Clever uses for fabric conditioner
Fabric conditioner, or fabric softener, is a household item that has plenty of clever uses beyond your weekly load of laundry.
Here’s a few of our favourite clever alternative uses – will you give any a go?
Freshen up the carpet
Mix a small capful of fabric conditioner into a spray water bottle and lightly mist over your carpet, using an old towel to wipe over it. It will help freshen up the carpet and leave it smelling bright and clean.
Remove wallpaper
Fabric softener can help make easy work of removing old wallpaper. Mix one cap fabric conditioner with a litre of water, then sponge onto the wall and leave to soak, before scraping from the wall.
Remove pet hair
Pet hair seems to stay in the carpet no matter how many times you vacuum. Mix two parts water to one part softener in a spray bottle. Lightly spray this mixture on your carpet before you vacuum. You should notice more pet hair being picked up with this method.
Repel dust
Save time on your weekly clean by cleaning your surfaces like glass tables and shower doors with liquid fabric conditioner. Mix 1 part conditioner with four parts water and store in a squirt bottle. Pour some of the solution onto a clean cloth, wipe the surface, then polish with a clean dry cloth. It will help keep dust from settling on the surfaces for longer.
Clean old pots and pans
If you have caked-on grease or burned casserole dishes, this simple trick does away with the need for scrubbing. Fill your dish with hot water and add a splash of fabric conditioner, then leave to soak. The grease will begin to dissolve, making it quick and easy to clean.
Protect paintbrushes
After using a paintbrush, you can keep it soft and pliable by rinsing them with a drop of fabric conditioner mixed in. Clean thoroughly, then rinse, wipe the bristles dry and store as usual. When you come to use it next, your paintbrush will be soft and ready to use.
Remove hard-water stains
Hard-water stains on windows can be difficult to remove. To speed up the process, dab full-strength liquid fabric softener onto the stains and let it soak for 10 minutes. Then wipe the softener and stain off the glass with a damp cloth and rinse.
Make your own fabric softener sheets
Fabric softener sheets are convenient to use, but they’re no bargain when compared to the price of liquid softeners. You can make your own dryer sheets and save money. Just moisten an old wash-cloth with 1 teaspoon liquid softener and toss it into the dryer with your next load.
Do you know any clever uses for fabric conditioner? Share your tips in the comments below
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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