9 Super Clever Reasons To Add Vinegar To Your Laundry

by Maria Konou
Advertisement

Vinegar is all around an amazing thing to have in your home. It not only works great for salads, and cleaning, but it is also a great helper when it comes to doing the laundry. What if we told you that adding a little bit of vinegar in your laundry will not only clean and disinfect it well, but it will also clean your washing machine and your clothing iron, as well? That’s right, vinegar is a powerhouse that can make your days easier and your cleaning process faster and more effective. So, if you want to see the most clever reasons to add vinegar to your laundry, just continue reading!

Let’s see the most genius reasons to add some vinegar to your laundry

should you add vinegar to your laundry

When it comes to the laundry, vinegar truly does it all!

why would you put vinegar in your laundry

Super Clever Reasons To Add Vinegar To Your Laundry

#Banishes the smell of mold

Leaving wet towels in the basket or putting wet clothes in the washing machine can lead to mold, as many of us probably already know from experience. So to keep everything smelling fresh, just fill the washing machine with hot water, add 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and run a full wash cycle. After that, run a second full cycle with detergent added. This works amazing for small amounts of mold. For larger mold and stain problems, you will probably need to use a more aggressive treatment.

No one likes wet and moldy laundry, so make sure to use some vinegar

can you add vinegar to your laundry detergent

#Lightens and bleaches clothes

The acetic acid in distilled white vinegar is so mild that it will not harm washable fabrics. Yet it is strong enough to dissolve soap and detergent residues. Adding just 1/2 cup of vinegar to the last rinse will make colors brighter. What’s more, the mild acetic acid in vinegar also acts as bleach and brightener for gray, dirty clothes. To make white socks and dirty towels white again, just add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water. Then heat to boiling and let the items soak overnight, and after that do your laundry as usual. However, keep in mind that this method should only be used on 100% cotton fabrics.

The mild acetic acid in vinegar also acts as bleach and brightener for gray, dirty clothes

what does adding vinegar to your laundry do

#Naturally softens fabrics

If you don’t like the idea of using commercial fabric softeners with a strong smell, then vinegar is just the thing you need. Distilled white vinegar acts as a natural softener and leaves no residue on the laundry. Just add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the last rinse cycle. That is a great method to keep your clothes soft without using heavily-scented perfumes and fabric softeners that may cause allergies and skin irritation.

White vinegar will keep your clothes soft without using heavily-scented perfumes

what happens when you add vinegar to laundry

#Reduces lint and pet hair

If you have pets, then you know how hard it is to deal with pet hair sometimes. It somehow always find its way everywhere, and you feel like your clothes will never be the same. However, vinegar does not agree! Just add 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar in the rinse cycle to help prevent lint and pet hair from clinging to clothes. Try this amazing hack and thank us later!

White vinegar will actually help prevent lint and pet hair from clinging to clothes

can i add vinegar and baking soda to laundry

#Fights underarm odor

Sweat stains on white clothes is something we have all had to deal with at one point in life. So, to deal with that, just fill a spray bottle with some undiluted distilled white vinegar and keep it near your laundry.  This is your secret weapon for removing sweat odor and stains on washable clothes. To do so, spray the vinegar solution directly onto the fabric on the inside of the armpit areas and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before putting the garment in the washing machine. After you run the cycle, the stains should be gone, as well as the unpleasant odor!

Vinegar is your secret weapon for removing sweat odor and stains on washable clothes

does adding vinegar to laundry help remove stains

#Preserves the color of dark clothes

Everyone wants their black clothing pieces to remain super dark and crisp black. Adding 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the last rinse cycle will actually help remove soap and detergent residue that stains black clothes. So, don’t think vinegar is only for white clothing pieces!

Vinegar will actually remove stains and soap residue from black clothing pieces

why should you put vinegar in your laundry

#Removes the smell of cigarettes

If your clothes smell like cigarettes, just add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the wash cycle. For dry-clean-only clothes and furniture, such as pillows and curtains, fill the tub with very hot water and add 1 cup of vinegar. After that, hang the clothes or fabric over the steaming water and close the door, so the steam can penetrate through the fibers. Vinegar can not only remove the smell of cigarettes, but also treat various stains like mildew, tomato, mustard, coffee, rust, grass, ink, and many more!

Vinegar can not only remove the smell of cigarettes, but also treat various stains 

why do you add vinegar to laundry

#Cleans the washing machine

A clean washing machine equals cleaner laundry, as we all know. Soap residue and mineral deposits can build up in hoses, restricting water flow and therefore the performance of your washing machine. So, four times a year, remove soap residue and clean the hoses by running a full wash cycle with an empty washer. Use hot water and 2 cups of distilled white vinegar to run a wash. The vinegar and hot water will thoroughly clean your washing machine, so you don’t have to worry about a thing! Also, make sure to take a look at our guide for deep cleaning your washing machine to find more amazing tips and tricks.

Deep clean your washing machine by running an empty wash with hot water and vinegar

why should i put vinegar in my laundry

#Cleans the clothing iron

Mineral deposits can also clog the steam vents and spray nozzles of your clothing iron. To clean your iron perfectly and remove these deposits, fill the water chamber with a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and distilled water. Place the iron in an upright position on a heat-resistant surface and let it steam for about five minutes. If needed, wipe your iron with a cloth, and voilà! Your iron is sparkling-clean from the inside and out. In addition, take a look at our complete guide for deep cleaning your iron to find more tips and tricks.

White vinegar can also easily clean your iron on the inside and outside

how to clean your iron plate

Now you know all the smart reasons to add vinegar to your laundry. Remember to always use white distilled vinegar, because other types like apple cider vinegar and wine vinegar can stain your white clothes. So, use white vinegar for your cleaning and laundry, and leave the others for your cooking and salads!

These are the most clever reasons to add some white vinegar to your laundry!

what does adding vinegar to laundry do

Related Articles

Sources

Maria Konou

Maria Konou is a specialist in the field of digital marketing and fashion. However, she has always had a way with words. That’s what led her to her dream job here at Archzine. She has worked in many different fields over the years, but according to her, being an author has been the most rewarding. Maria is a huge plant enthusiast, loves everything fashion-related, is very sustainably aware, and is always open to learning about new things.