Vinegar is often mentioned in articles that talk about nutrition, and we have already mentioned some of its health benefits, starting with the fact that it has very few calories, even the small amounts of trace elements it contains. Vinegar is beneficial because it gives a special flavor to our food, while at the same time it helps us reduce salt. It can be a great base of light dressings for our salads, which will prevent us from eating thick, creamy sauces that contain saturated fat, salt, and preservatives.
Therefore, we can say that vinegar has deservedly earned a good place in our hearts. But did you know that you can also use it to wash your clothes? Let’s see what the effects of vinegar are on your clothes.
1. Makes white clothes even whiter
The white vinegar is soft enough not to damage the fabrics when washing, while at the same time it is strong enough to dissolve the remnants of the soaps and detergents. Adding only half a cup of vinegar at the time of final rinsing will give you brighter, lighter colors. Add distilled white vinegar to the softener slot or add it manually at the beginning of the rinse cycle.
Vinegar works as a bleach in linen that has turned gray or lost its luster. If you want to get your white socks back, and not have to buy new ones, just add a cup of distilled white vinegar to a large pot of water. Place the pot on the fire, until it boils and add the clothes to the water. Let them soak overnight and then wash as usual. This method should only be used on 100% cotton fabrics.
2. Makes black clothing even darker
There are times when there are white stains of detergent left on the laundry after washing it. Not only do they make black clothing look discolored, but they can also cause irritation to your skin.
Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine will solve this problem. The vinegar will reinforce the common detergent, preventing the black color from fading and reduce the soap that is created in your clothes, which sometimes remains after washing.
3. Vibrant and durable colors
The vibrant colors of your clothes tend to fade after a couple of washes. However, you can avoid discoloration and prolong the lifespan of your colored clothing. To prevent paint from leaking into the washing machine, place your new color clothing in a solution with a portion of vinegar and a portion of water for 20 minutes.
Before soaking all the tissue in the water and vinegar solution, try it on a part that is not visible and wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Eliminates unpleasant odors and fungi
Bath towels do not dry properly, which causes the formation of fungi or mold and unpleasant odors. But don’t worry, because there is a solution. Put the towels in the washing machine and add enough white vinegar. Choose a high-temperature program and let your clothes be washed.
When the program is over, add a generous amount of detergent and turn the machine back on. This trick works perfectly for small amounts of fungi. For a larger stain and fungal problems, you’re going to need a more aggressive approach.
5. Makes the fabric feel smoother than ever
If you don’t like the idea of using heavy fabric softeners but still want softer clothes, we have the solution for you! Distilled white vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and leaves no residue in your washing machine. Just add half a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle. If you want a light fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, to the vinegar bottle.
Commercial fabric softeners inhibit the flame-retardant properties of children’s clothing, especially pajamas, and should never be used for laundry. Hypoallergenic distilled white vinegar is safe for children’s clothing.
6. Prevents static electricity
We’ve all felt the static electricity making our clothes stick to our bodies in an unpleasant way, but most of the time it stays in our hair, making it fly around our heads. But it can be avoided. Let’s say goodbye to electricity easily with something you definitely have at home, this is nothing less than White vinegar!
Add 1/2 cup of vinegar in the last rinse cycle of each wash load to avoid having static electricity on your clothes and on anything else that is transported through it.
7. Eliminates the smell of smoke
If the smell of cigarette and tobacco remains on your clothes, even if you have washed them, then add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the laundry bucket. Another way to wash clothes and fabrics, such as curtains and pillowcases, is to fill the tub with hot water and add a cup of vinegar. Hang clothes or curtains over steaming water and close the doors so that steam can penetrate the fibers.
Distilled white vinegar is also effective in eliminating the smell of smoke in the air, after cooking in the kitchen, and is also suitable for the dishwasher.
8. Clean your washing machine
Before you start, make sure the washing machine is completely empty of clothes. Add white vinegar to the detergent drawer and, if necessary, baking soda in the fabric softener drawer. Adjust the normal wash cycle and turn on the washing machine. When the washing cycle is over, use a soft, absorbent cloth to clean the container, the plastic area around the door opening, and the glass door.
These stitches should be cleaned and maintained regularly, to keep them dry and prevent mold. We advise you to clean them after each wash.
9. Keep your hair away from your clothes
Half a cup of white vinegar on clothing during washing helps ensure that not only your hair but also that of your pet, does not stick to your clothes. Even if you don’t have contact with animals or wear special clothes when you play with them, your hair falls out and ends up on your clothes.
The main way to get rid of hair is with a dryer, but in that case, you need to have a high budget as well. So the best solution for you is the vinegar.
10. Ecological carpet washing
Frequent carpet cleaning is especially important if you have allergies. Carpets are the favorite place of mites and microorganisms responsible for many allergies. Leave your carpets and rugs in the sun for a long time. Ultraviolet rays from the sun kill the mites.
The most ecological way to clean carpets is with vinegar. In 2 liters of water add 1/6 glass of white vinegar and 1/3 glass of washing machine soap. This natural cleaner is environmentally friendly and will not affect your health as common cleaners can.
