Can I put vinegar in every load of laundry?

Author: Fay Dickens II  |  Last update: Thursday, August 21, 2025

Washing your clothes with vinegar isn't something you should do for every load and should be used on an as-needed basis.

What happens if you add too much vinegar to laundry?

Any significant amount of vinegar will quickly destroy your clothes because it is very acidic. Then again, detergents are all more base than your skin is and are full of chemicals which can make them irritating to your skin. My guess would be a couple of tablespoons of vinegar per load.

Can you add vinegar and laundry detergent together?

Yes, you can mix white vinegar and laundry detergent. In fact, many people find it beneficial to add a small amount of white vinegar to their laundry routine. Vinegar can help soften fabrics, reduce static cling, and even act as a natural deodorizer.

What are the cons of using vinegar in laundry?

Vinegar will remove odor but it isn't detergent and will not entirely clean your clothes. It is also bad for washing machines because it is caustic. It can be used occasionally in the rinse cycle but if used frequently it will destroy the washing machine.

When should you not use white vinegar?

But eight places you should never use vinegar include:
  1. Stone Countertops. Surfaces that often get ruined by vinegar are stone countertops, like marble and travertine. ...
  2. Dishwashers/Washing Machines. ...
  3. Clothes Iron. ...
  4. Tile Grout. ...
  5. Knives. ...
  6. Small Appliances. ...
  7. Hardwood Floors. ...
  8. Electronic Screens.

I tried washing my clothes in VINEGAR! Here's what happened.

Will vinegar damage a washing machine?

Using vinegar undiluted in your washing machine can potentially cause damage to the appliance. The acidity of vinegar can lead to corrosion and harm the rubber parts of the machine, which may result in leaks.

What clothes should you not use vinegar on?

With Elastic Clothes

Not every fabric is suited to a vinegar rinse. "Elastic or exercise clothing can be worn down over time since the acid can break down the elastics," says Cohoon.

What is the most natural laundry detergent?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

What does baking soda do for laundry?

Baking soda can be a beneficial laundry aid as it offers stain removal, odor elimination, fabric softening and detergent boosting potential. It's versatile and eco-friendly, and using a small amount in your wash load may leave your clothing cleaner, fresher and softer.

When should I add vinegar to my laundry load?

Front-load washer: Add vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser when using a front-load washer. Top-load washer: Once the drum of the top-load washing machine has filled with water for the rinse cycle, add vinegar directly to it.

What not to mix with laundry detergent?

Do not mix laundry detergent with household cleaners or ammonia. The mixture could release dangerous fumes and result in breathing problems.

How to make clothes smell good without washing?

You can keep your garments smelling fresh with these ten practical tips, even when a full wash isn't an option.
  1. Air Outdoors. Fresh air works wonders for removing odors from clothes. ...
  2. Sun Exposure. ...
  3. Using Fabric Fresheners. ...
  4. Baking Soda. ...
  5. Dryer Sheets. ...
  6. Vinegar Solution. ...
  7. Essential Oils. ...
  8. Steam.

When to add vinegar when washing towels?

Use Vinegar

Use about half the recommended amount of detergent while washing, and add ½ to 1 cup of white vinegar to the water during the rinse cycle. The vinegar helps set the colors and removes excess detergent residue.

Is it OK to mix laundry detergent and vinegar?

Adding vinegar directly to the wash with your laundry detergent may compromise its cleaning performance. Laundry detergents are formulated for specific pH levels, which may be disrupted by the acidity of vinegar, leading to less effective cleaning. It's best to avoid mixing them to ensure optimal results.

Does vinegar go bad?

Vinegar is a fermented product and has an “almost indefinite” shelf life according to the Vinegar Institute. “Because of its acid nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration. White distilled vinegar will remain virtually unchanged over an extended period of time.

Is cleaning vinegar the same as white vinegar for laundry?

Cleaning vinegar, with its higher concentration of acetic acid, can power through soap scum, scale, and eliminate bacteria associated with malodor in laundry, to name just a few uses. It can also be used for cleaning jobs that call for white vinegar.

What is America's number 1 laundry detergent?

America's favorite detergent, Tide, has every laundry detergent you need - whether it's HE detergent or Tide PODS® with Febreze. For over 75 years, we have been committed to changing the way laundry is done while always delivering the hardest working laundry detergents.

Are Clean People laundry sheets sold in stores?

Another option is to find Clean People sheets in a store near you. We're in Walmart – so you can either pick up your detergent sheets next time you're shopping in person, or visit Walmart's online store to get those Clean People detergent sheets in your cart.

Is powdered laundry detergent better than liquid?

Liquid detergents dissolve more easily at lower temperatures, making them suitable for energy-efficient cycles and machines. On the other hand, powder detergents can offer more cleaning power per kilogram, potentially providing a more cost-effective solution for heavy-duty washing needs.

Why you shouldn't use vinegar in laundry?

Using vinegar in the wash shouldn't be an everyday thing for every load. Using it daily can damage the washing machine, especially the rubber parts, and repeated use could damage delicate fabrics. Limit use to an as-needed basis, after clothes have dulled or as residue begins to build up.

Where should you not clean with vinegar?

Avoid using white vinegar for cleaning marble, granite, and other natural stones, like slate. This includes countertops, floors, and shower walls with stone finishes, and household goods like tabletops or serving pieces.

Will vinegar damage a toilet bowl?

Using this method regularly can help keep your toilet clean and hygienic. Additionally, you should use bleach or other cleaning products for tougher stains or odors. However, it's important not to leave the vinegar in the toilet overnight as it can damage the porcelain and reduce its lifespan.

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