Place vinegar in your washing machine. Here’s why. This is something appliance repairmen will never tell you.
Holly Owens
Contributing Writer
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The humble bottle of vinegar, a versatile household staple, holds a secret that appliance repairmen might not readily share. Beyond its culinary use and historical significance as a cleaning agent, vinegar can play a crucial role in maintaining your washing machine’s efficiency and longevity. Learning how to incorporate vinegar into your laundry routine can lead to significant benefits, often overlooked by the general public.
Curious to know what makes vinegar such a game-changer for your laundry routine? This article dives into the details you need to understand why this simple ingredient can revolutionize the way you care for your washing machine. By reading further, you’ll uncover expert-approved tips and tricks that can save you money and extend the life of your appliance.
The Magic of Vinegar: A Natural Cleaning Agent
Vinegar, particularly white distilled vinegar, is a natural cleaning agent that has been used for centuries. Its acidic nature makes it effective at breaking down mineral deposits, soap scum, and other residues that can accumulate in your washing machine over time. Unlike harsh chemicals, vinegar is environmentally friendly and safe for both your machine and your clothes.
Benefits of Using Vinegar in Your Washing Machine
Removes Odors:
Over time, washing machines can develop unpleasant odors due to the buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew. Adding a cup of white vinegar to an empty wash cycle can help eliminate these odors, leaving your machine smelling fresh and clean. This is particularly useful for front-loading machines, which are more prone to mold growth due to their airtight seals.
Cleans and Deodorizes Clothes:
Vinegar not only cleans your washing machine but also your clothes. Adding half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle can help remove detergent residues and leave your clothes feeling softer and smelling fresher. It can also help brighten whites and prevent colors from fading.
Softens Fabrics:
Fabric softeners can often leave a residue on clothes and in the washing machine. Vinegar is a natural alternative that softens fabrics without the buildup. It’s particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin, as it doesn’t contain the chemicals found in commercial fabric softeners.
Reduces Lint and Static:
Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle can reduce lint and static cling in your laundry. This is especially helpful for synthetic fabrics, which tend to attract more lint and static.
Prevents Limescale Build-up:
Hard water can cause limescale to build up in your washing machine, affecting its efficiency and longevity. Vinegar’s acidic properties help dissolve limescale deposits, ensuring your machine runs smoothly and efficiently.
How to Use Vinegar in Your Washing Machine
For Regular Maintenance:
Once a month, run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar. This will help clean the drum, hoses, and other internal components of your washing machine.
For Odor Removal:
If you notice a musty smell in your washing machine, add two cups of white vinegar to an empty hot water cycle. For persistent odors, you can also leave a cloth soaked in vinegar inside the machine overnight before running a cycle.
For Cleaner Clothes:
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment during the rinse cycle. This will help remove detergent residues and leave your clothes softer and fresher.
For Brightening Whites and Colors:
To brighten whites, add a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle along with your regular detergent. For colors, add half a cup to the rinse cycle to help maintain vibrancy.
Why Appliance Repairmen Might Not Tell You This
Appliance repairmen might not openly share this vinegar trick for several reasons. Firstly, regular maintenance using vinegar can significantly reduce the likelihood of issues that require professional repair services, potentially impacting their business. Secondly, the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of this method might deter customers from purchasing more expensive commercial cleaning products and services that are often recommended by repair professionals.