Vinegar is the secret to softer towels, whiter whites, and odor-free clothing.

When it comes to keeping your laundry fresh, soft, and bright, the solution might already be sitting in your kitchen — vinegar. This humble household staple is a natural cleaner and deodorizer that can work wonders in your washing machine. Whether you’re battling stiff towels, dingy whites, or lingering odors, vinegar can be your eco-friendly, affordable secret weapon.

 Why Vinegar Works

White distilled vinegar is a mild acid that breaks down residues left by detergents and fabric softeners. Over time, these residues cause fabrics to feel rough and lose absorbency, especially towels. Vinegar dissolves these buildup layers, restoring softness naturally. Unlike chemical softeners that coat fibers, vinegar rejuvenates them from the inside out, leaving your fabrics genuinely soft and clean.

2. How to Use Vinegar in the Laundry

Using vinegar is simple and safe for both standard and high-efficiency washers:

• For softer towels: Add ½ to 1 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. Skip commercial softeners, as they often reduce absorbency.

• For brighter whites: During the rinse cycle, pour in 1 cup of vinegar. It helps lift detergent residues and neutralizes yellowing or gray tones caused by hard water.

• To remove odors: If your workout clothes or kitchen towels smell musty, soak them in a mix of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts warm water for 30 minutes before washing. Then, wash as usual.

You’ll notice fresher-smelling clothes, softer fabrics, and even fewer wrinkles.