Tried this the other day! Brilliant!

1. Sort your laundry as usual, separating whites, colors, and towels.

2. Add detergent and start your washing machine.

3. When the rinse cycle begins, add half a cup of white vinegar. For a large load or heavily soiled items, you can use up to one cup.

4. Allow the machine to complete the rinse and spin cycles.

5. Dry your clothes and enjoy their fresh, bright, and soft results.

The most suitable type of vinegar for laundry is plain white distilled vinegar. Its clear color ensures that it won’t stain fabrics, and its mild scent dissipates quickly, leaving behind only freshness. While some people may use apple cider vinegar, it’s best to stick to white vinegar to avoid any risk of staining, particularly on lighter fabrics.

For the best results, always use vinegar in the rinse cycle rather than the wash cycle, as the rinse cycle ensures the vinegar doesn’t interfere with your detergent. Boost vinegar’s deodorizing effect by pairing it with baking soda for especially musky or musty laundry. Vinegar also acts as a natural fabric softener, so you can skip commercial softeners when using vinegar.

Avoid using too much vinegar as it can potentially damage fabric fibers or washing machine parts over time. Never mix vinegar with bleach, as this produces chlorine gas, which can be harmful if inhaled. Also, make sure to check garment care labels before using vinegar, as certain delicate fabrics like silk and wool can be damaged by acids.