Cleaning enthusiast Lily, known as Clean with Lily on TikTok, has shared a simple hack to extend the lifespan and maintain the fluffiness of towels and cloths: replace fabric softener with white vinegar in the washing machine dispenser.
Over time, towels and cloths can become scratchy due to a buildup of detergent, fabric softener, body oils, and hard water minerals in the fibres. This reduces their usefulness and lifespan, often leading to more frequent replacements.
How the Vinegar Hack Works
In a recent video, Lily demonstrated the method: simply swap fabric softener for white vinegar in the machine's drawer and wash on a regular cycle. The acetic acid in white vinegar breaks down detergent residue, mineral deposits, and organic matter like sweat and dead skin cells that make fabrics stiff and scratchy.
Lily stated: “It will make them last longer.”
Additional Benefits of White Vinegar in Laundry
Beyond softening towels, white vinegar can brighten and whiten light-coloured and white clothes, eliminate mildew and strong odours, and prevent pet hair and lint from clinging to fabrics.
Precautions When Using Vinegar
However, improper or excessive use of vinegar can damage fabric or corrode washing machine rubber parts and seals. Alessandro Gazzo of Emily's Maids recommended to Homes & Gardens that washing towels on the hottest setting possible is ideal, as hot water dissolves natural oils and sweat and kills bacteria that vinegar may not. He said: “I've found vinegar goes really well with hot water if you're washing towels. Hot water helps you with towels or sheets because it dissolves our natural oils and sweat from our body, and kills the types of bacteria that vinegar won't.”
