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how to soften a fabric?
ahrizel Beginner PA Member since 4/22/12 Posts: 295	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/12/12 10:49 AM I picked up some linen/rayon for costume pants for my nephew. They are prewashed and I dyed them-they dyed beautifully. But the fabric feels very stiff, it did before I washed them originally. Any suggestions for softening up the feel of the fabric. They are certainly wearable, but it would be nice if they felt better. Mary
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6999	Login to reply to this post In reply to ahrizel << Like this post Date: 8/12/12 7:57 PM You might try vinegar in the rinse water; I use it on my towels. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2202	Login to reply to this post In reply to Miss Fairchild << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/12/12 8:02 PM Like Miss Fairchild, I use vinegar in the final rinse. Our clothes are softer (and smell so much better) than when I used Tide/Downey. (I also make our own laundry detergent now for pennies on the dollar.) I use 1 cup of vinegar for a full (large) load and 1/2 cup for anything less. The clothes never smell like vinegar when they are finished drying. Love that stuff!! ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
Changma   Advanced Beginner NY USA Member since 2/20/12 Posts: 413	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/12/12 8:17 PM What type of vinegar do you use? I never heard of this before. -- Edited on 8/12/12 8:18 PM --
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2202	Login to reply to this post In reply to Changma << Like this post Date: 8/12/12 8:39 PM The least expensive white vinegar I can find (which for me is a gallon of Kroger brand ...) eta: this started for me when I noticed our towels smelled funky right out of the dryer. I was a Tide/liquid Downy user and added the Downy to the final rinse. I asked around and learned of making my own detergent and using vinegar in the rinse. The towels smelled fresh and became softer and softer with each wash. I use it for everything now. -- Edited on 8/12/12 8:41 PM -- ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
Changma   Advanced Beginner NY USA Member since 2/20/12 Posts: 413	Login to reply to this post In reply to marymary86 << Like this post Date: 8/12/12 8:44 PM Thanks!
minggiddylooloo   Intermediate VA USA Member since 5/17/05 Posts: 1794	Login to reply to this post In reply to marymary86 << Like this post Date: 8/12/12 9:21 PM I'm also interested in learning about your home-made detergent. ------ I'm finally a blogger! sewming.blogspot.com
heathergwo Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 11/14/11 Posts: 766	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/12/12 9:27 PM Yes, what is your home-made detergent! I'm so tired of spending so much $$$ on laundry detergent. I buy the cheaper stuff at Costco, but it's still kinda ridiculous the amount of $$ spent on this! I'd love to learn your secret if you're willing to share!!??? :-) ------ Brother Innovis 1250D Singer Curvy 8763 Brother 1034D Janome 385.19606 Brother 2340CV
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2202	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/12/12 9:39 PM Duggar's Family Laundry Detergent Recipe I heard this discussed on a message board at Two Peas in a Bucket (dot com) and after reading so many good experiences, I decided to try it. It's easy to make and really cheap (the borax and washing powder cost a few dollars but you'll have it on hand to make batch after batch). I've used both Fels Naptha and Zote (a Mexican bar laundry soap I found at Walmart) successfully. I've been doing this for two years and wouldn't consider going back because it's so much better. DH used it for several months without vinegar while I was on the west coast. When I got home, my washing machine had a filthy ring around the top (soap scum + dirt). If you use this soap, you really need to use the vinegar rinse as it's the best scum buster around. The one negative to me is the huge 5 gallon plastic container but it sits happily on the laundry room floor. As I'm typing this, I'm realizing I could save 10 vinegar bottles (all gallon sized) and just fill them all up at once when I make a new batch. Then those could be stored so I could just use one at a time. Hope this helps! ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2202	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/12/12 9:42 PM Just thought I'd add - some people do not like the "soapy" smell of this detergent. If you want to test drive it without spending a lot of time or money, just buy a bar of Fels Naptha or Zote and use it for some handwashing. If you don't like it, you won't like the detergent after you make it (it will have the same "handmade" soap smell.) I add a few drops of grapefruit essential oil to the 5 gallon bucket when making a new batch but only because I already had it. I like the smell. I used to live in Europe and it reminds me of the bars of laundry soap I used there. ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com

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