I know it sounds like a case of "life's too short" but, seriously, you should try this. I made some one day when I'd run out of the super-expensive softener I was having to buy because one of my daughters is allergic to everything else. I figured I'd give it a go and I was genuinely surprised at how worth doing it was. For starters, it takes about two seconds to make. Secondly, it works brilliantly. Thirdly, my daughter is not allergic to it. Fourthly, it is so cheap. Fifthly, I won't ever run out of softener again because I can just make more. So here's how to do it (for half a litre): Make it up in a measuring jug. You'll need to do it twice to fill a litre bottle. First, pour in the vinegar. Add the lavender oil and water. Stir and pour some into your bottle. If you have a label maker, stamp one out with "softener" so it looks stylish, too. Shake well before each use. * Tip taken from <strong>Simply Wonderwoman: A Survival Guide For Women With Too Much To Do (Kyle Books) by Joanna Gosling</strong>, Dh103, www.amazon.com