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.
I’ve been amazed at how versatile vinegar is in the laundry room. Its acetic acid content, usually around 5% in household white vinegar, is what makes it so effective. It works by breaking down alkaline residues like sweat or detergent buildup, which is why it’s so great for odors and stains. For example, I’ve used it on my kid’s soccer uniforms to get rid of grass stains, and it’s a game-changer—just a quick soak in a mix of one part vinegar to three parts water before washing does the trick. Experts also point out that vinegar’s natural antimicrobial properties can reduce bacteria on clothes, which is especially handy for gym gear. Just a heads up, though: always use distilled white vinegar, not apple cider or other types, as they can leave residue or stains.
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.”
It’s worth noting that vinegar’s acidity, while great for breaking down stains, can be too harsh for some materials over time. I learned this the hard way when I overused vinegar on a favorite pair of stretchy leggings, and they started to lose their bounce. To play it safe, always check care labels on clothes with spandex or elastic. If you’re dealing with delicate fabrics, a good trick is to test a small, hidden area first with a diluted vinegar solution. Studies suggest that repeated exposure to acetic acid can weaken synthetic fibers like elastane by up to 20% over time, so moderation is key. If you’re unsure, stick to natural fibers like cotton or linen, which handle vinegar much better.
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.”
I’ve found that sticking to this every-other-week rule keeps my laundry routine balanced. Overusing vinegar can wear out fabrics, but it’s also not cost-effective—white vinegar is cheap (often under $1 per gallon), but there’s no need to go overboard. For those tough loads, like musty towels or sweaty workout clothes, vinegar is my go-to, but for regular washes, I stick with detergent alone. If you’re curious about the science, vinegar’s pH of around 2.5 can gradually weaken fabric fibers if used too often, especially on delicate items like silk or wool. To maximize its benefits without damage, I like to keep a spray bottle of diluted vinegar handy for spot treatments instead of adding it to every load.
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.
I love how easy it is to incorporate vinegar into my laundry routine. I usually add about half a cup of diluted vinegar (one part vinegar to one part water) to the fabric softener dispenser, and it works like a charm. If your machine doesn’t have a dispenser, pausing the cycle to add it manually is no big deal—it’s worth the extra step for softer, fresher clothes. A pro tip: if you’re worried about the vinegar smell lingering, don’t be. The rinse cycle washes it away, leaving no trace. For tough stains, I’ll soak the item in a bucket with a cup of vinegar and water for about 30 minutes before washing. This method is not only effective but also eco-friendly, as vinegar is biodegradable and costs a fraction of commercial fabric softeners or stain removers.
Vinegar Alternatives 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.
When I’m out of vinegar, baking soda is my go-to backup. I’ve used it to brighten my white sheets by adding a quarter cup to the wash, and it really does lift the dinginess. Baking soda works because its alkaline nature (pH around 8.5) neutralizes acidic odors and softens water, which helps detergent work better. Oxygen bleach is another solid option, especially for mildew-prone items like bath mats. I’ve found it’s gentler than chlorine bleach and doesn’t fade colors as much. Both alternatives are budget-friendly—baking soda costs about $0.50 per box, and oxygen bleach is often under $5 for a large container. Just be careful with oxygen bleach on delicate fabrics, as it can still be a bit strong if overused.
