Clothes stay fresh by adding one item to washing machine – not fabric softener

We can keep our clothes fresh and enjoy the benefits of fabric softener without using the liquid, it’s been claimed. Hotpoint, a major washing machine and dryer brand, says it’s a fan of a “good laundry hack”, including avoiding the overuse of detergent, not overloading your dryer and pre-treating stains.

Another approach it hails involves the use of fabric softener, but not the common liquid variety. Rebecca Jakeman, senior researcher at consumer watchdog Which?, warns that softeners can “come with hidden drawbacks”. She claims the “vast majority” of ingredients in softeners are “softening agents, fragrances, stabilisers and preservatives”. Rebecca further states that these can lead to “skin irritation” and “damage to fabrics”. It seems many people at Hotpoint share similar views on this laundry staple, acknowledging that some might prefer not to use it.

Fortunately, they’ve suggested a thrifty alternative. It writes on its website: “Fabric softener is an excellent tool for keeping your clothes fresh and soft, but if you’re like many of us, you might not want to use liquid fabric softener.

“We suggest using a dryer sheet instead because it’s easier to store in the laundry room and can be used multiple times before being tossed in the trash.

“To make this hack even more effective, add a bit of vinegar to your rinse cycle—it will help eliminate any lingering odors from detergent or fabric softener.”

Hotpoint explained how vinegar is a “natural fabric softener”, helping to address static and freshening your clothes. It can also be used to tackle stains.

It advised: “Wash the items in warm water with 1 cup of vinegar or soak the stained item overnight in 1 cup of white vinegar and 3 cups of water.”

It cautioned against mixing chlorine bleach products with ammonia cleaners as they can produce “toxic” vapours”. According to cleaning influencer Clean Mama, you can use white vinegar for the job.

Nigel Bearman, director of cleaning company Daily Poppins, explained that clothes might turn this colour due to an accumulation of proteins from sweat and body oils, not dirt.

Nigel said: “Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is a fantastic natural solvent for protein-based stains. When you dissolve it into a soak, the acid works to neutralise the yellowing and break the bond between the fabric and the grime.

“It’s a trick that professional launderers have used quietly for years to get that crisp, bright finish without using harsh, fabric-weakening bleaches.”

It was noted that a box of aspirin could set you back as little as 69p. So, when it comes to doing your washing, “treatment” will cost less than 15p for a full load.

Nigel added: “Aspirin is a safe, gentle, and incredibly cheap way to extend the life of your clothes. It’s especially good for delicate cottons that might be ruined by chlorine bleach.”

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