Can you use vinegar in the washing machine
Short answer: Yes, in small amounts ordinary household vinegar can go in the softener compartment instead of fabric softener. It can help against limescale and odour, but take care, because acid can wear on the rubber parts of the machine over time.
What vinegar does in the wash
Vinegar is a mild acid. During the rinse it can dissolve detergent residue and limescale that would otherwise settle in the fabric and make it stiff. Many people find that towels and T-shirts turn softer and that a faint smell of sweat disappears. The vinegar smell itself evaporates as the laundry dries. Vinegar is not a detergent, however, and it does not remove dirt or stains on its own.
How much to use
Use a small amount, usually one to two tablespoons of household vinegar, in the softener compartment. It should not be mixed with the detergent, because the acid then works against the alkaline detergent. Never use vinegar together with chlorine products, as the mixture can release harmful fumes. Start carefully and see how your clothes and your machine respond before making it a habit.
Look after the machine
Several washing machine makers advise against frequent use of vinegar, because the acid can affect rubber seals and hoses over time. Read the manual for your machine. A sensible middle ground is to use vinegar only now and then and in small amounts. For descaling the machine, there are also products made specifically for that job.
Vinegar and bamboo viscose
Bamboo viscose is a soft fibre that does not need fabric softener. Softener can actually leave a film on the fibres that reduces their ability to absorb moisture. A little vinegar in the rinse can instead remove residue and leave the fabric fresh. Wash at 30 or 40 degrees and air dry. See bamboo long sleeve T-shirt for men.
Activewear and odour
Clothes worn for exercise or close to the body can, over time, develop a smell that stays after washing. This is often due to sweat and detergent residue. A wash with vinegar in the rinse can help, and so can washing clothes soon after wearing rather than leaving them in the basket for days. See bamboo inner shorts.
Bedding and towels
Large textiles such as bedding and towels often benefit most from vinegar, because they absorb a lot of water and therefore a lot of limescale. In hard water areas they can turn stiff over time. An occasional rinse with a little vinegar can help them stay soft. See home and homewear in bamboo.
Alternatives to vinegar
If you would rather not use vinegar, you can get much the same result by dosing detergent correctly and adding an extra rinse. Many machines have a button for it.
Frequently asked questions
Will my clothes smell of vinegar afterwards
No, the smell disappears as the clothes dry.
Can vinegar replace detergent
No. Vinegar removes residue and limescale, but detergent is what removes dirt and stains.
Can vinegar be used on all clothes
Most washable textiles tolerate a small amount. Always follow the care label and never use it with chlorine.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
