After washing clothes many times, is there still a bad odor lingering? Do your clothes get harder and harder as time goes by? Some stains just won’t wash out? When washing clothes, there are times when laundry detergent just isn’t enough. But there is one household item that can easily fix these problems: white vinegar. Using white vinegar to wash clothes may seem incredible, but it is truly effective. Today, I’ll tell you how to use white vinegar for washing clothes.
1. Functions and Principles of White Vinegar for Washing Clothes
White vinegar has several functions when it comes to washing clothes.
Getting Rid of Odors
White vinegar is a natural acid that helps neutralize alkaline odors on clothes. Most odors that stain our clothes are alkaline, such as the smell of sweat and kitchen fumes. White vinegar can break down odor molecules and freshen clothes. It works as a natural deodorizer.
Softening Clothes
Clothes often get harder after repeated washing. Tap water contains minerals that can build up on clothing fibers, making them stiff. Vinegar’s acidity breaks down the minerals. This softens both the water and your clothes. Compared to fabric softeners, white vinegar is more natural and chemical-free.
Stain Removal
Many stains, such as oil stains, fruit juice, and sweat stains, are alkaline. Vinegar’s acidity neutralizes stains. This helps lift them from the fabric fibers more easily.
2. How to Wash Clothes with White Vinegar
White vinegar isn’t a replacement for laundry detergent in everyday washing. But, it works well for specific tasks.
As a Softener
First, place the clothes in the washing machine and set it to a normal water temperature. Then, add about 1/2 cup (about 120ml) of white vinegar to the softener compartment of the washing machine. Start the wash cycle and wait for the final rinse. At this point, the white vinegar will soften the clothes and remove detergent residue.
To Remove Stains and Odors
For stubborn stains like grease or sweat, mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with laundry detergent. Apply it directly to the stained areas. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before putting it in the washing machine. This will effectively break down the stains and odors.
Clean Your Washing Machine
If your washing machine has odors or limescale buildup, run an empty cycle once a month. Add 1 cup of white vinegar and use hot water. This will help keep your washing machine clean and fresh.
Cleaning Stains
If your clothes have stains, soak them in cold water mixed with 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar for 15-30 minutes. Gently rub the stained area. White vinegar will help break down the dye and remove the stain, followed by a rinse with water. If the stain remains, repeat the process. You can also add laundry detergent and do a regular wash.
White vinegar has many uses in laundry. It removes odors, softens clothes, and tackles stains. As a natural acid, it neutralizes smells like sweat and kitchen fumes. It also softens clothes affected by hard water. White vinegar’s acidity breaks down stubborn stains such as grease and sweat. Pour white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment. Or, mix it with detergent to fight stains. It’s also great for cleaning your washing machine once a month to remove odors and limescale. White vinegar also helps with dye stains on clothes.