Vinegar against fabric softener
Short answer: Vinegar removes soap residue and leaves no film. Fabric softener leaves a film that feels soft but holds odour and reduces absorbency. Here is the difference, and when to choose one over the other.
The vinegar
Half a decilitre of vinegar in the rinse water neutralises detergent residue. No film is left, so the fabric keeps its ability to take up water and move moisture. It is a simple, cheap solution many use for towels and sportswear, where absorbency matters.
The softener
Fabric softener feels soft straight away, because it lays a thin film on the fibres. The film stays wash after wash, and it is the reason the fabric becomes less effective in the long run. The scent may be lovely, but it covers the fact that the fabric is not fully clean.
Towels and absorbency
After a year a towel absorbs noticeably worse if it has been washed with softener. The film blocks the fibres from taking up water, so the water just spreads on the surface. Vinegar in the rinse keeps the fibres open, so the towel can keep doing what it is made for. See bamboo towels.
Odour returns sooner
The softener film holds odour, which is why it returns sooner after use. This applies especially to sportswear and clothes you sweat in. Without the film the fabric releases odour more easily in the wash. Vinegar removes residue that would otherwise hold the smell, so clothes stay fresher with less.
Do clothes smell of vinegar
No. The smell disappears completely as the fabric dries. Many fear their clothes will smell of vinegar, but the smell evaporates, and you will not notice it once the clothes are dry. If you still do, you probably used too much, so try less next time.
How to use vinegar
Pour half a decilitre into the softener drawer, just as you would with softener. The machine doses it in the last rinse, and you need do nothing more. It is a simple habit that is easy to keep up and costs little. See bamboo shirts for women.
Can vinegar harm the machine
In that amount, no. Vinegar removes limescale, which could otherwise settle in the machine. Use the amount given, and avoid pouring vinegar directly on rubber seals without rinsing after. If in doubt, read the machine manual to see whether the maker has special advice on detergents.
What to choose
Vinegar for towels and sportswear, and nothing for the rest. Shake out the clothes before hanging them, and they will be soft enough without anything in the rinse water. It is a simple routine that keeps fabric fresh and saves you a product. See bamboo underwear for men.
Soft clothes without softener
Shake clothes well before hanging them, and let them dry fully. Line drying often gives a softer result than many expect. Watch the detergent dose, because too much leaves residue that makes fabric stiff. That gives you soft clothes without a film, and the fabric still absorbs well.
Frequently asked questions
Do clothes smell of vinegar afterwards
No. The smell disappears completely as the fabric dries, so you will not notice it when the clothes are dry and ready to use. If you used too much, just use less next time.
How much vinegar should you use
Half a decilitre in the softener drawer. That is enough to neutralise detergent residue, and more is not needed to get the result you want in the wash.
Can vinegar harm the machine
In that amount, no. It removes limescale, which could otherwise settle in the machine, so it is actually a benefit for the machine's life and its wash result.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
