A cleaning enthusiast known as Clean with Lily on TikTok has shared a simple trick to extend the lifespan of towels and cloths: swap fabric softener for white vinegar in the washing machine.
Why Towels Become Rough
Over time, towels can turn rough and scratchy due to buildup of detergent, fabric softener, body oils, and hard water minerals embedded in the fibres. This reduces their effectiveness and longevity, leading to more frequent replacements.
The Vinegar Solution
Lily advises pouring white vinegar into the machine's fabric softener dispenser instead of using commercial softener. She stated simply: "It will make them last longer." The vinegar works during a standard wash cycle to restore softness by breaking down detergent residue, mineral deposits, sweat, body oils, and dead skin cells.
The acetic acid in white vinegar is key to dissolving these residues, leaving fabrics feeling softer and cleaner.
Additional Benefits of Vinegar in Laundry
Beyond towels, white vinegar can brighten and whiten light-coloured and white garments, eliminate mildew and sweat odours, and reduce pet hair and lint sticking to clothing.
Precautions
However, using vinegar incorrectly or in excess can damage fabrics or corrode washing machine components. Frequent or excessive use may deteriorate rubber seals over time.
Alessandro Gazzo from Emily's Maids told Homes & Gardens that washing towels on the hottest setting may be more effective, eliminating the need for rinsing. He explained: "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."
