Fabric softener is commonly used to make clothes smoother, easier to iron, and scented. However, did you know that there are several other ways to use fabric softener around the house? If you want to make the most out of the fabric softener you have at home, here’s a guide with some of the best household uses for it.
Fabric Softener for Pest and Rodent Control
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Repel Mosquitoes: The scent of fabric softener is effective in repelling mosquitoes and other insects. You can place an open container of fabric softener outdoors or in indoor spaces to keep these pests away. Simply fill a cup with fabric softener and place it in areas prone to mosquitoes.
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Eliminate Cockroaches: A fabric softener spray is effective at killing cockroaches, which are common pests in homes, especially in kitchens.
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Prevent Mice from Entering the Home: Mice dislike the smell of fabric softener, so placing fabric softener in strategic locations can help prevent them from entering your home.
Fabric Softener for Cleaning
While fabric softener is primarily used to make clothes smell fresh and feel soft, it can also be used for various cleaning tasks around the house when diluted with water.
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Remove Soap Scum from the Bathroom: Fabric softener can help remove soap scum from bathroom surfaces. Simply use a cloth soaked in diluted fabric softener to wipe away soap residue with ease.
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Clean Floors: Fabric softener can clean your home’s floors and remove dust and dirt from surfaces. You can dampen a microfiber towel with fabric softener and use it to wipe the floors clean.
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Clean Walls: Fabric softener can also be used to clean walls. Add a small amount of fabric softener to a container with hot water and a multi-purpose cleaner to create the perfect solution for cleaning walls.
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Clean Windows: To clean windows and remove dust and smudges, soak a microfiber cloth with fabric softener and use it to wipe down the glass.
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Clean Doors: Fabric softener works wonders for cleaning internal doors. Just wipe them down with a paper towel or cloth soaked in diluted fabric softener.
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Polish Mirrors: Diluted fabric softener can be used to clean and polish mirrors to a sparkling shine.
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Dusting: To remove dust more effectively, add a few drops of fabric softener to a duster before using it on surfaces such as TV stands and coffee tables.
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Peel Wallpaper: If you're trying to remove old wallpaper, rubbing fabric softener onto the walls will make it easier to peel the wallpaper off in minutes.
Fabric Softener for Stain Removal
- Remove Deodorant Stains from Clothes: If you have deodorant stains on clothes, simply apply fabric softener to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with water to remove it.
Fabric Softener as a Home Freshener
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Homemade Air Freshener: Mix fabric softener with water to create a homemade air freshener that you can spray throughout the house. Alternatively, add fabric softener to a pot of water and simmer it on the stove to fill your home with a pleasant fragrance.
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Toilet Freshener: Add a small amount of fabric softener to the toilet tank, so it releases a fresh scent with every flush.
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Carpet Cleaning: If you plan to shampoo your carpets, adding a little fabric softener to the cleaning solution will leave your floors smelling fresh and soft.
Clothing That Should Avoid Fabric Softener
While fabric softener can be beneficial for many fabrics, there are certain items it should not be used on:
- Towels: Fabric softener can reduce the fabric's ability to absorb moisture, so it's best to avoid using it on towels.
- Sportswear: Avoid using fabric softener on sportswear as it may reduce the fabric's breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
- Pet Bedding: Fabric softener on pet bedding can irritate your pet's skin, and it may attract dirt and dust to the bedding.
By utilizing fabric softener in these various ways, you can make your home cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable while also saving money.
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