03/07/2024
Reasons to Use Vinegar in Laundry and Its Benefits
1. Banish Mildew Odor
Adding vinegar during the wash cycle can get rid of any moldy or sour odors on towels. Fill the washer with hot water (use warm water for dark-colored towels). Add 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and run a complete cycle. Run a second complete cycle with detergent.
2. Dissolve Soap Residue
The acetic acid in distilled white vinegar can dissolve residues (alkalies) left in fabrics by soaps and detergents. Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser, or add the vinegar manually at the beginning of the rinse cycle.
3. Brighten and Whiten Clothes
Vinegar can be used to brighten dull clothes. To get white cotton dishcloths, underwear, and socks white again, add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to 1 gallon of water in a large pot. Heat the solution to boiling, turn off the heat, and add the dingy items. Allow them to soak overnight, and then launder as usual.
4. Reduce Lint and Pet Hair
Using vinegar in the rinse cycle will help prevent pet hair and lint from clinging to clothes. Remember, vinegar should not be used in every wash cycle. If it's too soon to use vinegar in your laundry routine again, you can soak your clothing in the sink or rub, rinse, and then wash normally.
Add 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser or directly to the washer at the start of the rinse cycle. Do not combine with a commercial fabric softener.