D.I.Y Fab Con

A customer who frequently  buy my Oxy Soap requested me to teach her how to make Fabric Softener. I decided to make it a post so that it will benefit visitors of my blog as well.

So please read on.

What is a Softener?
It is a type of chemical when applied to a fabric during washing or when soaking, makes the material suffle.

Types of Softener?
For shop owners, you should know the different materials available:
  1. Cationic Flakes
  2. Gel Type
  3. Bead Type
Cationic Flakes - Its in flake form much like an oatmeal in appearance. This material uses Cold Process in making your  Fabric Con.

Gel Type - In its gelatinous form, you add it to water (Cold Process) to dilute the mixture.

Bead Type - This material uses Hot Process. You need to boil it .



If you are to save on energy, then the Bead type is not for you. This would leave us with the remaining two.

Difference between Flakes and Gel Type
As to Appearance

  • Gel types - is very consistent in appearance, meaning there is no sign of separation visible to the naked eye.
  • Flakes - At times, there is a sign of separation between the mixture. This does not mean that the flakes is inferior to Gel type.
My Recommendation:

I'd been using the Flakes type and will continue to do so. Yes, there may be separation issue, specially when it is not in use for a prolong period of time. In case there is separation at the time of use, then just shake it a bit and you're done.

The flake type is the most effective and the strength surpasses that of the other of softener. Separation is just a matter of Aesthetic. Effectiveness is more important for me. Don't take my word for it feel free to explore what will work best for you.

The Formulation:

For every four liters of water = add 250grams of cationic flakes

Procedure:
  1. Put water four liters of water in a container
  2. Slowly or gradually put the flakes on the container while stirring.
At my shop, my staff would use a strainer. The strainer is partially submerge in the water and the flakes are pour on the strainer. This would prevent chunking of the flakes. But you will only do this if you are in a hurry and you have buyers waiting. If for your own shop use or personal, you can just pour it on the water and with occasional stirring. Leave it if you have other things to do. Once the flakes has dissolved completely, then your done.

Now this is what you have:
  1. Cationic Flakes + water  = Fabric Softener     
  2. Fabric Softener + Scent (36grams) + Coloring ( a pinch only) = Fabric Conditioner
Don't Waste Your Precious Scent
If you're a shop owner, you should be aware that no matter how fragrant your clothes are as it comes from the washer, all this smell will dissipate once heated on your gas dryer.

So, it is a waste to put scent on your softener. Use your scent instead for making Finishing Spray. I will have a different topic for this.

If you are into selling your Fabric Con, only then will you add scent and color.

I hope you learned from this post. Just leave a comment if you have question.
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