Liquid fabric softener does a great job at eliminating static within your laundry but, did you know it has other uses outside of the laundry room? Just like so many other things in the house, there are so many different ‘out of the box’ way to use your favorite liquid fabric softener. Here are some of my favorite ways to use liquid fabric softener:
DIY Dryer ‘Sheets’
Instead of tossing dryer sheets after every load, you can make your own. All you need is a couple cups of water, your favorite liquid fabric softener and basic kitchen sponges. You will also need an airtight container to store them in. Place the sponges in the container, pour your mixture over the top. When it comes time to put it in the dryer, grab 1 sponge, squeeze out the extra liquid and toss it in the dryer. Run the drying cycle like normal. Once completed, put the sponge back in the container for another time. If your liquid starts to get low, just mix up another batch and pour it over your sponges.
Remove Wallpaper
Start by scoring the wallpaper by using a wire bristle brush. Next, mix one cap full of fabric softener into a quart of water. After it is mixed together take a sponge and sponge it onto the wallpaper. Then, let sit for 20 minutes. After this you should be able to scrape the wallpaper off. If it is difficult, sponge more of your water mixture on it and let sit again.
Minimize Static Electricity
If everyone in your house seems to constantly be supercharged or getting shocked after walking on the carpet, liquid fabric softener is your answer. All it takes is 2 quarts of water and 1 cap full of your favorite softener. Pour mixture into a spray bottle. Carefully mist your carpet before bed and allow to dry overnight. This should help for a few weeks.
Hairspray Residue
One part fabric softener to one part water. Spray where the residue is and wipe with a dry cloth.
Hard Water Stains
Hard water stains on glass can be difficult to remove. Apply full strength fabric softener on the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes and the stain should wipe right off.
Baked on or Burnt Food
Trying to get the baked on or burnt food out of your pots and pans can be tough. It can also possibly ruin your pans. Fill your pan with warm water and add a few drops of fabric softener. Let sit for 60 minutes or so and the burnt or baked on food should wipe right off. If it doesn’t come all the way off, repeat the process one more time.
Paint Brushes
No matter how hard you try to clean them, sometimes, paint brushes still get tough. There is a simple solution thankfully. Take an old coffee can, fill it with water and put one teaspoon of fabric softener. Mix well and dip your paint brushes in it.
Homemade Room Freshener
In a spray bottle mix one part fabric softener, 2 tablespoons baking soda and 2 parts water. Spray around the house to help eliminate daily odors.
Remove Pet Hair
Pet hair seems to stay in the carpet no matter how many times you vacuum. Mix two parts water to one part softener in a spray bottle. Lightly spray this mixture on your carpet before you vacuum. You should notice more pet hair being picked up with this method.
Cleans Hard Surfaces
Any hard surface in the house tends to collect dust. Mix ¼ cup of softener and a spray bottle of water and simply spray on a cloth and wipe on the desired surfaces. Wipe it away with a clean dry cloth and it will minimize the amount of dust that settles.
Bug Repellent
If you have a spot in your house where bugs seem to gather, liquid fabric softener is your answer. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of fabric softener. Spray in the areas that they tend to hang out. Bugs hate strong smells so they should stay away.
There are so many uses for liquid fabric softener outside of the laundry room. Plus, it is a pretty cheap alternative to some of the other options on the market. These are just a few other uses for one of my favorite products in the home. Did I miss your favorite use? Share it below!