A washing machine expert has revealed a simple household item that can be used to soften and brighten your clothes, potentially saving you money on expensive laundry products. The expert from EZY Washing Machine Repair took to TikTok to share his tip of using white vinegar, a common kitchen staple, instead of fabric softeners or whitener powders.
He explained that not only does it “soften and whiten your clothes,” but it also “breaks up detergent built up in the machine”. He added: “At the end of the day, it’s a natural product. We consume it, so if it’s good for us, it’s definitely good for your washing machine.”
However, he did note that some people believe the acidity in white vinegar could damage the rubber parts of the washing machine over time, but stated: “I personally use white vinegar and have been for years and have never seen an issue with it.”
Lora Finn, a laundry guru at Vileda, has declared white vinegar as a “game-changer” for the washing routine. In a conversation with The Express, Lora revealed: “Firstly, it’s important to remember that white vinegar doesn’t eliminate all types of germs, and you shouldn’t use it as a replacement for your regular washing routine.”
She furthered: “However, if you’re looking for a natural solution to soften or remove odour from your clothes, then white vinegar could be for you! Instead of a commercial fabric softener, I recommend adding half a cup to the correct compartment of your washing machine during the final rinse cycle. This neutralises any soap residue left behind by washing detergent, therefore reducing build-up and helping clothes feel softer.”
Elaborating on this, Lora noted that the acid in white vinegar “works to remove alkaline odours from clothes by neutralising them.”
For those stubborn smells, she advised that this could be an effective trick.
Additionally, Lora advocates for the use of white vinegar in maintaining the cleanliness of the washing machine itself, stating: “Periodically running an empty hot wash cycle with white vinegar will break down any residue inside your washing machine, so it’s in tip-top condition and ready for next time.”
You should consult your washing machine manual to see if it’s safe to use white vinegar with your appliance.