Is it safe to mix detergent and vinegar?

Author: Kristin Weimann  |  Last update: Monday, February 2, 2026

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.

Can you put vinegar and laundry detergent together?

Yes, you can mix white vinegar and laundry detergent. In fact, many people use white vinegar as a natural fabric softener and to help remove stubborn stains and odors from their laundry. To use white vinegar in your laundry, simply add about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine.

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.

Is it safe to mix vinegar and washing up liquid?

Vinegar is a reasonable thing to dilute dishwashing liquid with. As it has its own cleaning properties a bit of acetic acid in the detergent should be fine.

What should vinegar not be mixed with?

There are certain substances you should never mix with vinegar, including bleach and ammonia, because these combinations will produce chlorine gas and toxic vapors, says Ryan Sinclair, an environmental microbiologist and associate professor at the Loma Linda University School of Public Health.

🔴Put aluminum foil in the toilet! Once and you will be surprised by the result!

What does adding vinegar to washer do?

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that effectively removes odors and stains from your washing machine. It is safe for both the environment and your machine, as it does not cause any harm or damage. The recommended amount of vinegar to use in a top load machine depends on the load size, ranging from 1/2 to 4 cups.

Which cleans better, powder or liquid detergent?

Powerful cleaning agents that can be included in powdered detergent formulas, but not liquid forms, work to help remove mud, grass or clay stains. Liquid detergent is best used for grease or oil stains on your day to day items, because of its ability to help release and break down stains in fabrics.

What is bad for you in laundry detergent?

Fragrances: Many laundry detergents contain fragrances to make clothes smell fresh and clean. However, these fragrances may contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Bleach: Chlorine bleach is a common ingredient in laundry detergents, and it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

What not to mix when washing clothes?

But keep in mind that clothes also should be separated by fabric types, and mixing denser fabrics with lighter ones can wear out the lighter clothing quicker and easier from the constant friction and rubbing together with the harder and denser fabric.

Why squirt Dawn in the bathtub at night?

Applying dish soap before the night gives the solution ample time to work its magic. As the hours pass, the dish soap loosens and lifts away the grime that has taken residence on your bathtub's surface.

Does vinegar cancel out laundry detergent reddit?

Never mix anything on a whim and NEVER EVER mix something when bleach is involved. Vinegar and laundry detergent do not cause something dangerous, instead the vinegar would have weakened the effect of the detergent cause they cancel each other out.

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.

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.

What is the healthiest laundry detergent to use?

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*

Why is Tide bad for you?

Chemicals found in Tide detergent include surfactants, enzymes, water softeners, and fragrances. Some of these chemicals may be carcinogenic, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer.

How to make homemade laundry detergent?

Here are our experts' steps for making homemade laundry detergent:
  1. Begin by boiling 8 cups of water.
  2. Next, add 2 cups of borax and 2 cups of baking soda.
  3. Dilute 1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water; add to mixture.
  4. Add 2 cups of dish soap and another 8 cups of boiling water.

Are laundry pods or liquid better?

If I'm doing an easy load that doesn't require any extra care, I'll toss in pods. For items that come home dirtier than usual, it's time for a tougher bio detergent probably in pod form. For anything that requires a gentle or handwash cycle, then a liquid detergent customized for silk or wool is a must.

How to make laundry smell good?

How Can You Make Your Laundry Smell Good?
  1. Deodorize With Baking Soda.
  2. Clean Your Washing Machine.
  3. Do Smaller Loads of Laundry.
  4. Use Scent Boosters.
  5. Choose the Right Detergent.
  6. Pre-Treat Any Stains.
  7. Don't Let Wet Clothes Sit.
  8. Try Scented Dryer Balls.

What type of detergent cleans the best?

Tide Hygienic Clean Free Power Pods

Tide is known for its effective products, so it's no surprise that it has the best laundry detergent for heavy-duty loads. The Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10x Free Power Pods shine in effectiveness, and would likely have gotten rid of the stains completely with a pretreatment.

When not to use vinegar in laundry?

Vinegar should not be used in laundry when washing clothing with elastic, or when other cleaning ingredients like bleach, ammonia, or baking soda are present.

Can you mix vinegar with laundry detergent?

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.

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.

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