According to users, mixing a small amount of liquid soap with vinegar is said to significantly improve the removal of odours and residues from fabrics. The method has gained popularity as a cost-effective alternative to specialised laundry detergents, although you should check the washing machine manufacturer’s instructions before using it.
What is a mixture of vinegar and soap used for in the washing machine?
People who use this combination claim that it removes odours and deposits from clothes more effectively than washing powders alone. Liquid soap contains surfactants that loosen dirt and grease from the fibres, whilst the acidity of the vinegar helps to neutralise odours and tackle stains.
Both products serve different purposes. The soap is designed to remove dirt through the action of surfactants, whilst the acetic acid present in vinegar can help neutralise unpleasant odours and loosen certain residues from fabrics.
The correct proportions of vinegar and washing-up liquid for the washing machine
One of the most commonly used methods involves adding half a glass of white vinegar and one tablespoon of liquid soap (if using concentrated soap) to the washing machine’s detergent drawer, and then running a full wash cycle.
Important: Never mix vinegar with bleach or other products containing chlorine.
Why do so many people recommend this method?
The popularity of this trick stems from the fact that both ingredients perform complementary tasks whilst keeping costs low. Numerous household cleaning tips present this combination as a cost-effective alternative, particularly for washing towels, bed linen and sportswear – fabrics in which odours and detergent residues tend to accumulate.
White vinegar has grown in popularity in recent years as an additive for washing clothes, and those who use it recommend mixing it with a small amount of liquid soap to achieve better results in removing odours and stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this method be used in any washing machine?
Before using this method, it is advisable to check the user manual for your specific washing machine model. Manufacturers may have different recommendations regarding the use of vinegar and homemade mixtures.
What sort of clothes are best washed this way?
This method is particularly recommended for towels, bed linen and sportswear – in other words, fabrics in which odours and residues of washing detergents tend to build up.
Can vinegar be mixed with other cleaning products?
You must not mix vinegar with bleach or products containing chlorine. Doing so can be dangerous.
How much soap should I use if it isn’t concentrated?
The specified proportion of one tablespoon applies to concentrated soap. With ordinary liquid soap, you may need to adjust the quantity, although specific proportions for other forms have not been specified in the source.