Where should I put vinegar in my washing machine?

Author: Montana Hermann  |  Last update: Monday, September 22, 2025

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.

Where to add vinegar in a washing machine?

Add the vinegar: Open the lid of your top load machine and locate the detergent dispenser or fabric softener dispenser. Pour the measured vinegar directly into this dispenser. Start the cycle: Close the lid of your washing machine and select a regular or normal cycle with hot water.

Can I use 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.

Is it safe to pour vinegar in the washing machine?

However, while vinegar can be beneficial for pre-treating stains or whitening fabrics, it should never be directly added to the washing machine, as it may interfere with your detergent's effectiveness and potentially damage the machine.

Where do you put vinegar in a washing machine tray?

For softening your clothes, add the vinegar to your fabric softener dispenser. To fight mild odors, add it directly to the washing machine basin during the rinse cycle, or use it in place of regular detergent and add it again during the rinse cycle if you need to remove really strong odors.

How to Add Vinegar to Laundry

Which compartment of washing machine is vinegar in?

Front-load washer: Vinegar is usually used as a fabric-softener alternative when it comes to laundry, and for that reason should be put in the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine, Matthew says.

How much vinegar to add to laundry 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.

What should not be cleaned with 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.

Can I put vinegar in my agitator?

As the washer fills with water, add 3 or 4 cups of white vinegar. Let the washer start to agitate, then stop the cycle. Allow the vinegar to soak a minute. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda and turn on the agitator again.

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 happens when vinegar is added to detergent?

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 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.

Which vinegar is best for laundry?

Distilled white vinegar in a laundry load removes odors from clothes, including workout clothes and strips detergent buildup, and more. Vinegar is generally inexpensive and safe for most high-efficiency and standard washers. Distilled white vinegar contains no tannins (natural plant dyes) that can stain clothes.

How do you add vinegar to self clean washer?

Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest setting. Add 4 cups of white vinegar to the wash cycle. After the cycle starts, pause the machine and allow it to sit for an hour.

Which compartment to put vinegar in washing machine?

Front-load washer: Vinegar is usually used as a fabric-softener alternative when it comes to laundry, and for that reason, should be put in the fabric-softener compartment of your washing machine.

Where do you put vinegar in a washing machine without a dispenser?

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 do you add white vinegar to laundry?

For optimal results, add 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar per load to the fabric softener compartment. This amount provides enough acidity to clean effectively without damaging the washing machine or fabrics.

Can vinegar damage your washing machine?

It is not recommended to use vinegar in your washing machine. Because of its acidic nature, vinegar can corrode some parts of your washing machine over time, especially rubber elements.

What is the disadvantage of vinegar in cleaning?

Vinegar has a very low pH level which means it's very acidic, so it can corrode some surfaces over time. For example, using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble can dull and scratch the surface and it can corrode surfaces like unsealed grout, window seals, and fridge and dishwasher gaskets.

Is it safe to mix vinegar and Dawn dish soap?

This match made in heaven has been a household staple for a long time and I make sure to keep it handy. 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.

How do hotels keep towels soft?

Incorporating natural additives such as vinegar or baking soda during the wash cycle can further enhance softness. Advanced drying methods, utilizing commercial-grade dryers with precise drying cycles, play a crucial role in preserving the towels' plush texture.

Should you wash towels in hot or cold water?

Towels should be washed in the warmest water appropriate for the fabric according to the care label. Generally, warm or hot water is recommended for washing towels. Use a cycle specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle.

Should I use dryer sheets with towels?

Should I use dryer sheets? It depends on the load. Dryer sheets work well for most everyday items made of natural fibers, such as cotton shirts, pants and socks, but it's best to avoid using dryer sheets on athleticwear & microfiber, towels, flame-resistant clothing and water-repellent fabric.

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