There is a way to soften your laundry water without a water softener.

Things You'll Need:
Plastic gallon milk jug with lid
½ pound of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
¼ pound 20 Mule Team Borax
Funnel
Warm water

Step 1:
Rinse and wash an empty plastic milk jug. Rinse well to remove all milk residue and soap.
Step 2:
Add washing soda and borax to the clean milk jug. Use a funnel to insert the washing soda and borax.
Step 3:
Fill the clean plastic milk jug half way up with warm water and secure with the lid.
Step 4:
Shake the jug to blend, holding on the lid so the mixture doesn't splash out the top of the jug.
Step 5:
Fill the bottle the rest of the way with warm water, and shake to mix. You want to dissolve the washing soda and borax in the water.
Step 6:
Add one cup of the solution to each load of laundry. Use your laundry detergent  as you would normally.