Natural item you have in cupboard ‘softens and brightens’ clothes

There are many products in supermarkets that claim to soften and brighten your clothes, from fabric softeners to whitener powders. But these can end up costing you a lot of money.

However, one washing machine expert has says you don’t need any of these things to brighten and soften your clothes. In fact, you can use a natural product you probably already have in your cupboard – white vinegar.

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar, is a staple in many households, as it can be used for a number of arduous tasks – from preventing streaks on windows to removing stains from coffee mugs. Taking to TikTok, a washing machine repair expert recommended people avoid softeners when doing laundry, and instead use white vinegar.

The expert, from EZY Washing Machine Repair, said the reason why he recommends this is because it “softens and whitens your clothes,” as well as “breaks up detergent built up in the machine”. He added: “At the end of the day, it’s a natural product. We consume it, so if it’s good for us, it’s definitely good for your washing machine.”

However, it’s also worth mentioning that some claim the acidity in white vinegar can damage rubber parts of the washing machine over time. The expert explained that this is just his opinion, adding: “I personally use white vinegar and have been for years and have never seen an issue with it.”

Lora Finn, laundry expert at Vileda, also said that white vinegar is a “game-changer” for the laundry routine. Speaking to The Express, Lora said: “Firstly, it’s important to remember that white vinegar doesn’t eliminate all types of germs, and you shouldn’t use it as a replacement for your regular washing routine.

“However, if you’re looking for a natural solution to soften or remove odour your clothes, then white vinegar could be for you! Instead of a commercial fabric softener, I recommend adding half a cup to the correct compartment of your washing machine during the final rinse cycle. This neutralises any soap residue left behind by washing detergent, therefore reducing build-up and helping clothes feel softer.

Lora explained that if you have any odours that won’t budge, this could work for you as the acid “works to remove alkaline odours from clothes by neutralising them.”

Lora also recommends using white vinegar to help clean your washing machine. She said: “Periodically running an empty hot wash cycle with white vinegar will break down any residue inside your washing machine, so it’s in tip-top condition and ready for next time.”

You should consult your washing machine manual to see if it’s safe to use white vinegar with your appliance.