Fabric conditioner

I'm still experimenting with homemade fabric conditioners. There are lots of recipes on the internet which are usually contain one or more of: white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, water, and essential oils or scent. These aren't bad but I haven't yet experienced that "mmm" just washed effect from them. The other downer is that the bicarbonate of soda tends to sink to the bottom of the bottle so you have to give it a really good shake before use, and end up with lots left in the bottom. Not the end of the world, but a bit of a pain. I will add to this post as I try new recipes...

Experiment no.1

I just did a full wash with homemade laundry liquid (that's for another post) and fabric conditioner - the latter contained:

• 90ml vinegar
  
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
  
• 6 drops lavender & 2 drops geranium
  

Results: I find this is fine in terms of the clothes being soft, I can smell the essential oils but it would be nice if the smell was a bit stronger.

Experiment no.2

Same basic ingredients/ amounts, but with a fragrance oil instead of essential oils. The fragrance oil is "Sea breeze" from The Soap Kitchen, and I added about 14 drops.

Results: total failure in the smell department! I can't smell the fragrance oil at all on the washed clothes. :-(

Experiment no.3

Same basic ingredients/ amounts, but with essential oils, lots! I added 15 drops lemon and 15 drops orange. 

Results: there was a nice citrus smell when the clothes came out the washer, but it seems to have faded. Sigh! Methinks a new approach is needed... back to the drawing board. 

I met a lady yesterday who said that she sprays the clothes with lavender in water when she irons, which leaves the clothes with a nice smell and makes the job of ironing more relaxing! :-)

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