Is it OK to add vinegar to laundry detergent?

Author: Ms. Josianne Lubowitz  |  Last update: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Before going further, we have to warn you: adding vinegar or baking soda to the wash along with your laundry detergent increases the risk of poorer cleaning performance, as detergents are optimized for a specific pH level, which is altered by the presence of these two household additives in the wash.

What happens if you mix vinegar and laundry detergent together?

Neutralization: Vinegar is acidic, while most laundry detergents are alkaline. When mixed, they can neutralize each other, potentially diminishing the cleaning power of the detergent.

When not to use vinegar in laundry?

Fabric Type: While vinegar is safe for cotton and synthetic fabrics, it can potentially damage delicate fabrics such as silk or lace. Always check care labels before using vinegar on specific garments. Colorfastness: Some dyes may react with vinegar, leading to color fading or bleeding.

How much vinegar do you put in laundry detergent?

Using vinegar during your regular clothes wash is simple; you just need to add around half a cup of vinegar to your automatic detergent dispenser instead of laundry detergent. If the clothes you are washing are delicate, limit the amount of vinegar you use to around 2-3 tablespoons full.

What are the benefits of using vinegar in laundry?

In addition to locking in the most vibrant color, vinegar will help get rid of lingering detergent residue that might have accumulated over time (adding to the brightening effect), eliminate funky fabric smells (for instance, if you let that load sit for too long before adding to the dryer) and work to keep your ...

How to Add Vinegar to Laundry

Does vinegar keep black clothes from fading?

White distilled vinegar is a secret weapon for preserving dark colors. It helps lock in dye while naturally softening fabrics.

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.

Where do I put vinegar in the washing machine?

Using vinegar in laundry is simple. You can add it to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine or pour it in during the final rinse cycle. When adding vinegar towards the end of the cycle, manually pause your machine right before the final rinse cycle and add a 1/2 cup of diluted white vinegar to the load.

How to get white laundry white again?

Use white vinegar:

Vinegar is also a great alternative to chlorine bleach. Add half a cup of white vinegar to your white laundry. This can remove the grey or yellow hues from your white clothes and restore their original color.

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.

Does vinegar sanitize laundry?

White Vinegar

To use vinegar to disinfect your laundry, try adding 1 cup to the rinse cycle. Not only can it kill germs and bacteria, but it's also a great natural deodorizer. White vinegar can be used on colors and whites, keeping clothes bright, and works as an effective fabric softener, too.

Is vinegar better than fabric softener?

For Preventing Buildup: Fabric softeners can build up in your machine over time and cause parts to break down. Conversely, vinegar can help remove soap residues, making it a better choice if you're concerned about buildup.

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.

Can you mix vinegar and Dawn dish soap?

To make the solution is simple and easy on the wallet! Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned. I have found the best results is when I use it to clean chrome shower and sink fixtures.

Can I use vinegar and laundry detergent together?

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.

Why do people use white vinegar in laundry?

There are many uses for vinegar in laundry, including stain removal, odor elimination, and mold and mildew eradication. Vinegar can also be used as an alternative to commercial fabric softeners.

Can I use baking soda as laundry detergent?

Because baking soda helps to break down the bacteria on clothes, thus lifting out odors, this is one of the best laundry detergent alternatives if you've got sportswear or kids' clothes to wash. So how can you use baking soda? Add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine.

Is it okay to wash washing machine with vinegar?

Run an empty, regular cycle on hot, using two cups of distilled white vinegar instead of detergent. Add the vinegar to the detergent dispenser. (Don't worry about harming your machine, as white vinegar will not damage clothes.) The hot water-vinegar combo removes and prevents bacteria growth.

Where not to use vinegar for cleaning?

Vinegar can be a great cleaning solution for floors, counters, and tiles – but remember, you shouldn't use it on natural stone (like granite or marble) or natural wood (like hardwood flooring or wooden furniture).

Will my clothes smell like vinegar if I use it as fabric softener?

Pro Tip: Adding 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle is typically recommended for a standard-sized load of laundry. This ensures effective softening without an overpowering vinegar smell!

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.

Can you use normal vinegar instead of white vinegar for cleaning?

Any vinegar can work as an alternative when you don't have a bottle of white vinegar at hand—or if you want to avoid the smell.

How to get rid of mold with white vinegar?

  1. Step 1: Protect Yourself. Direct contact with mold can be dangerous, especially if any spores become airborne during the cleaning process. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply the Vinegar. ...
  3. Step 3: Create a Baking Soda Scrub. ...
  4. Step 4: Scrub Away Remaining Mold. ...
  5. Step 5: Finish with a Final Spray.

Previous article
Do groundhogs tear up your property?
Next article
What is the most popular HVAC filter size?