Vinegar can effectively eliminate odors without the need for artificial scents that only mask the smell or may irritate your skin. Whether it’s mildew, sweat, or just general odors, vinegar can help by destroying the germs that cause the unpleasant smell.
To remove mildew odors from towels, simply add 2 cups of distilled vinegar to a hot-water washer along with the towels, and run the usual cycle. If needed, you can repeat the process for even better results.
For clothing with lingering odors, add half to a cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle. Another option is to pre-soak heavily soiled clothes in a solution of 1 cup vinegar and cold water for about 20 minutes before washing.
Apply vinegar directly on the stained area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing. If the stain is mild, soaking the item in a solution of 1 cup vinegar and 2 cups warm water can also be effective.
For tough stains, create a paste using one tablespoon each of vinegar and baking soda, and apply it sparingly.
Soap residue often clings to the fabric, causing dark items to fade after multiple washes. To prevent this, add around a cup of vinegar to the last rinse cycle and help your dark colors stay black.
White vinegar is a great natural solution for repelling lint, pet hair, and static from your laundry. Simply add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine.
