We all know white vinegar is in our cupboards for cleaning the kitchen, descaling the kettle, and making taps shine. But did you know it’s also a little-known treasure for your laundry? Rather than cluttering your drawers with bottles of chemicals, let me show you how this simple ingredient can replace (or complement) laundry detergent or fabric softener simply and effectively.
Goodbye odors: vinegar for natural deodorization
Do your sportswear, towels, or sweaters sometimes have lingering odors? White vinegar has natural antibacterial properties that neutralize odor-causing bacteria. To use:
- Pour 250 ml of white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
- For very smelly items (towels, sportswear), soak them in a mixture of 500 ml of warm water and 250 ml of vinegar , add a few drops of lavender or lemon essential oil as a bonus. Leave to act for about 1 hour before washing.
The result? Soft, fresh fabrics, without chemical residue.
Remove stains without damaging them: vinegar in action
The acidic properties of vinegar make it particularly useful for stubborn stains: sweat, tea, sauces… Here’s how to use it:
- Apply pure vinegar (or slightly diluted with warm water) directly to the stain.
- Leave to act for a few minutes, then rub gently with a soft cloth.
- Rinse with cold water, then run your usual wash cycle.
- For a stronger effect, soak the garment in a mixture of half water and half vinegar for 20 to 30 minutes before washing.
