How To Make Scented Vinegar Rinses

Earlier today we taught you how to make your own laundry booster with your own personalized smell. Even though it’s a great way to add some extra cleaning power to your laundry, we know many might utilize a scented vinegar rinse more often. It’s a great way to do away with fabric softener and even easier to make!

Materials:
1+ cups Distilled White Vinegar
Essential Oils or Fresh Herbs
Plastic or Glass Container
Strainer (optional)

1. Add White Vinegar To Container: This “recipe” for scented vinegar rinse can be made in any amount imaginable. We suggest purchasing the largest container possible (as you’ll most likely use it every wash load you have). If you have a cabinet to tuck away the bottle, feel free to use a few cups from it (perhaps cleaning your humidifier) and utilize the same bottle it comes in. If you’re laundry area is out on display, a refillable glass bottle with pour spout is a great option (we use a bottle from a brew house in Laramie, Wy!).

2. Add Smelly Things: Like the laundry booster before this, you may use either essential oils or fresh herbs for this mix. To the large gallon size jug of vinegar, you’ll want to add 24-40 drops of oil. Before adding to your wash load, make sure to shake your bottle gently to re-mix your solution. If you’d like to use fresh herbs (like we do) then simply bruise or chop a full bunch of herbs. If you use a full plant, it will stay in the bottle as you use the vinegar up, if you chop them, make sure to strain it out and add it back to the bottle (no one wants to find basil in their socks when all is said and done). Try things like lavender, mint, basil, chamomile, thyme — or whatever your favorite smell happens to be!

3. Add To Wash: We use 1/4 cup of white vinegar for every wash load we do. Simply pour it into the fabric softener spot, or add it to a Downy ball for release in older washers (or laundromat use). For strongest smells, allow to sit for at least 24-48 hours, then launder as normal.

(Images: Sarah Rae Trover)