The Right Way to Use Vinegar in Laundry—and Why You Should

If you've found that regular laundry detergent isn't doing the trick when it comes to cleaning your clothes, we have a solution: white vinegar. This unassuming product is a powerhouse when it comes it all it can do. In addition to various household cleaning tasks, using vinegar in laundry can brighten clothes, remove stains, eliminate odors, and even act as a natural fabric softener.

While it sounds like a miracle product (it often can be!), you do need to exercise caution when using vinegar in laundry, as it isn't suited to all materials. When it's used correctly, though, you'll see a noticeable difference in the quality of your clothes when your laundry is done.

Benefits of Using Vinegar in Laundry

Though it may seem like an unexpected ingredient to use in laundry due to its pungent smell, washing your clothes in vinegar is a highly effective way to clean them.

Here's all the powerful ingredient can do when added to your wash.

Removes Stains

Have stubborn stains you can't seem to get rid of? Vinegar is a great solution. "Especially on white fabrics, vinegar can tackle stubborn stains by being added directly to your laundry or used as part of a pre-treating soaking solution," says Morgan LaLonde, laundry brand manager for Whirlpool. It's especially useful for removing oil-based stains, but it can also tackle grass, rust, and coffee spots. 

Removes Mildew 

Mold and mildew can form on wet clothes and towels when left sitting around the house or in your hamper. Luckily, vinegar can help with this. "Because white vinegar is an acidic solution, its deodorizing and stain-removing properties also often work on mildew," says LaLonde. "When it comes to mildew, it's best to use the vinegar as part of a pre-treatment to thoroughly attack the problem areas."

Eliminates Odor

Vinegar also helps neutralize odors on clothes, especially when the odor is caused by sweat. "A quick vinegar rinse or soak can help break down even the worst smells," says Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations for Two Maids. 

Softens Clothes

If your clothes often feel stiff after coming out of the laundry, adding some vinegar to the load can help. "Vinegar softens clothes by breaking down excess detergent that makes clothes feel stiff," says Patric Richardson of The Laundry Evangelist.

When Not to Use Vinegar in Laundry 

Despite the many benefits of using vinegar in laundry, there are several times when you shouldn't use the cleaning agent. 

With Bleach

Avoid mixing vinegar with bleach or chlorine bleach products, as the combination is highly toxic and shouldn't be inhaled, says LaLonde. Combining these two cleaning materials also isn't necessary—they both contain acidic properties aimed towards whitening. 

With Elastic Clothes

Not every fabric is suited to a vinegar rinse. "Elastic or exercise clothing can be worn down over time since the acid can break down the elastics," says Cohoon. "If you need it in a pinch for deodorizing and brightening, be sure to dilute the vinegar and only use vinegar on these types of clothing if totally necessary."

How Often to Use Vinegar in Laundry

Limit using vinegar in laundry to every other week. Washing your clothes with vinegar isn't something you should do for every load and should be used on an as-needed basis. "Using too much vinegar over time takes a toll on your delicate fabrics," says LaLonde. "It's best used when necessary to remain efficient and keep clothes in their best condition."

How to Use Vinegar in Laundry

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. Allow it to rinse and spin as usual, says Cohoon.

Alternatives to Using Vinegar in Laundry

If you don't have any vinegar on hand, there are some alternatives that are similarly effective.

• Baking soda: Baking soda can act as a bleach alternative to whiten garments or brighten colorful fabrics. "Baking soda also works to neutralize odors and provide a deeper clean," says LaLonde.
• Oxygen bleach: Oxygen bleach is an effective alternative to vinegar and can be used for odor and mold removal, says Richardson.