People put distilled white vinegar in the washing machine to naturally soften fabrics, neutralize odors, reduce static and lint, brighten colors, remove soap residue, and tackle mildew, usually by adding about 1/2 cup to the fabric softener dispenser during the final rinse cycle. It's a cheap, chemical-free alternative to commercial softeners and helps clothes feel softer by breaking down detergent buildup, making them feel scratchy.
Yes, you can mix white vinegar and laundry detergent, but it is generally recommended to use them separately. White vinegar is sometimes used as a natural fabric softener or to remove odors from laundry, while laundry detergent is specifically designed to clean clothing and remove stains.
Vinegar is a strong acid and consumer reports does not recommend that you use it in a washing machine. It can actually cause corrosion and gasket and hose deterioration.
Not only is it harmful to use vinegar on your clothes it is also a very bad idea since vinegar contains acetic acid which is not very good to cotton or wool and should be avoided at all times. Furthermore acetic acid will reduce the wear time for your garments considerably more than ordinary washing powder will.
Using vinegar in the wash shouldn't be an everyday thing for every load. Using it daily can damage the washing machine, especially the rubber parts, and repeated use could damage delicate fabrics. Limit use to an as-needed basis, after clothes have dulled or as residue begins to build up.
To remove black mould from a washing machine seal, first wipe it with a cloth soaked in a solution of bleach, vinegar, or a specialized cleaner, scrubbing folds with a brush, then run a hot cycle with vinegar or cleaner; finally, wipe the seal dry and leave the door open to prevent recurrence. Always wear gloves, use good ventilation, and avoid mixing bleach with vinegar.
Cons: This product when used in large quantities, or all the time, can damage fabrics such as cotton, linen, rayon, and nylon. It can also change the colors of pH-sensitive dyes. Also, because of its acidic nature, doing laundry with vinegar can damage components of the washer such as the seals and hoses causing leaks.
White vinegar isn't harmful to all washing machine parts. You may be able to use it on some dispensers, doors and other external surfaces.
Here are ten compelling reasons why you should consider using vinegar instead of softener in your laundry routine:
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 whitener and brightener for gray, dingy clothes.
One of the best ways to clean the washing machine is using chlorine bleach and distilled white vinegar. Starting the washer on its hottest cycle, allow the drum to fill with water, then add one quart of chlorine bleach to the water before allowing the cycle to complete.
Vinegar has a very low pH level which means it's very acidic, so it can corrode some surfaces over time. For example, using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble can dull and scratch the surface and it can corrode surfaces like unsealed grout, window seals, and fridge and dishwasher gaskets.
Bleach and vinegar mixture produces chlorine gas, which can cause coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes. Bleach and ammonia produce a toxic gas called chloramine.
Vinegar is a natural odor neutralizer and can help eliminate mildew smells. Fill a basin or sink with a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water. Soak your clothes in this solution for at least 30 minutes. Thoroughly rinse clothes before adding them to the washer.
Vinegar is sometimes used as a fabric softener or for getting rid of stains and odors in laundry. But as with dishwashers, using vinegar constantly can damage the rubber seals and hoses in some washing machines to the point of causing leaks, which might lead to all kinds of additional damage to the house.
Softens Clothes
If your clothes often feel stiff after coming out of the laundry, adding some vinegar to the load can help. "Vinegar softens clothes by breaking down excess detergent that makes clothes feel stiff," says Patric Richardson of The Laundry Evangelist.
1-part vinegar and 4 parts water — just vinegar and water can do the trick if the mold growth in your washer gasket is in sparse amounts.
Adding Vinegar to Your Machine as a Fabric Softener:
Vinegar, particularly distilled white vinegar, is an excellent natural fabric softener and deodorizer. Add a cup of vinegar to your machine during the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener to remove odors and leave your laundry smelling fresh.
Although vinegar and baking soda shouldn't be harmful to your washing machine if used in moderate amounts, extreme use can impact some of the coatings on the drive shaft components, which are the parts responsible for switching cycles from agitate to spin.
Vinegar is generally better for killing mold on porous surfaces because it penetrates roots and prevents regrowth, while bleach is better for non-porous surfaces (like tile) where it kills surface mold but doesn't stop roots and can damage porous materials; however, for large mold issues, professionals are recommended as both have limitations and bleach releases toxic fumes, making vinegar safer.