From Bounce to Vinegar...A Cost-Effective Trade-Off!

Today I ran out of dryer sheets - right in the middle of laundry day! My initial reaction was to run to the store immediately to buy another overpriced box of dryer sheets, but since my budget is tight, I decided to do some research and find an eco-friendly alternative.

The solution? Vinegar! According to my research, using a 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar in the rinse cycle can take the place of fabric softener. The vinegar dissolves the detergent and bring the clothing back to their natural soft state. At the end of the wash cycle, there is no scent of vinegar and your clothes will have no static cling! Also, vinegar doesn't contain the toxic chemical that can be found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets, and it won't cause allergic reactions, itchiness, or "offensive odor" complaints.

So, it turns out the solution was in the back of my kitchen cabinet all this time! I found some white distilled vinegar left over from last year's Easter egg coloring. I had just enough for two load of laundry. I added some vinegar during the wash cycle of each load, though I missed the part about adding it to the rinse cycle, so I hope my clothes aren't ruined! (I've never used fabric softener, ok?)

Vinegar is a great alternative for fabric softener. It also has many more household uses, so I'm definitely going to stock up on this product! But since I'm more of a dryer sheet girl (I don't have the time or patience to listen for the rinse cycle), I think next time I may use one of the following dryer sheet substitutes on laundry day:

• Static Eliminator reusable dryer sheets - chemical-free, can be used thousands of times, prevent static cling
• Homemade dryer sheet - saturate a small rag or a washcloth with one teaspoon of natural hair condition (may be mixed with vinegar and water) and toss into the dryer 
• Aluminum foil - throw a crumpled ball of foil into the dryer and stop static cling
• Dryer balls - there are tons of dryer balls on the market right now, they are chemical-free, reusable, soften fabrics naturally, and reduce dryer time (caution - most are made from plastic (PVC), not the best eco-friendly choice!)
• Essential Oils - if you like you clothes scented, put a few drops of essential oils on a small cloth and toss into the dryer (you can also use a lavender sachet)

What type of household product substitutes have you used???