Eco‑friendly laundry hacks: Vinegar for freshness and savings
Have you ever opened your washing machine after the wash cycle ended and noticed an odour that's not quite fresh? You don't need to spend a fortune on expensive chemicals. There's a home remedy that can help.
15 November 2024 15:02
We all want our laundry to stay fresh and fragrant for as long as possible. That's why we often use special laundry detergents and fabric softeners, which can sometimes strain the household budget. Rising prices and environmental concerns encourage us to search for more affordable and eco-friendly alternatives.
Laundry will delight with a pleasant scent and softness
Many people choose natural solutions in their daily cleaning routines. Ordinary vinegar is an invaluable ally of every meticulous homemaker. It's cheap and effective, so we often use it. Adding it to the wash can keep your clothes fresh and soft for an extended time.
How do you do it? Measure 120 millilitres (½ cups) of vinegar, add a few drops of essential oil, and pour the mixture into the detergent drawer, specifically in the section for fabric softener. The choice of essential oil depends on your preference—lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon. The decision is yours.
Place the clothes in the drum, set your favourite wash program, and you're done. This method not only softens the fabrics and adds a lovely scent but also refreshes the colour, disinfects, and removes residual detergents from the fabric.
the cleanliness of the appliance is crucial
The washing machine takes care of our clothes but also needs cleaning. Otherwise, it may not clean fabrics thoroughly and might intensify unpleasant odours. At least once every three months, thoroughly scrub the drum, detergent drawer, washing machine door, and rubber parts.
When you finish cleaning the appliance, run an "empty wash" (set to a high temperature) with one dishwasher tablet and 240 millilitres (1 cup) of vinegar to thoroughly clean all areas of the appliance.
The detergents will refresh the washing machine's interior, removing all dirt, deposits, and mould. The musty smell from hard-to-reach places will disappear, and most importantly, there will be no trace of limescale.
