Fabric softener or fabric conditioner, is a chemical agent used to prevent static cling and make fabric softer by coating the surface of the cloth fibers with a thin layer of these chemicals which have a lubricant properties and are electrically conductive, thus making the fibers feel smoother, softer and preventing buildup of static electricity. Other functions are improvements of iron glide during ironing, increased resistance to stains, and reduction of wrinkling. It is usually available as a liquid or as dryer sheets.
There are so many benefits of using fabric softener, that’s why the demand for fabric softener in the market is growing steadily. Making Fabric softener is very easy and affordable. Word-of-mouth is the best marketing strategy for your products, so let the product speak for itself by giving trial packs to your potential clients. You can also give trial packs as gifts to friends, neighbors, and relatives, whom you can then ask for referrals.
The strongest selling point for your products, of course, is the fact that they are not only of high quality but are also cheaper than their commercial counterparts.
Production of Fabric Softener
Raw Materials:
These can usually be purchased in minimum quantities of half a kilogram or half a liter.
- 250 grams fabric softener flakes
- 2 liters + 1 liter distilled or de-ionized water
- 10 ml ethyl alcohol
- 10 ml downy fragrance
Tools and Equipment:
- wooden or plastic ladle (sandok)
- medium-sized basin (stainless steel or plastic)
- kitchen scale
- measuring spoons and cups
- gas stove
- cooking pot
- 330 ml PET bottles
PROCEDURE:
- Boil 2 liters distilled water in a pot.
- While waiting for the water to boil, crush the fabric softener flakes, either using a mortar and pestle, or, put the flakes in a basin and roll a glass jar over it. Do this until the flakes become powdery.
- Remove the pot from heat. Pour the powdered fabric softener into the pot. Stir the mixture with a ladle until the powdered fabric softener dissolves completely.
- Add the ethyl alcohol and the downy fragrance. Mix well.
- Let the mixture cool for a while, then add another liter of distilled water. Make sure all the substances have thoroughly dissolved.
- When the mixture has cooled enough, pour it into the PET bottles.
The yield of the fabric softener mixture is 3.27 liters. Using 330-ml bottles, you can produce nine to 10 bottles of fabric softener from it. The shelf life of this fabric softener is one year.
You can add a markup of 40 to 45 percent to the total production cost to determine your selling price.
Notes:
- Use tools exclusively for making fabric softener, not the ones you use for food.
- Keep chemicals out of children’s reach.
- Use a facemask when processing, especially if you have asthma.
- Although the ingredients are safe to use, it is recommended that people with highly sensitive skin wear gloves.
- Measure ingredients accurately at all times.
Photo: meycauayan.olx.com.ph