways stiffening residue and the conditioner softens fibers.

2)Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 125 ml) to your washing machine just before the rinse cycle. 
For a normal load, fill a fabric softener ball with 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup (60 ml to 125 ml) of the fabric softener solution or add the same amount directly to the washer just before the rinse cycle begins.

*Do not add the fabric softener to the machine before its primary wash cycle.
*Pour the rest of the fabric softener into a storage container. Shake or stir well to combine before each use.

3)Run the rinse cycle as usual. 
You do not need to do anything special from this point on. Let your rinse cycle finish up as it normally would.

*Fabric Softener Sheets:

1)Cut cotton cloth into small squares. 
Cut clean cotton cloth into squares that are roughly 5 inches (12.7 cm) along each side.

*Cotton works well because it is a natural fiber and relatively breathable. Avoid fabrics with fibers that are spaced too tightly together. Also avoid synthetic fabrics.
*You can use a rag or old piece of cloth for this, but make sure that the material you use is clean.

2)Spray each square with white vinegar. 
Fill a small spray bottle with undiluted distilled white vinegar. Spray both sides of each square until moist to the touch.

*Let dry slightly. The cloth can be moist, but it should not be dripping wet by the time you add it to the dryer.
*The vinegar is the only element in this fabric softener formula that lends itself to actually softening your clothes. It may not be as strong as a liquid fabric softener using vinegar, but some of the effects should still remain.

3)Add a few drops of essential oil onto one square. 
Drop 3 to 5 drops of your favorite essential oil onto a cloth square. Spread the drops out so that they seep into the fibers of the entire square.

*The essential oil will give your clothes a pleasant yet mild fragrance. You can technically use this method without the use of essential oils, but since the softening effects are less powerful than a liquid fabric softener alternative, it would make more sense to take advantage of the deodorizing and re-scenting abilities of this method.

4)Throw the scented fabric into your dryer. 
Place the scented fabric softener sheet directly into your dryer as you prepare to dry a load of clothes. Run a standard drying cycle. You do not need to do anything special from this point on.

*Each dryer sheet can be used for two or three loads, but you may need to refresh the scent by adding 3 drops or more of the essential oil before use. Refresh the softening properties by giving the sheet another quick spray of vinegar.

*Fabric Softener Crystals:

1)Mix coarse salt and essential oil.
Add 20 to 30 drops of your favorite essential oil to 2 cups (500 ml) of Epsom salt or coarse sea salt in a medium bowl or container.

*Stir well until all of the essential oil has been spread over and absorbed by the salt.
*You can use any scent of essential oil you want to use. If desired, you can even combine scents to create your own unique fragrance.

2)Stir in baking soda. 
Mix 1/2 cup (125 ml) of baking soda into the scented salts until evenly distributed.

*Alternatively, you could leave the baking soda out altogether and add it to your machine separately during the wash.

3)Add 2 to 3 Tbsp (30 to 45 ml) to the rinse cycle.
 Before your washing machine enters a rinse cycle, add the scented crystals directly to the water in your machine.

*Only use 2 to 3 Tbsp (30 to 45 ml) of the fabric softener crystals.
*If you did not add baking soda to the crystals, you can add up to 1/2 cup (125 ml) of baking soda in conjunction with this fabric softener per normal load of laundry.
*Do not add the fabric softener crystals to the start of the washing cycle, before the washing part actually takes place. Only add it to the washing machine during the rinse cycle.

4)Run the rinse cycle as usual. 
You do not need to do anything special from this point on. Let your rinse cycle finish up as it normally would.

Warnings:
Never mix vinegar and chlorine bleach. Doing so produces a dangerous gas.
Do not use apple cider vinegar or another tinted vinegar for any of these recipes. Tinted vinegars will stain or darken your clothes.

HOW TO MAKE SAMOSAS LIKE A CHEF?

Samosas are a little different from your standard vegetable samosa. They have a delightful aroma, a taste and the added delicious experience of crispness from the frying. Give these samosas a try and you may just find they become a firm family favorite.

When it comes to Asian appetizers, samosas seem to be at the top of everyone's list. Eating these crispy, golden triangular-shaped patties is no doubt a treat. Making them, however, can be a challenge for home cooks. That is, until today. We've got here the ultimate guide for how to make samosas like a native chef.

Samosas hail from Asian and there are countless ways to prepare them some people favor meat or chicken fillings but the most popular samosas, by far, are the ones with a potato and green pea filling . In aasia, you'll find samosas being sold on street corners, at roadside shacks or fancy restaurants, and prepared for family gatherings where they are commonly enjoyed with a nice cup of masala chai.

The Basics

Before learning how to make samosas it is imperative to make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. The traditional recipe calls for white flour - not whole-wheat, spelt or buckwheat four. That's because white flour yields a soft pliable dough that results in flaky samosas. Who wouldn't want to bite into that? You can, of course, use a mix of whole-wheat and white flour but it won't yield the ultimate tender crust.

You'll also need to have a few spices on hand, such as turmeric, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds and garam masala (that’s just covering the basics!). Can you do without one or two of those? Sure, but if your aim to is get that authentic Indian flavor you're better off taking a trip to the nearest spice shop.

Plan of Action

Most chefs will agree that the best plan of action is to divide the work in two sections. A great tip is to make the filling the day before you intend to serve the samosas so making them will be a breeze. Time doesn't always allow for that so you can always make the filling while the samosa dough is resting (ideally, you'd boil the potatoes ahead of time).

Once you learn how to make samosas, you'll see that it's not as complicated as you thought. The biggest challenge in the entire process is mastering the triangular shape. Below is a step-by-step guide that will help you learn to fold samosas once and for all. It's fair to point out there are many other ways to fold samosas but the method below is the traditional one used in the region of Punjab.

Potato Samosa Recipe
makes 8 samosas

For the dough:

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds), optional
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup minus 2 tablespoon lukewarm water

Filling:

3 large boiled potatoes, peeled and chopped into very small cubes
1 small onion, chopped finely
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 chopped green chilies (more if you like it spicy - I like to double the amount)
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, freshly ground
1/4 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon amchur (mango powder), or the juice of one fresh lemon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup green peas (frozen)
10 sprigs of cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for sautéing

For paste to seal pastries:

2 tablespoons of water + 1 tablespoon white flour

Preparation: 

1. Use a medium bowl to prepare the dough. Begin by mixing the flour, salt and oil with your hands, rubbing together thoroughly so the oil gets incorporated into every bit of the flour (this will yield a flaky dough). Slowly add the water until you form a ball of dough, adding more water if needed. Knead the dough for about 2 minutes until smooth. Wrap it in plastic and set it aside for 20 min.

2. For the filling, heat the vegetable oil in a sauté pan. When warm, add the cumin seeds and onions. Cook until translucent, then add the chilies, turmeric and peas. When the peas are cooked through add the potatoes, garam masala and mango powder (if using). Cook until warmed through and ingredients are mixed together. Turn off heat. Adjust the salt and add cilantro. If using fresh lemon juice, add it now and mix throughly.

To assemble samosas:

1. Divide the dough into four small balls. Roll each ball into a circle about 5 inches wide. Cut each circle in half. Each half moon will yield one samosa. You should end up with 8 half moons.

2. For each half moon: dip your finger in the flour/water paste and run along the edges. Roll into triangular shape as pictured above, making sure to seal the edges tightly. Set aside on a floured surface. Work quickly to prevent the samosas from drying out.

3. Dust off any excess flour and deep fry samosas until golden. Serve with chutney, yogurt sauce or ketchup.

Chef's tip:

 For the ultimate crispy flaky samosa, fry them twice: once at 350F and the second time around at 375F. If you plan on freezing samosas, fry them just once. Let cool and freeze.

How To Make Homemade Dusting Spray

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone had the time and energy to dust all the surfaces in their home on a daily basis? It would be pretty awesome. But, unfortunately, it’s not gonna happen. So the next best thing you can do is use a spray that will help prevent dust.

Everyone loves pledge right? There’s no doubt it works. Problem is- the ingredient list is kind of scary: Isoparaffin, Dimethicone, Octylphosphonic Acid, Nitrogen, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Polydimethylsiloxane, Aminomethyl Propanol, Fragrance from SC Johnson Fragrance Palette, Proprietary Thickening Agent, Methylisothiazolinone. Are these really necessary ingredients for cleaning? I don’t think so. These ingredients range from mild skin irritants to possible carcinogens. Definitely something you want to avoid.

Well, what if I told you you could make this at home, and it is just as effective, has no harmful ingredients, and less expensive?
All the ingredients serve a purpose, and are non-toxic:

Vinegar: Great all purpose cleaner
Olive Oil: Helps prevent dust for settling
Lemongrass Essential Oil*: Anti-bacterial, repels insects, smells awesome
*Other great oil options include: lemon, lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, tea tree, and orange, among others. Anything that is anti-bacterial with a nice scent will work.

One of the chores that I did often growing up was dusting. I actually kind of enjoyed it because I liked the scent of the Pledge spray I would use, and it was nice to see things that were previously covered in a layer of dust, nice and shiny again.

Now with three little kids and a busy household, dusting is one of those things that I’ve basically let go in favor of cleaning things that are a little more necessary – like the toilet and the kitchen counters.

It’s not that I mind dusting, it’s just that, to me, a fine layer of dust really isn’t going to hurt anything. But, it does start to be an eye-sore after a while.

To be honest, I usually use of my my basic cleaners for “dusting”; vinegar and water, homemade multipurpose cleaner, and even the shower cleaner/stainer remover spray all work well for light cleaning and dusting of the surfaces around your home (don’t spray any of those directly on electronics, of course). That’s one of the things that I like most about green and homemade cleaning, it simplifys things so you don’t have to have a huge collection of bottles in your cabinet for every different cleaning need.

But, if you’re looking for a specific homemade dusting spray, I have two recipes for you today, that I made and compared how they worked side-by-side.

Recipe#1:-

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
10-15 drops essential oil of your choice

Directions:
*Mix all ingredients together in an empty spray bottle
*Shake before use. Simply spray directly onto the surface you are dusting or a cloth (microfiber works best) and wipe the dust off.

Recipe#2:-

Dusting Spray with Lemon Recipe 
It’s time for our next homemade cleaning product recipe!
Again, I absolutely LOVE making my own cleaning products for several reasons, including:

-Healthier
-Cheaper
-Safe for our kids to use
-Easier (I can make most of them in just a couple of minutes, vs. running out and needing to get more at the store)
-More fun
-I also know exactly what is in them!

So, it’s time for our simple recipe that we use to create a homemade DIY dusting spray with lemon that is a frugal and healthier replacement to the commercial product Pledge.


I make 4 oz. at a time and store it in a glass spray bottle.  It realistically will keep for only 2-3 months since it is made with natural ingredients, so the smaller bottle ensures that I don’t have to throw any out after a few months.

Ingredients:
*1/4 cup vinegar
*1/4 cup water (purified or boiled and cooled)
*2 TBSP olive oil
10-15 drops of lemon essential oil
We have talked about Lemon Essential Oil many times on our site as it is such a great item to have on hand for natural cleaning and natural solutions to many issues.  In fact, you can read up on 17 Helpful Household Uses for Lemon Essential Oil HERE.  Then we also talk about the different qualities and purities of the essential oils and the 7 Best Essential Oils for Cleaning in this post HERE along with where you can get it for less.

Now this particular combination of ingredients for a dusting spray is intended to do a few things – clean, disinfect and moisturize/nourish the woods and furniture that you intend to dust.  This combination will do all of that.  *Now like with any homemade product, you will always want to test a small inconspicuous area on the item you intend to use this on before a full use and application to test it!

Directions:
Here’s how to make this dusting spray:

adding-vinegar-sm

-Just add the water and vinegar first, using a funnel.
-Then add the olive oil and essential oils.
-Put the spray lid on and shake vigorously.

You are probably already asking“since it is oil, vinegar and water…. it won’t mix?”  Yes, you are right! It is much like Italian Dressing, before you use it, you have to shake it to mix it and pour immediately on your salad.  Same concept here.

How to use it:
-To use it, first shake it up!
-Then I spray a rag or microfiber cloth with the spray and then wipe the surface.  I don’t spray the surface directly.

This stuff works like a charm. You will still have to dust on a regular basis, but this dusting spray will make it less often.

There’s something about the smell of lemongrass that I just love. I chose it because it is anti-bacterial, repels insects, and I wanted a change from using my standard cleaning oil of plain lemon.  I really can’t get enough of the scent.

With the vinegar- it’s really more than just a dusting spray. It also makes a decent all-purpose cleaner if you are in a pinch. (And if you aren’t, check out my Natural All Purpose Cleaner with Free Printable Label).

With the olive oil and lemongrass essential oil, it has a pretty yellowish color in the bottle. Don’t worry- it sprays clear onto surfaces and won’t stain. The olive oil is also great for wood because it helps it maintain moisture and keep its stain.

It’s easy to dust with a microfiber duster or cloth. I opt for a cloth because it’s multi-purpose. It’s also important to shake the bottle before use. It’s a step that can’t be ignored. You gotta make sure the oil and water mix up.

Try making your own dusting spray and let me know how it goes!