News

Dec 07, 2023

Using white vinegar in laundry: to deodorize clothes fast

Thinking of using white vinegar in laundry? This simple ingredient will leave

Thinking of using white vinegar in laundry? This simple ingredient will leave you with soft, odorless clothes, instantly

Using white vinegar in laundry may seem like an unconventional way to remove odors and brighten your clothes – but it's a technique that experts love.

If you’re a vintage fashion enthusiast – or you’ve forgotten about the washing in your machine for a day (or two) too long, then you have probably asked yourself how to get rid of a foisty scent permanently. However, the secret to success may be a kitchen staple that will elevate your laundry room ideas instantly.

Here's why using white vinegar in laundry will change your washing routine for good.

White vinegar is great for deodorizing clothes, but its qualities don't end there. This is how to clean with vinegar for spotless, scentless clothes – and a sparkling clean washing machine.

According to Parenting and Lifestyle Expert Dr. Karen Aronian, white vinegar is one of the best ways to remove odors without worrying about adding chemics to your wash.

For example, in the case of recycled pieces, the clothing may have laundry detergent, softener, dryer sheet fragrance, or personal perfume from the previous owner in the fabric. However, this can cause issues for your washing, as the odor and chemicals can bleed into your wash.

‘It can be extremely difficult to get this odor out of clothing with a basic machine or hand wash,’ Karen says. ‘The ‘perfumes and odors make the item unwearable for scent-sensitive people (especially babies). Therefore, the expert suggests turning to white vinegar.

Dr. Karen recommends creating a mixture of 1/4 of white vinegar and 3/4 of cold water before soaking your clothes in the solution overnight. In the morning, the items are ready to go and ‘rendered scentless.’

Cleaning expert Cristy Harfmann agrees. If you’re wondering how to wash towels or clothes that may have a bad odor, then adding 1/4 to 1 cup of vinegar to the washer during the last rinse cycle will get rid of the scent quickly.

‘It will remove the smells without making your clothes smell like vinegar,’ Cristy says. ‘If the smells still exist, you can replace detergent with vinegar and add it a second time in the rinse cycle,’ she says.

While white vinegar is best known as a deodorizer, it is also an effective brightener and softener. To brighten your clothes, Cristy suggests adding vinegar to the bleach dispenser. To soften your clothes, you should add one cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle via your fabric softener dispenser (instead of fabric softener).

Knowing how to clean a washing machine can feel like a tedious chore, but you can maintain its shine easily with this versatile ingredient.

Cristy suggests adding one cup of vinegar to an empty washing machine and running it once a month. ‘This removes soapy residue from your washing machine tub,’ she explains. It really is that quick, simple, but nonetheless effective.

Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.

We spoke with baristas to establish the best coffee maker for the perfect at-home Americano and gleaned a few tips of the trade too

By Laura Honey•Published 4 June 23

Being a good neighbor doesn't cost anything, and under the terms of HOA, being a bad one could be pretty expensive

By Alex David•Published 4 June 23

It's a hard-working kitchen appliance, so find out how to clean a blender with our guide

By Linda Clayton•Published 17 November 22

Wondering how to clean a stand mixer? We've condensed the process into 5 simple steps. Here is everything you need to know...

By Millie Fender•Published 16 November 22

Including advice for centrifugal and cold press juicers, here is how to clean a juicer

By Millie Fender•Published 15 November 22

This is when and how to clean a coffee maker for the best-tasting brews, and why vinegar can damage your machine

By Ruth Doherty•Published 5 July 22

These are the items that can be damaged by it, so find out what not to clean with vinegar

By Sarah Warwick•Last updated 19 July 22

Discover how to clean a stainless steel sink so it sparkles like it's brand new

By Sarah Warwick•Published 30 April 22

Want to know how to deep clean a kitchen with ease? These tips are all you need

By Thea Babington-Stitt•Published 28 April 22

Wondering how to get rid of fruit flies in the house? These natural remedies will free your home from the common pest

By Rebecca Knight•Published 25 April 22