Vinegar. That daily and almost boring object that we have in the pantry and which we usually use for salads, for sottacets and for occasional disinfections. But this economic kitchen assistant hides an incredible potential: in the world of laundry. If you’ve ever wondered why your towels are hard as a cardboard after washing or because “white” laundry becomes more gray at every wash … let you turn on a small secret: the problem may not be the detergent, but what you are not using.
Today’s washing machines promise miracles, but reality is often disappointing – towels They lose their color, the towels lose their softness and the smell of mold does not seem to want to go. Solution? There is a modest bottle of white vinegar that awaits you in the belief of your kitchen. This natural, biological and surprisingly effective supplement can transform your laundry routine and saves you from dependence on expensive chemicals that simply mask problems rather than solve them.
Because vinegar really works: science, not magic
1. Acetic acid: a natural force against dirt and spots
White vinegar contains acetic acid, a mixture that effectively disappears minerals, detergent residues and organic spots that accumulate in the tissue fibers. This property makes the vinegar comparable to delicate but effective candesene, which do not damage the tissues. While classical bleach can weaken the structure of the fabric, the vinegar acts gently and at the same time removes the grayness that is often formed on white clothes.
2. Natural softener without silicone residues
Commercial softenings usually contain silicones and perfumes that, over time, cover the tissues and reduce their absorbency, a problem that occurs above all with towels. The acetic acid present in vinegar dissolves the detergent residues that cause the hardening of the fibers. The result? The towels return soft, soft, absorbent and pleasant to the touch, as if they had just been removed from the hotel hanger (and without the receipt of the credit card).
3. Eliminate unpleasant odors at the molecular level
Vinegar does not cover the smells, but neutralizes them by breaking down the molecules that cause the stench. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, therefore it is ideal for sports clothing, underwear or for the laundry that has remained “to sunbathe” in the washing machine for a while too long after the end of the cycle. It even helps to remove the mold smell.
4. Conservation of colored pigments and fabric protection
Alkaline detergent residues can damage colorful fibers, causing discoloring and loss of shine. Vinegar, with its slight acidity, balances the pH of the washing bathroom, thus preventing the bleeding of the color. This means that black remains black, red does not become brick red and blue … well, blue does not look like jeans of the 80s (unless this is intentioned).
5. Against mold and limestone: not only for clothes, but also for the washing machine
The use of vinegar not only improves the results of the washing, but also prolongs the duration of the washing machine. The vinegar dissolves the limestone and prevents the residues from accumulating in the tubes and in the basket: consequently, the washing machine consumes less energy, washes more efficiently and lasts longer. Take two pigeons with one Fava: lower electric bills and less visits to the technician.
How to use vinegar correctly in washing clothes
â–ª To get a white without bleaching:
Add 1 cup of white vinegar in the compartment of the smoker or directly in the basket during rinse cycle. In this way the vinegar will effectively remove the detergent residues and refresh the color of the tissues.
â–ª For ultra soft towels:
Add ½ cup of white vinegar In the rinse cycle, without adding the classic softener. For an even better softener effect, use warm or hot water.
See also
â–ª To remove the stains:
Mix vinegar and water in a ratio of 1: 1 and treat the stain with the mixture before washing. Leave to act for 10-15 minutes, then wash as usual.
â–ª For towels with mold smell:
Immerse them in the mixture 1 part of vinegar and 1 part of hot water 30–60 minutes, then wash at the highest temperature allowed. The smell of mold will disappear, together with the bacteria.
â–ª For the maintenance of the washing machine:
Once a month, make the empty washing machine work at maximum temperature with 2 cups of vinegar. You can remove limestone and detergent residues and refresh the inside of the machine.
Conclusion
Perhaps you have underestimated the vinegar, simply considering it another kitchen ingredient, but in reality it is a multipurpose weapon in the fight against stubborn stains, the grayness of the white clothes and the hardness of the towels. If you want a softer, fragrant and clean laundry, without unnecessary chemicals and with minimal effort, it’s time to move the vinegar from the kitchen to the laundry.
And let’s face it: if there is a way to wash better and without too many efforts, why continue to torture the laundry with old habits?
