Multiple Uses of Vinegar in Laundry

SadaNews - Vinegar is a kitchen staple, but in reality, it is a versatile household ingredient. From cleaning floors to pest control, having a bottle of this multi-purpose ingredient is essential in the home at all times.

According to Southern Living, cleaning expert and writer Becky Rapinchuk, who has over a million followers on social media, notes that one of the best ways to use vinegar at home is in laundry.

Rapinchuk, known as "Clean Mama" online, states that white vinegar is versatile in the laundry room and inexpensive, adding that "white vinegar can be used in laundry to clean the washing machine, soften fabrics, remove odors, and prevent colors from fading."

Best Types of Vinegar for Laundry

Distilled white vinegar is the best choice for laundry and cleaning the home. Rapinchuk, who has authored four cleaning books, says: "I prefer regular white vinegar with a 5 percent acidity, as it is easily available and effective throughout the home."

Fabric Softening

To use vinegar as a fabric softener, Rapinchuk recommends adding a quarter cup of white vinegar to each load, placing it in the fabric softener compartment of the washing machine.

Odor Removal

If the laundry smells unpleasant after washing and needs to be rewashed, vinegar can be used. In this case, Rapinchuk advises adding a quarter to half a cup of white vinegar to any load that needs refreshing.

Stain Removal

Vinegar can be used to treat laundry stains by pouring it directly onto the stain. In this case, mix a tablespoon of vinegar with a tablespoon of laundry detergent, then generously apply the mixture to the stain. Leave it for at least an hour before washing the clothes as usual.

Preserving Clothing Colors

Adding a quarter cup of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment in the washing machine helps prevent colors from fading. It can also be used as a bleach-free alternative to whiten white clothes by adding a cup of vinegar to a gallon of hot water, then Submerging the white clothes completely in the solution and soaking overnight. Afterward, run the washing machine on the appropriate wash cycle with laundry detergent as usual. Vinegar can also be added to the rinse cycle to help reduce bleach buildup that can affect clothing colors. However, Rapinchuk strongly warns against using vinegar with bleach.

Additional Cleaning

Rapinchuk states that vinegar can be used to clean the washing machine tub by adding one cup of white vinegar to an empty washing machine with hot water, or by applying white vinegar to a microfiber cloth to wipe down the corners inside the washing machine, then adding one cup of white vinegar to the washing machine before running it on a self-cleaning cycle or on the highest temperature setting.

Precautions for Using Vinegar in Laundry

Vinegar should not be used in laundry when washing rubber items, or in the presence of other cleaning materials such as bleach, ammonia, or sodium bicarbonate.

Rubber Clothing

With repeated use, the acidity of vinegar can damage rubber and ruin clothing. In other words, vinegar should be avoided when washing sportswear and swimwear.

Chlorine Bleach

Bleach and vinegar should never be mixed. This combination produces toxic chlorine gas, which is highly dangerous upon exposure.

Ammonia

As with bleach, vinegar should avoid being mixed with ammonia. This mixture produces a solution with a high acidity level that can irritate the skin.

Sodium Bicarbonate

Using vinegar with sodium bicarbonate causes an explosion along with the release of carbon dioxide gas.

Frequency of Using Vinegar in Laundry

Vinegar should not be used in laundry daily with every load. Daily use can damage the washing machine, especially rubber parts, and frequent use can damage delicate fabrics. It is recommended to use it only as needed, after clothes have faded or when residues have built up. Of course, one should always check the washing machine manufacturer’s guide and clothing labels before using vinegar.