What is a good fabric softener substitute?

Baking soda and vinegar make excellent alternatives to fabric softener. To use baking soda only, add 1/2 cup to the washer, and allow it to dissolve before adding the clothes. Otherwise, add 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar to regular detergent.

Borax is a household item that can be used to soften a load of laundry. This can be done by adding 1/4 cup of Borax to the rinse cycle. Another solution is adding 2 to 4 tennis balls to the washer, according to Apartment Therapy.

Synthetic fabrics tend to cause more static in the dryer. Separate synthetic fabrics from natural fabrics like hemp, cotton, linen and bamboo.