My dear friend Lynn has asked me to post more than just food recipes.  Well obviously I like to eat, but they say there's more to life than just eating so here it goes.
I just got done hanging a load of wash on the line.  My homemade fabric softener just ran out, so I'll have to make more.  In honor of Lynn's request, I'll share some fabric softener substitutes and a recipe for one.  Lynn will be using one of these I'm sure.  She's pregnant with twin girls and wow will she be doing laundry!  :-)
Adequately rinsing soaps or detergents out of your clothes is an important first step.  Soap left in the fabric not only causes the item to be less soft, it can act as an irritant and it attracts and holds dirt.  Adding an extra rinse is considered money well spent by some.


FABRIC SOFTENER SUBSTITUTES

Nothing smells better than
sun-dried laundry  

NOTE:  Fabric softener keeps fabric fibers from absorbing moisture.  If your towels aren't doing a good job drying...you're probably overusing softener.

WIND:  Clothes that hang on the line in the wind are much softer than those hanging still.  They still can use some vinegar to be sure the laundry soap is thoroughly rinsed out. 

VINEGAR:  Many consider vinegar to be the best substitute for fabric softener.  It helps remove soap residue serving not just a softening purpose, but also making clothes less likely to attract dirt.  Vinegar can be added to the rinse dispenser.  If you have a top loading machine you have the option to add more directly to the tub during the rinse cycle.  It can also be put on a clean rag and thrown into the dryer to do its work there.  It is very ecologically friendly.

HOMEMADE SOFTENER:  Some people opt to make their own.  There are numerous varying recipes, but most have the same basic ingredients.  This is a good time to use up all those little bottles of hair conditioner piling up that you got at hotels. 

Vinegar is versatile and safe.

INGREDIENTS:  Water, vinegar and hair conditioner.  These are inexpensive ingredients, especially when buying them on sale at discount stores. The following recipe can be made to use for making “dryer sheets.”  
Alternately,do like I do. Mix up one of these recipes and keep it in a jug by the washer.  I pour it into the softener receptacle and let the washer dispense it.

DIRECTIONS #1 RECIPE: 

1.      Mix 3 – 4 cups water, 1 cup vinegar, and 1 cup hair conditioner. 

2.      Layer 3 to 5 old warn out wash cloths* or dish cloths into a plastic container.

3.      Pour in enough conditioner to cover the bottom cloth and seal the container.

4.      When you want one, flip the stack of cloths to get the wet one.  Wring it out and place in the dryer.

5.      After it is used, place it on top and flip the stack to get another wet one.

DIRECTIONS #2 RECIPE: 

1.      Mix 3 cups vinegar, 2 cups hair conditioner and 6 cups water.

2.      Mix together in an old fabric softener jug and use in the washer using the same measure.

3.      Alternately, pour the softener onto a wash cloth* and place in the dryer.

* Some people suggest cutting T-shirts or wash cloths to fit their container.  Beware of anything that will fray when cut (e.g. terry) and leave a mess in the dryer.