February 16, 2021
Everyday Tips : Use White Vinegar as a Fabric Softener
Sometimes a quick and simple tip that can make the mundane a little easier or make your life a little better makes a BIG difference. This is a new series here on the blog where I’ll be sharing simple tips, finds, and suggestions to make life a little easier. I’ll be sharing these tips regularly on the blog and on Instagram – make sure you’re following along!
This is a super simple (and inexpensive) swap you can do that will cut out chemicals in your home and on your clothes and it softens clothes at the same time. And if you’re questioning the effectiveness and the smell, it took me a little bit to be on board too, but after experimentation and tweaking, I am 100% team vinegar in the laundry room!
Here’s what you need to do:
Simply add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser or to a fabric softener ball. The white vinegar will act as a fabric softener AND it will keep your washing machine smelling fresh and clean!
Why would you want to switch to vinegar as a fabric softener? Most conventional fabric softeners and dryer sheets are not only toxic (read more here from EWG.com), but they also coat fibers making clothes and towels harder to clean because they build up with fabric softener. If you love your fabric softener and dryer sheets and love that scent that’s associated with clean laundry, you probably don’t want to make the switch to something natural if it’s unscented. Go to this post for 4 ways to naturally soften + freshen your laundry.
Why is this a good tip? White vinegar is readily available (I get it at Costco – see my favorites here), it’s food-grade, natural, it freshens your clothes, and keeps your towels fluffy. If you’re afraid that your laundry will smell like a pickle, I promise you that it won’t – the smell completely dissipates once the clothes are washed.
A couple of things that might make your laundry-softening a little more enjoyable:
- I also use wool dryer balls in the dryer to soften and freshen clothes. You can see how I use them here.
- Here’s the glass bottle I store my white vinegar in (it’s my spray bottle – it comes with a lid). I popped a plastic pump on it for easier dispensing.
- Another benefit of using vinegar as a fabric softener is that it also keeps the washing machine from smelling.
- my favorite laundry products are here on my Cleaning Favs page.
- That darling Laundry Co sign is from Magnolia and the baskets are from HomeGoods.
Looking for more Laundry Inspiration?
Get Access to Clean Mama's Free Laundry Guide Printable
You'll also get access to the entire free printable library!
Irene Says
“it also keeps the washing machine from smelling.”
I completely agree! Vinegar is a natural disinfectant which kills bacteria so no wonder it will do that! Thank you very much for the tip, it’s just what I needed.
Alison Says
How do you get your washer and dryer so close up against the wall? Mine stick out so far…
Ardeana Says
I love your idea for using the pump to dispense the vinegar! About how many pumps to you use for a typical load? Also, where is the grey laundry basket on top of your washer from?
b r Says
Post authorI do 5 pumps and the basket is from HomeGoods 🙂
Melanie Says
Where did you get the pump top for the glass bottle?
b r Says
Post authorI’m testing it out as a new product 😉
Liliana Says
I have also added vinegar to my whites since we have hard water and I have seen the dingy whites get whiter (I keep a tshirt at bottom of like for comparison).
b r Says
Post authorYay!
Natalie Muoio Says
What’s in the clear pump?
b r Says
Post authorWhite vinegar
Sarah DeJesus Says
Hi Becky, If I use bleach can I also use vinegar?
b r Says
Post authorNo, do not mix bleach and vinegar!
Pingback: 10 Frugal Laundry Day Hacks To Make Your Washing Days Easier and Cheaper - SparklingPenny
Pingback: Can I Use Fabric Softener on Baby Clothes [With Natural Alternatives] - Natural Baby Life
Shannon Says
Does it make your clothes smell like vinegar?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorNot at all!
Pingback: How To Save Money Doing Laundry | The Debt Free Dream
Pingback: DiscoverNet | Foods You Can Use That Will Actually Clean Your House
Elaine DeAndrea Says
Hi Becky! I have a top loader washer which has a deep rinse option for use with fabric softener. Do I need to use that when using white vinegar as a fabric softener?
Thanks!
Clean Mama Says
Post authorNot necessarily – try it both ways and see which method you prefer 🙂
Carol Says
White vinegar instead of fabric softener, best idea ever! No static, less wrinkles, and soft. I add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the vinegar. Thanks for the tip.
Ben Says
It’s worth mentioning that vinegar *CAN* damage rubber seals (and hoses) especially on front load washing machines (consumer reports had an article about vinegar). So be careful with using it in your dishwasher or washing machine if it’ll come in contact with rubber (or you have a front load).
Jackie Says
Can I use conventional detergent while using vinegar as a softener?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorYou can, but I prefer my laundry detergents:
https://shop.cleanmama.com/collections/laundry
Bill Says
Is vinegar safe to use for every load as a permanent replacement?
I also have issues with softness (everything) when I line dry my clothes after washing them using vinegar as a fabric softener.
What do you recommend as a permanent green , yet effective replacement for laundry detergent?
Thank you.
Billy
Clean Mama Says
Post authorI recommend my products – it’s all I use! They are green AND effective! https://shop.cleanmama.com/collections/laundry