There are a lot of different opinions out there about using fabric softener and vinegar together in the washing machine. Some people say it’s a no-no, while others say it’s a great way to save money on laundry detergent.
So, what’s the truth? Can you really use these two ingredients together without ruining your clothes? Keep reading to find out!
Can Fabric Softener and Vinegar Be Used Together?
Vinegar is a versatile household staple that can be used for cleaning, cooking, and even laundry. Fabric softener, on the other hand, is designed to add a touch of luxury to your laundry routine.
So, can these two products be used together? The short answer is yes, fabric softener and vinegar can be used together in the washing machine.
Vinegar can help to boost the performance of your fabric softener, making your clothes even softer and more static-free. Just add a small amount of vinegar to your washing machine along with your usual amount of fabric softener.
You’ll be amazed at the difference! Your clothes will smell fresher and feel softer than ever before. Plus, using vinegar in the wash will help to extend the life of your fabrics. So go ahead and give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Be Cautious When Using Vinegar in the Washing Machine
Vinegar is an excellent cleaner but you shouldn’t be using it all the time, especially on its own. When mixed with water, vinegar creates an acidic solution that can eat away at the metal and rubber parts of your washing machine, causing damage over time.
In addition, the acidity of vinegar can also break down fabric fibres, causing them to degrade. As a result, it’s usually best to use a mild laundry detergent when washing clothing.
If do want to use vinegar, then just make sure that you’re not doing it all the time and when you do so, it’s highly diluted. This is why using it with fabric softener, rather than just on its own, can be a great idea.
The best ratio to achieve is around one part vinegar to four parts of fabric softener. With that ratio, you’ll get the benefits of vinegar without any of the downsides.
By taking these precautions, you can help keep your washing machine in good working order for years to come.
Benefits of Using Vinegar as a Fabric Softener
Now you know the precautions to take, why is vinegar used anyway? Let’s take a look.
Vinegar has a reputation for being a harsh cleaning agent, but that’s not true when it comes to clothing. In fact, vinegar is often used as a natural fabric softener.
When added to the rinse cycle, vinegar helps to remove soap residue and build-up from fabric, leaving it soft and fresh-smelling. Vinegar is also effective at brightening colours and whitening whites.
In addition, it helps to prevent static cling and lint buildup. As a result, vinegar can be a great addition to conventional fabric softeners. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and much less expensive than store-bought fabric softeners.
Can You Use Vinegar and Laundry Detergent Together?
If you can use vinegar with fabric softener, is it the same story with laundry detergent? The answer is a yes and no.
Laundry detergent is designed to work with water to remove dirt and stains, and adding vinegar to the mix can interfere with this process. For this reason, it’s best to stick with laundry detergent alone during the wash cycle.
Vinegar, however, can be a great addition to the rinse cycle. Add your detergent at the start and let it run through the wash cycle. Once that part of the cycle is complete, you can then add vinegar to the compartment.
Using vinegar and laundry detergent in the same wash (but at different times) can produce better results than using either one alone. Just be sure to use distilled white vinegar, as other types of vinegar can leave a smell and don’t have a neutral colour.
Final Thoughts
Vinegar is an effective fabric softener, and using it in combination with store-bought fabric softener can result in softer, more manageable clothing.
Just add a small amount of vinegar to your washing machine along with your usual amount of fabric softener. You can use any type of vinegar, but white vinegar is typically the most affordable option, and the least likely to leave a smell on your clothes.
Give it a try the next time you do laundry, and see for yourself how well it works!
I’m a mother of three who loves going on fun adventures with my family. With three little ones, I’ve learned the hard way how to keep a busy home clean! I want to share my tips and tricks to make your life as easy as possible.
