Using low-cost distilled white vinegar on clothing will whiten, brighten, reduce odor, and soften clothing without harsh chemicals. Vinegar is safe to use in both standard and high-efficiency washers and it is beneficial for septic tanks and the environment.
All types of vinegar contain acetic acid that works to brighten, soften, and eliminate odors in clothing. Cider vinegar is made from apple juice and it has an acidity in the range of 5 to 6%. It is yellow or golden amber in color.
Distilled or white vinegar is produced from the second fermentation of dilute distilled alcohol. Alcohol can be made from grains or the starch of corn, potatoes, rice, or barley. Distilled vinegar is generally less acidic than cider vinegar and has an acidity of four to seven percent. Also sIt may be labeled cleaning vinegar, but it can be used in laundry.
When you buy vinegar to use for laundry, Choose distilled white vinegar. It does not contain tannins (natural vegetable dyes) that can stain clothes and is less expensive. If you must use cider vinegar, use less and dilute with water before pouring it directly onto clothing.
Brightens and bleaches clothes
The acetic acid in distilled white vinegar is so mild that it will not harm washable fabrics. However, it is strong enough to dissolve the residues (alkalis) left behind by soaps and detergents. Adding just a half cup of vinegar to the final rinse will result in brighter, lighter colors. Add the distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser or add the vinegar manually at the beginning of the rinse cycle.
The mild acetic acid in vinegar also acts as a bleach and brightener for gray and dark clothing. To turn stained white socks and white dishcloths white again, add a cup of distilled white vinegar to a large pot of water. Heat to a boil and add the dark garments. Allow them to soak overnight and then wash as usual. This method should only be used on 100% cotton fabric.
Banish the smell of mold
Leaving wet towels in a basket or a load of wet clothes in the washing machine can create mold and a musty smell. To make everything smell good, fill the washer with hot water, add two cups of distilled white vinegar, and run a full wash cycle. Run a second full cycle with added detergent.
This works well for small amounts of mold and sour smells. For larger stains and mold problems, you should use a more aggressive treatment.
Soften fabrics naturally
If you don't like the idea of ​​using heavily scented commercial fabric softeners, but want softer clothing, distilled white vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and leaves no residue on clothing. Just add a half cup to the final rinse cycle. If you like a light scent, Add a couple of drops of an essential oil like lavender to the bottle of vinegar.
Commercial fabric softeners interfere with the flame retardant qualities of children's clothing, especially pajamas, and should never be used to wash clothes. White distilled vinegar is safe and hypoallergenic for all children's clothing.
Reduces lint and pet hair
Just a half cup of white distilled vinegar in the rinse cycle will help prevent lint and pet hair from sticking to clothing. It also helps remove excess lint if you accidentally washed something dark with some lint-producing towels.
Eliminate armpit odor
Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white distilled vinegar and keep it handy in the laundry room to remove the odor from perspiration and stains on washable clothing. Spray the vinegar directly onto the fabric inside the underarm areas and let it work for at least ten minutes before throwing the garment into the washing machine. If the fabric feels stiff before washing, use a soft bristle brush to break up the residue. The vinegar will help cut the residual deodorant left on the clothes and prevent yellowing of the armpits.
Clean the washing machine
A clean washing machine equals clean clothes. Soap scum and mineral deposits can build up in washer hoses, which restricts the flow and performance of the water. Four times a year, remove soap scum and clean the hoses by running a full wash cycle with an empty washer with hot water and two cups of distilled white vinegar.
If you have automatic detergent or fabric softener dispensers, put white distilled vinegar in the dispensers to dissolve any build-up of residue that may limit performance. Use vinegar to clean more often to help freshen up a musty front-load washer.