Make some old-fashioned fabric softener for a great sleep

There is nothing better than getting into a bed made with freshly washed sheets … unless it’s drying yourself after shower with lovely soft, clean towels. 

But not everyone enjoys the strong, artificial scent that accompanies the store-bought fabric softeners.

There’s an easy way, however, to soften your fabrics, while enjoying a subtle scent from natural ingredients.

To make 750 grams of natural fabric softener you need:

• 500g Epsom salts
• 250g baking soda
• 30 drops lavender essential oil

Mix the ingredients, then store in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. Two tablespoons per machine load should be plenty.

The salts are what softens the fabric, while the lavender is a natural sleeping aid that will smell amazing on your sheets. If you prefer a different scent, you can change the choice of essential oil.

The fabric softener recipe is from The Art of the Natural Home by Rebecca Sullivan. Published by Kyle Books. RRP $39.99. Out now.

Taking inspiration from the household staples of her grandmother’s generation, Sullivan has resurrected traditional methods or updated to suit the modern home, using simple, natural ingredients.  

The book contains recipes for cleaning products, ideas for making things from pickles to herbal salves and make-up serums, and tips on fun activities like growing  your own ‘cocktail garden’.

Do you have a tried-and-tested method for getting the best results from your washing?