One of the best alternatives to commercial laundry detergent is probably in your pantry right now. Did you know that you can use vinegar for laundry? It has a number of benefits as a cleaning agent and no – your clothes won’t smell like it!
Vinegar for laundry – what are the benefits
Vinegar works by dissolving zinc salts or aluminum chloride so dirt doesn't stick to your clothes. In addition, Vinegar has antibacterial properties. Read on to discover some eco-friendly uses and benefits of vinegar for laundry.
Wash clothes without harsh chemicals
- No stains on clothing: Vinegar does not typically stain clothing, but it is acidic, so you should not pour it directly onto clothing without diluting it first. To wash your clothes with vinegar, add 1/2 cup (about 120 ml) of distilled white vinegar to the detergent compartment of your washing machine. You don't need to add any other detergents. If you don't have a detergent compartment in your washing machine, mix 1/2 cup of Vinegar with a cup of water (about 250 ml) before pouring it on your clothes.
- Hypoallergenic: Washing your clothes with Vinegar is a great way to avoid using harsh chemicals. If you have sensitive skin, certain detergents can irritate your skin and cause an allergic rash called contact dermatitis. If you are allergic to laundry detergent, Vinegar could be a good substitute.
- Vinegar is environmentally friendly:Research shows that the harsh chemicals in certain laundry detergents are damaging the environment. By only using vinegar and other environmentally friendly detergents, you can be assured that no wildlife will be poisoned or plants harmed. You can even add the water from the washing machine to your lawn without it harming plants or animals.
Which vinegar should you use for laundry:You can wash your clothes with both distilled white vinegarwash with apple cider vinegar. It is also important not to use red wine, brown or balsamic vinegar on your clothing, as these types can cause stains.
Vinegar can dissolve soap deposits and remove stains
Soap buildup can cause blue or white streaks to appear on your clothing. It can also yellow your white clothing and fade dark clothing.
Prevents streaking and yellowing: Vinegar can loosen soap buildup and prevent it from sticking to your clothes. To remove soap residue from your clothing, soak your clothing in a solution of 1 cup of Vinegar to 4 quarts of water before machine washing.
Remove stains: You can use Vinegar to remove stains on your clothes. As with soap scum, dirt and food particles can dissolve when they come into contact with vinegar, allowing the water to take them with it. Dilute 1 cup of Vinegar with 4 liters of water. Pre-treat the stains by pouring the solution directly onto the stain or working it into the stain with a clean cloth.Then wash your clothesas usual.
Lighten clothes: Make a bleach-like solution by combining 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon borax. Add this to your washing machine. You can also soak your clothes in this solution using 4 liters of water.
Vinegar for laundry - soften and deodorize textiles
Vinegar appears to neutralize odors and leaves your clothes smelling clean. It can reduce odors from smoke, pets and sweat. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to your laundry to deodorize smelly clothes.
Remove odors: As mentioned, Vinegar doesn't leave any smell on your clothes, but you can add a few drops of essential oils if you want your clothes to smell.
You can replace fabric softener with vinegar: It softens fabrics without using the harsh chemicals often found in commercial fabric softeners. Vinegar also prevents static, so lint and pet hair are less likely to stick to your clothes.
Prevent static charge and lint formation: When washing your clothes, add 1/2 cup of Vinegar to the fabric softener compartment just before the final rinse cycle. If you want your clothes to have a mild scent, add four or five drops of essential oil to the fabric softener compartment.
Vinegar prevents colors from fading & cleans the washing machine
Over time, detergent, sunlight and wear and tear can cause light-colored clothing to fade. If you want to use vinegar to combat fading, simply add 1/2 cup of Vinegar to the laundry.
Clean your washing machine: A clean washing machine means clean laundry. Vinegar can be used to clean your washing machine and many other household appliances. Run your washing machine without laundry. Use hot water and a cup of vinegar. This will reduce the lint and soap buildup in the machine.
Also read:Washing a coat: What you should pay attention to with the different fabrics
Cautions and Conclusion
- warning: Before washing your clothes with vinegar, make sure you are not allergic to it. Although this allergy is rare, it can affect some people.
- Conclusion: Vinegar is an excellent replacement for detergent - it is inexpensive, effective and environmentally friendly. It can be used for many detergent purposes such as bleach, deodorizer and fabric softener.
How to decolorize discolored laundry? Which home remedies and preventive measures can help?Find out here!
