Why do we always have to put vinegar in the washing machine?

6. Prevents Lint and Pet Hair from Sticking

If you’re dealing with pet hair or stubborn lint on your clothes, vinegar can help reduce these clingy particles.

• How it works: When you add vinegar to the rinse cycle, it loosens fibers, making lint and pet hair less likely to stick to fabrics.
• Benefit: Your clothes will come out cleaner and with fewer lint or hair clings, saving you from having to do additional cleaning.

7. Helps to Clean and Maintain the Washing Machine

Vinegar doesn’t just benefit your clothes—it can help clean and maintain your washing machine, too.

• How it works: Running an empty cycle with vinegar helps to clean the inside of the machine by removing mineral deposits, mold, and mildew. It can also help clean the rubber gaskets and hoses in the washer.
• Benefit: Regularly cleaning your washing machine with vinegar keeps it running smoothly, extending its lifespan and improving washing efficiency.

How to Use Vinegar in Your Laundry Routine

The best way to incorporate vinegar into your laundry routine is simple. Here’s how:

1. For Fabric Softening: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
2. For Stain Removal: Pre-treat stains by applying undiluted vinegar directly to the affected area, letting it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing.
3. For Odor Removal: Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the wash cycle if your clothes have a strong odor.
4. For Machine Maintenance: Run an empty cycle with 2 cups of vinegar once a month to clean the washing machine.

Final Thoughts

While adding vinegar to your laundry routine may seem like an old-school hack, it’s actually a powerful and eco-friendly solution to many common laundry issues. From softening clothes to deodorizing, removing stains, and maintaining your washer, vinegar proves to be a versatile, natural ingredient that can replace several store-bought products.

Next time you do a load of laundry, give vinegar a try and enjoy the fresh, clean results—without the chemicals.

Do you already use vinegar in your laundry? What’s been your experience? Let me know!