Can vinegar harm your washing machine?

Yes, vinegar can be bad for washing machines, especially with frequent use, as its acidity can degrade rubber seals, hoses, and plastic parts over time, potentially causing leaks and costly damage, though modern machines might use more resistant materials. While it's great for pre-treating stains or cleaning the exterior, avoid adding it directly to the drum or mixing it with detergent in the main wash, as it can interfere with detergent performance. Use machine-specific cleaners for deep cleaning and add small amounts to the rinse cycle for fabric softening, but be cautious with front-loaders and older models.

Does vinegar ruin a washing machine?

Yes, using vinegar frequently in a washing machine can ruin it over time because its acidity damages rubber seals, hoses, and other components, leading to leaks and costly repairs; major appliance brands advise against it for cleaning the machine, suggesting designated cleaners instead, though it's generally okay for pre-treating clothes if thoroughly rinsed. 

Does vinegar damage rubber?

Yes, vinegar can damage rubber because it's acidic, causing swelling, softening, cracking, and degradation, especially with prolonged exposure or concentrated use, affecting seals and hoses in appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. While some natural or specific synthetic rubbers (like EPDM, silicone) handle mild, diluted vinegar briefly, it's best to avoid it on most rubber components and use manufacturer-recommended cleaners instead for long-term care. 

Where should I put vinegar in my washing machine?

You should put distilled white vinegar in your washing machine's fabric softener dispenser for automatic dispensing during the rinse cycle, or add it directly into the drum at the start of the final rinse cycle if you don't have a dispenser or prefer manual control. This helps remove detergent residue, soften fabrics, and neutralize odors, but never mix it with detergent or bleach as they cancel each other out.
 

Can I use vinegar and laundry detergent together?

No, you should not mix vinegar and laundry detergent directly in the same compartment or at the start of the wash because the acid and base cancel each other out, making them less effective and potentially causing residue or damage; instead, add vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser during the rinse cycle to soften, deodorize, and remove detergent buildup. Always use vinegar in the rinse, never with bleach, and avoid it on delicate fabrics like wool or spandex. 

Facts About Using Vinegar in the Washing Machine

What clothes should not be washed with vinegar?

Don'ts: Don't mix vinegar with chlorine and non-chlorine bleach. Don't mix peroxide with vinegar. Don't use it on a regular basis, or in the wrong quantities. Don't use it on cotton, linen, rayon, or nylon.

What do the Amish use for laundry detergent?

♻️✨ Here's what you'll need: - 3 cups borax - 2 cups baking soda - 1 cup washing soda - 1 grated bar of Fels Naptha soap (smells divine!)

Is it okay to use vinegar in every load of laundry?

It's a safe and effective way to boost the cleaning power of your detergent while also being eco-friendly. So go ahead and add some vinegar to your next load of laundry for cleaner, fresher-smelling clothes.

How do I remove black mould from a washing machine rubber seal?

To remove black mold from a washing machine seal, use a bleach-based cleaner or a vinegar/baking soda solution on a cloth to scrub the folds, then rinse and dry thoroughly, leaving the door open; for tough mold, you might need to let the solution sit or run a hot wash cycle with added cleaner after wiping. Always wear gloves and ensure the machine is empty before starting, then maintain cleanliness by wiping the seal and leaving the door ajar.
 

What kind of vinegar is safe for a washing machine?

White vinegar isn't harmful to all washing machine parts. You may be able to use it on some dispensers, doors and other external surfaces.

What not to clean with vinegar?

You should not clean natural stone (marble, granite, limestone), hardwood floors, waxed surfaces, electronic screens, cast iron, aluminum, or certain stainless steel items with vinegar, as its acidity can etch, dull, corrode, or dissolve finishes and sealants. Also avoid using vinegar on egg spills, inside clothes irons, dishwashers, or mixing it with bleach.
 

Is vinegar good for washing clothes?

Yes, vinegar is good for washing clothes as a natural fabric softener, deodorizer, and brightener, but it should be added during the rinse cycle (not with detergent) and used sparingly to avoid damaging rubber parts in your machine; it's great for removing buildup and odors, but not a detergent replacement. Use white vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser or add 1/2 cup to the rinse, as it helps remove soap residue, softens fabrics, and eliminates smells without leaving a scent. 

Will vinegar damage a toilet bowl?

No, vinegar is generally safe and effective for cleaning most toilet bowls, as its mild acidity dissolves mineral deposits, hard water stains, and soap scum without harming porcelain, but avoid prolonged soaking (days/weeks) or using it on very cheap toilets with damaged finishes; it's a great natural alternative to harsh chemicals. 

Can you wash a washing machine with white vinegar?

Did you know you can clean your washing machine with vinegar? White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that can help remove odours and clean your washing machine's drum. Simply add a cup of white vinegar to an empty cycle and run your machine on the hottest setting.

Does vinegar damage washing machines on Reddit?

It's useful as a general household cleaner, but it shouldn't be used inside a washing machine. According to him, vinegar can cause corrosion, damage rubber parts, and generally shorten the lifespan of the appliance.

What is the best thing to run through a washing machine to clean it?

One of the best ways to clean the washing machine is using chlorine bleach and distilled white vinegar. Starting the washer on its hottest cycle, allow the drum to fill with water, then add one quart of chlorine bleach to the water before allowing the cycle to complete.

What kills mold better, bleach or vinegar?

Vinegar is better at killing mold because it can work on both porous and nonporous surfaces. It also terminates molds at their roots so the mold won't return and is also safer than bleach. You can even combine it with baking soda to make it more effective.

What causes black gunk in the washing machine?

Black gunk in a washing machine is usually a mix of undissolved detergent, fabric softener, dirt, lint, mold, and mildew, forming a slimy buildup that sheds onto clothes, often caused by using too much soap, low water temps, or not leaving the door open to dry. Deteriorating rubber parts (like hoses or seals) and mineral deposits from hard water can also contribute.
 

What are the symptoms of black mold exposure?

Black mold exposure symptoms often mimic allergies or colds, including sneezing, runny nose, congestion, coughing, headaches, fatigue, and itchy/watery eyes, especially for sensitive people or those with existing allergies, potentially worsening asthma with wheezing and shortness of breath; severe reactions are rare but can occur in immunocompromised individuals.
 

What are the downsides of using vinegar?

Vinegar has a very low pH level which means it's very acidic, so it can corrode some surfaces over time. For example, using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble can dull and scratch the surface and it can corrode surfaces like unsealed grout, window seals, and fridge and dishwasher gaskets.

Where to put the vinegar in the washing machine?

You put white vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser or add it directly during the final rinse cycle (about 1/2 cup) to avoid mixing with detergent, making clothes softer, brighter, and less staticky. For cleaning the machine, add 1-2 cups of vinegar to the drum and run a hot cycle.
 

How much vinegar is too much for laundry?

Using too much vinegar in laundry can lead to excess acid that isn't rinsed out well, and it's just wasteful. Stick to roughly 1/2 cup (maybe up to 1 cup for very large or very odorous loads). That amount is enough to do the job.

How do Amish wipe for toilet paper?

In many Amish homes, rags are a common toilet paper alternative. These rags are typically old clothes that have been worn out. After simple processing, they become practical cleaning tools. After use, they are washed clean and can be reused multiple times.

Why can't Amish use zippers?

Amish people don't use zippers because they symbolize worldliness, vanity, and speed, conflicting with their core values of humility (Gelassenheit), simplicity, and nonconformity, favoring instead simple hooks, pins, or buttons (though even buttons can be avoided for modesty) to maintain separation from modern society and focus on community and faith. Zippers are seen as too flashy and convenient, while simpler fasteners align with their deliberate, humble lifestyle.
 

What must an Amish bride do on her wedding night?

On their wedding night, an Amish woman spends her first night as a wife in her parents' home, often with playful pranks from friends, before helping with cleanup the next day, as the "honeymoon" involves visiting relatives to receive gifts, not a separate trip. The evening involves celebration, but the focus is on community and preparation for starting their new life, often living with parents initially.