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vinegar when washing regular clothes?  

post #1 of 12
5/21/08 at 11:21am
Thread Starter 
I know vinegar in the rinse cycle can be used to soften up cloth diapers, but does it do the same thing for regular clothes? Since I stopped using fabric softener, I've noticed my clothes not being very soft and I really hate that. I miss my Downy! But I know it's bad for baby and the environment so I've stopped using it. I was just wondering, if I add vinegar, will it work on regular clothes without ruining them?

Thanks,
Christine
post #2 of 12
5/21/08 at 11:47am
I always put in a few shots of vinegar when at the very beginning...like when i first start the washer and add soap. I do it because it gets rid of set in smells and they seem fresher. It hasn't ruined any of my clothes.


I Vinegar!!!
post #3 of 12
5/21/08 at 1:07pm
It's fine for regular clothes too. That's all my mom ever used when I was growing up.
post #4 of 12
5/21/08 at 4:11pm
I pour it into our built-in fabric softener "holding spot" and our clothes come out clean and soft. If you have just stopped using Downy, your clothes will still have a residue so it may take some time for all that to come out before you notice the vinegar "working". Be patient. It's cheap and it helps in lots of ways.
post #5 of 12
5/23/08 at 6:24pm
Yeah, I used to use vinegar on all my clothes. Now I'm too lazy (lol) but I can vouch that it works and doesnt leave your clothes smelling vinegary.
post #6 of 12
5/23/08 at 9:57pm
yup- makes them softer. also good for stinky things like dog blankets or stinky towels.
post #7 of 12
5/26/08 at 12:32pm
How much vinegar do you use for the different items? Do you use the same amount for towels as you do for clothes?

I stopped using fabric softener (my son is sensitive) and now all the sheets, towels, etc feel "not soft". Also, my last load smelled a little vinegary.

So, how much to use? Thanks in advance!
post #8 of 12
5/26/08 at 4:16pm
Quantity:

When I had a washer without a built-in fabric softener dispenser, I used the Downy Ball and filled it just above the marked line with white vinegar instead of Downy.

Now, I have a washer with a built-in dispenser and I fill it with white vinegar.

I buy vinegar by the gallon and I refill the pint-size glass jars for easier usage (straight vinegar uses). I just did a load of towels this morning and the glass jar was full. I'd estimate I used about 4 oz, which is half a cup.
post #9 of 12
5/27/08 at 11:45am
If you still use store-bought chemically detergent, but don't use fabric softener, your clothes will not be soft. You can switch to a natural detergent and then you won't need fabric softener at all.
post #10 of 12
5/27/08 at 12:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Galatea View Post
If you still use store-bought chemically detergent, but don't use fabric softener, your clothes will not be soft. You can switch to a natural detergent and then you won't need fabric softener at all.
Hmmm... I use All Free & Clear or Cheer Free and white vinegar (plus baking soda for whites and sheets and towels). Everything comes out soft and static-free.
post #11 of 12
5/27/08 at 12:56pm
I throw it in at the beginning, not the rinse cycle - about a cup, maybe more for a load of towels. I loathe the smell of vinegar, but it has not been a problem at all. We have very hard water and it seems to do the trick.
post #12 of 12
5/28/08 at 2:33pm
Does this work for line dried clothes too? Thanks.:
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