How to Make Laundry Water Soft without a Water Softener

Quck answer

Here are some methods to soften laundry water without using a water softener:

1. Vinegar: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle to remove mineral deposits and make clothes softer.

2. Baking soda: Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to help soften the water and make clothes feel softer.

3. Borax: Add 1/2 cup of borax to the wash cycle to soften water and enhance the effectiveness of detergent.

4. Washing soda: Add 1/2 cup of washing soda to the wash cycle to soften water and boost the cleaning power of detergent.

5. Liquid fabric softener: Use a small amount of liquid fabric softener in the final rinse cycle to make clothes feel smoother and more comfortable.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using too much of these products, as it may cause damage to your clothes or washing machine.


When you have hard water, it can leave behind deposits of minerals like calcium that can damage pipes and fixtures, make your laundry look dull, and create stains in the bathtub. If you have hard water in your home, one option is to install a water softener. However, if you are renting or using a Laundromat with hard water, installing a water softener may not be possible. Fortunately, there are still ways to soften your laundry water without relying on a water softener.

Step 1

Start by rinsing and washing an empty plastic milk jug. Make sure to rinse it well to remove any milk residue and soap.

Step 2

Next, add washing soda and borax to the clean milk jug. Insert a funnel into the jug and pour in 1/2 lb. of washing soda and 1/4 lb. of borax.

Step 3

Fill the jug halfway with warm water and securely close the lid. Shake the jug to blend and mix the ingredients, making sure to hold onto the lid to prevent the mixture from splashing out.

Step 4

Fill the rest of the bottle with warm water and shake it again to ensure that the washing soda and borax fully dissolve in the water.

Step 5

For each load of laundry, add 1 cup of the solution. Use your regular laundry detergent as you normally would.

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