Washing with vinegar
Vinegar can be used both in washing machines and when you wash by hand. It’s also a more environmentally friendly alternative to detergent. Read our tips on how you can wash with vinegar and use vinegar as a fabric softener to freshen up your clothes and textiles.
Washing with vinegar, using vinegar in a washing machine and vinegar as a fabric softener is an old trick that actually works really well. The vinegar will bleach, lighten up, reduce odors and make the garments soft without the need to use strong chemicals.
All kinds of acetic alcohol contain acetic acid which is good for your clothes. Apple cider vinegar contains about five to six percent acid, while the distilled vinegar contains a little less, around four percent acid. For washing and as a rinse aid, vinegar alcohol is recommended, as it is distilled and colourless, where vinegar contains tannins that can color the clothes you wash.
Washing instructions vinegar
The acetic acid in vinegar is so mild that it does not damage washable fabrics, but so strong that it dissolves dirt and also residues of soap and detergent. The acid in vinegar also works as a mild bleach, which can make garments that have become gray and dull to look a little fresher. Pour about a deciliter of vinegar into the fabric softener container in your washing machine, or add it manually at the beginning of the rinse cycle when washing with vinegar in the washing machine.
To deal with dirty, white socks or even dishcloths and towels, you can pour a deciliter of vinegar in a large bowl of hot water. Put in the dirty garment, leave overnight and then wash as usual. This trick only works on garments made from 100% cotton.
Remove bad odor with vinegar
If you happen to leave wet towels or damp laundry in a pile or in a bag, it can result in a musty odor that is difficult to get rid of. To get the odor out, you can wash with vinegar – fill the detergent container in the washing machine with vinegar and run a full wash. As soon as it is ready, top up with detergent and wash as usual.
If your clothes and textiles smell of smoke – whether it is smoke from the grill, camping or cigarette smoke – washing with vinegar can help. Simply pour a deciliter of vinegar into the washing machine and wash as usual. If your clothes must be dry-cleaned, and you have access to a bathtub, you can fill the tub with very hot water, add a few decilitres of vinegar and let the garments hang in the steam above the bathtub. Close the bathroom door so that the whole room is filled with water vapor and let hang for a couple of hours.
Rinse with vinegar
If you do not like the idea of using fabric softener for your clothes, or if you think it smells too strong, you can instead use vinegar to make your clothes soft and comfortable. Vinegar works as a natural softener that leaves no traces or odors. Simply pour a deciliter of vinegar into the fabric softener container on your washing machine. Vinegar also helps to remove lint and any hairs from pets when you use it for your laundry.
Remove sweat stains with vinegar
Vinegar and exercise clothes are also a good combo. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and keep it in the laundry room to take care of sweat odor and sweat stains. Spray the vinegar directly on the spots in the armpit and let it work for at least ten minutes before you put the garment in the washing machine. If the fabric feels stiff before you wash, you can rub the stain with a soft brush before placing the garment in the washing machine.
Vinegar washing machine
A clean washing machine results in cleaner laundry. Easy. Residues of detergent and minerals can accumulate in the tubes and cramped spaces of your washing machine, which affects water flow and washing results. Every couple of months, it is wise to wash your washing machine, and vinegar works really well here too. Simply run an empty washing machine with as hot water as possible and a few decilitres of vinegar.
