Using inexpensive distilled white vinegar in the laundry is smart because it will whiten, brighten, reduce odor, and soften clothes without harsh chemicals.
It’s Cheap
Plain distilled white 5 percent vinegar runs around 3.5 cents per ounce in the typical supermarket when purchased by the gallon, and even cheaper when you can find it at the dollar store.
Name-brand liquid fabric softeners come in at about 10 cents per ounce—nearly three times the cost. As an alternative to liquid softeners, dryer sheets are a cheaper way to ruin your clothes and linens. On average, they’re about 5 cents per sheet.
It’s Colorless
When buying vinegar to use in the laundry, choose distilled white vinegar with 5 percent acidity. It contains no synthetic color and no natural plant dyes that can stain clothes.
It Softens
Plain white distilled vinegar with 5 percent acidity is a natural fabric softener. The acid helps remove detergent and soil that is left clinging to fabric fibers, which is what allows clothes and linens to come out feeling soft and clean.
Mary Hunt
Author
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
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