Did you know that using fabric softener is not good for your washing machine?   It leaves slimy deposits in your hoses and generally clogs up the macine.  If you must use it, you should fill the Fabric Softener dispenser with White Vinegar at least weekly.  Also, did you know you can wash your clothes with the vinegar in the dispenser, because it can be used as a fabric softener!  Yes that’s right.

I have made up my own fabric softener using white vinegar – it works really well and is so cheap to make:

Annie’s Fabric Softener Recipe

• 2 litre bottle white vinegar (Aldi sells this for $0.99)
• 1 empty 2 litre bottle
• 1 capful Eucalyptus Oil (water soluble – you can buy this at the supermarket) – you can use any pure essential oil – Lavender, Tea Tree etc – just use less – you will need to experiment.

Tip 1/2 the vinegar into the empty bottle – fill both bottles to top with water and add a capful of Eucalyptus  oil to each.  Shake and it’s ready to go!    The Eucalyptus Oil will last for months – so for around $1.40 you have made 4 litres of fabric softener and it took about 2 minutes!   The big bonus is it keeps your washing machine clean, smells wonderful and doubles as a Wool Mix Rinse for those winter woollies.