Softening fabric face masks.

KxMx

After so many washes my 2 layer fabric face masks have become stiff and I would like to soften them.

I'm looking to soak them in a bucket with something - we don't use fabric softner so would rather not buy a whole bottle just for a small task- is there a home made remedy? 

Needs to be a bucket soak as my skin issues mean I can't use anything in washing machine apart from my normal non bio SMOL.

Alter_ego

If you have skin issues it sounds unwise to be soaking in anything, followed by putting them on your face

KxMx

My aim would be to do the bucket soak to soften them then rinse through with clean water.
Then probably put into the machine for the next time I have a load.

joedenise

A lot of people use white vinegar for softening so that might be worth a try.  I wash my face coverings by hand and then rinse several times before line drying, never had a problem with them being hard.

JIL

What about hair conditioner? Something like simple or addictive free, if you already have something you use on your hair or skin wash could that be used as a softner/cleaner.

Could you use a cotton handkerchief and sew it onto the lining?