Ways To Use Fabric Softener That Have Nothing To Do With Laundry

Adobe

You might have your favorite brand. You may even make your own. It makes your favorite shirt even softer and your sheets smell amazing. But did you know you can use fabric softener for more than just laundry? Check out these creative, convenient, alternative ways to use this household staple.

Help Floors Shine

Dull vinyl or linoleum floors are a dud. After sweeping and mopping as you normally would, mop with a cup of white vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Then, give it a final once-over with a fabric softener/water mixture for a glowing finish. This method is not recommended for hardwood floors.

Eliminate Burned-On Food

Scorched pans can be a pain to get clean. The next time you find yourself trying to scrub away burnt food remnants, try this approach from One Good Thing instead. Fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil. Add a tablespoon of fabric softener, let it soak overnight and wash it away the next day.

scorched pan photo
Flickr | rmkoske

Eradicate Scum

A water-stained glass shower door looks grungy. According to Tipnut, you can loosen soap scum by washing the glass with a half cup of fabric softener mixed with about a cup of warm water. When you rinse off the mixture, the soap scum will rinse away, too.

cleaning shower photo
Flickr | Carissa GoodNCrazy

Pick Up Pet Hair

Having a dog or cat can make you happier and even healthier. However, having animal hair all over your home is not quite as awesome. Try spraying fur-covered areas with a mixture of fabric softener and water, according to Tips.net. Once it’s dry, you should be able to brush or vacuum the hair away.

cat laundry photo
Flickr | joannapoe

Remove Car Sticker Residue

Equal parts water and fabric softener can loosen the adhesive left by stickers on car windows and other glass surfaces. Start by peeling or scraping off the sticker as best you can. Soak it with soapy water before spraying on a mixture of fabric softener and hot water.

stickers on car window photo
Getty Images | Matt Cardy

Soften Carpet

Whether your carpet is brand new or well-used, it can feel stiffer than you would like. The Dollar Stretcher recommends mixing hot water and fabric softener and using it as the solution for a steam carpet cleaner. Rinse and extract well to remove as much of the solution as possible and enjoy soft, fresh-smelling floors.

Unsplash | Picsea

Detangle Doll Hair

If Barbie or Baby Alive’s locks are looking rough, blogger Ashley Hackshaw says fabric softener can help. Soak the doll’s hair in equal parts water and fabric softener. Brush out tangles and rinse with vinegar and water.

Pixabay | Alexas_Fotos

Wash Woodwork

If you have wood-paneled walls, baseboards or other surfaces, it can be tough to keep them clean. Try washing them down with fabric softener. It can remove grime without damaging the finish — and it will make the room smell fantastic.

wood panels photo
Flickr | Guttorm Flatabø

Make Homemade Febreze

Freshen up linens, drapes or furnishings with the scent of your favorite fabric softener. Add a little baking soda and some softener to a spray bottle. Fill the container with water, shake it up and spritz away. Find the complete recipe here from Spend with Pennies.

Adobe

Ward Off Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying, they can carry deadly diseases, as well. Switching up the measurements of the DIY fabric freshener above can transform some fabric softener, baking soda and water into mosquito repellent with a soft, clean scent.

mosquito photo
Flickr | DFAT photo library

Have you found any creative ways to use fabric softener?

Cleaning & Organization, Curiosity, Home, Tips & Advice
,

Related posts

Method All Purpsoe Cleaner, Shark Vacuum, and Clorox spray cleaner
Experts told us the cleaning tools they can't live without
Best cleaning products
15 Amazon cleaning tools that'll make life so much simpler
19 gifts that will help a messy person get more organized
collage image of a bathtub, a laundry drying rack and a tea kettle on a stovetop
Easy ways to increase the humidity in your home without buying a humidifier

About the Author
Tricia Goss
Tricia Goss is a Texas-based writer and editor with nearly two decades of experience. She is passionate about helping readers improve their skills, gain knowledge and attain more happiness in life. When she’s not working, Tricia enjoys traveling with her husband and their dog, especially to visit their five grandchildren.

From our partners