How do I get combed cotton t-shirts softer without using downey?

Thanks for asking! 

Cotton, along with most fabrics, becomes softer with age and washing,
as the fabric fibers break down. Numerous washings will eventually
soften cotton tee shirts, without any use of fabric softeners. Drying
in a tumble dryer, over time, also speeds aging, and therefore
softening.

For faster softening, without Downy, you can try these natural fabric
softeners. Most are intended for the washing machine rinse cycle, or
will work just as well if you add an ounce or so to the water, if hand
washing in a sink or basin.


Glycerin Softener
-----------------

Mix 1 cup of Glycerin with 1 gallon of water. Glycerin is available at
natural markets, and most pharmacies.

Add half a cup of the Glycerin mixture to the wash or rinse cycle. 


Homemade Fabric Softener
------------------------

Mix: 1 cup white vinegar 
     1 cup baking soda 
     2 cups water 

in a glass or plastic container. Shake the mixture well just before
adding 1/4 cup to the final rinse cycle of your washer. You can use a
bit more if you have very hard water. You can use a few drops of
essential oils (lavender, lemon, or rosemary) to add a natural scent.


Vinegar
-------

Vinegar, both apple cider and white distilled, is another natural
fabric softener all by itself. It does an excellent job of removing
soap or detergent residue, and helps reduce static cling, in addition
to softening. It's *the* recommended fabric softener for baby's
diapers, so you can be sure it's very mild, as well as effective.


Melaleuca alternifolia
----------------------

In addition to noted healing properties, melaleuca alternifolia
(tea-tree oil) also has fabric softening properties. Native to
Australia, tea tree leaves are added to bathing water to promote
healthy skin. Tea tree oil is widely available in the "natural"
sections of supermarkets, drugstores, and natural food stores.


Lemon
-----

My mom (born circa 1915) used to toss half of a fresh lemon into the
washer final rinse. She said it replaced the need for bleach,
especially if sun drying, and softened the fabric, to boot. As a very
mild acid, like vinegar, lemon juice would also remove detergent
residue.


Household "Recipe" Resources
----------------------------

The Healing Heritage
http://belladonna.hypermart.net/Heritage/recipes.htm

Dave's Garden - Homemade Fabric Softeners
http://davesgarden.com/t/40913/

Frugal Shopper - HomeMade Laundry Softener and Stain Remover 
http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/articles/softener.html


Answer Strategy
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I am familiar with these fabric softener substitutes through years of
use, especially vinegar. As a "natural living" Californian, I can
honestly say my favorite favorite 100% cotton tee shirts feel soft and
comfy from the first washing and drying. I also used Google to locate
"official" fabric softening recipes.

Google Search Terms:

vinegar "fabric softener"
homemade "fabric softener"


If anything I've said is unclear, or should you discover a broken
link, please, let me know, and I'll make it right. :)

---larre

I've found that plain old 20 Mule Team Borax makes t-shirts softer. It
deodorizes 'em, too, without adding any fragrance. I throw a cup of
borax into every load of laundry. Not only does it make the clothes
soft and naturally good-smelling, it also conserves detergent; you
only need about half as much laundry detergent when you're using
borax.

Thank you, mcater, for the stars and the generous tip!

---l