I'm a creature that modern advertising would have you believe doesn't exist. I even think I might be something of an enigma, since I am the only person I know who feels like I do... But I'll say it here and now for the record:I hate Febreze. I think it smells awful. I think it smells like mold. I really don't like it, even a little. And it's expensive!
That leaves me in a pickle. Of course I have things I think need freshening up, and I love the idea of Febreze. But man, it just stinks!
So I can't tell you how happy I was when a recipe for making my own Febreze crossed my desk. I have to tell you... It's my favorite home management recipe. It works like a miracle, and it's cheap to make, and I can pick my own smell which, in my opinion, "fits" into my house better than stinky Febreze does.
The recipe is as follows:
1/2 to 1 cup liquid laundry softener (I love Apple Mango Tango)
1 cup vinegar
2 to 3 cups water
Mix in a spray bottle, and spray as you would Febreze. Works wonders on couches, beds and sheets, carpets, dog beds, car seats, etc.
Now, the reason the exact measure of the softener and water varies is because it depends on how powerful you want the smell to be. Something light and subtle calls for less softener and/or more water. Or if the smell of the liquid fabric softener is powerful, you might need to use less of it. On the flip side, if you want it to really smell fresh, use lots of softener and not a lot of water. Customize it to how you want it to work.
I like this recipe a lot better than the regular Febreze. Instead of smelling like damp mold, everything smells like it's fresh from my dryer. That's so much tastier, I think, than Febreze stink.
Things to keep in mind:
Depending on the softener you use, if you spray too much of the stuff, you could end up with a chalky film on some of your fabrics. So spray lightly and spray gently. And check your fabrics to make sure they won't be stained or damaged. If you find that a lot of your stuff is ending up with that chalky film, add more water, and use less softener next time. :)
13 comments:
This is great! Thanks so much for this recipe; I'll have to try it out.
What a great idea! I don't have any liquid fabric softener on hand but I think I'll pick some up and give this a try. Thanks!
awesome idea! i like to do something similar, but i'm an essential oil addict, so i use about 2 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol and then add as much or little oil as i like then shake it up and spray...thanks for the new method!! :)
I can't *stand* the smell of Febreeze either! I see all those "freshness lovers" commercials and I just hink "but it stinks like cheap perfume."
Can't wait to try this out, I happen to love the apple smell of my fabric softener...
fun tip! thanks for sharing the recipe.
Cool recipe. Thanks. I don't mind Febreeze but I hate the price tag.
Awesome idea! Came across your through Rocks, and I'm SO glad you put in your 2 cents - again, LOVE the tip!
I am allergic to nearly every scent out there and I'm always searching for a way to freshen my house without pouring fragrance into the fabrics. I made a mistake in thinking that Fabreze was unscented...boy was I wrong -- I totally agree with you on the smell.
Have a Great Day~
Kristin
You're right! This stuff STINKS! I sprayed my coat to "freshen" it and now I can't stand to wear it. BLeh!! How do i get the Frebreze smell out??? Any ideas?
I like the idea of making homemade Febreeze, but did you know that the artificial fragrances in fabric softeners (and all household products for that matter) really are not healthy at all for you or your family?
When I need to freshen the air, I'll open a window or just boil some water with lemon and essential oils.
http://www.homemademothering.com/2010/01/cheap-easy-way-to-avoid-static-cling.html
There are some organic, biodegradable fabric softeners out there that use essential oils for a perfect scent combonation. I personally like the Mrs. Meyers Basil scented one (you can find it at walmart). There are recipes out there for making your own fabric softener- all you need is hair conditioner, white vinegar, and water!
isn't hair conditioner more expensive than fabric softener? and the ingredients aren't always as benign as we think they are... I thought the object was to save money and make things less toxic?
Mmmmmm nope you are definitely not the only one! To me there is nothing worse a nasty smell covered up by even nastier smelling Febreze! It's not like it's actually cleaning anything, just covering it up. Gag.
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