can you mix vinegar and baking soda in washing machine
Can You Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda in Washing Machine?
Laundry day is essential in every household, and keeping clothes clean and fresh is a must. While there are several commercially available laundry detergents, many people prefer the more natural and eco-friendly route of using homemade laundry detergents. Among these homemade laundry detergent ingredients are vinegar and baking soda. But can you mix vinegar and baking soda in washing machine?
Substances involved
Before we dive into the mixability of vinegar and baking soda, it is essential to understand what they are and how they affect your laundry. Vinegar is an acidic substance that has a pH level of around 2.4. It is commonly used in the laundry to soften fabrics, remove odors, and brighten colors. On the other hand, baking soda is an alkaline substance that has a pH level of around 8.4. It is often used to clean and deodorize laundry, neutralize odors, and alleviate baby stains.
Mixing Vinegar and Baking Soda
While it may seem like mixing vinegar and baking soda would cancel each other out due to their opposing pH levels, they can actually be used together in certain situations. Vinegar and baking soda create a chemical reaction when combined, which produces fizzing and bubbling. When used in the proper amounts, this chemical reaction can be beneficial in cleaning certain laundry items.
Benefits of using vinegar and baking soda in laundry
There are several benefits to using vinegar and baking soda in the laundry. Here are the top five benefits:
1. Softening of clothes: Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle helps to remove any lingering soap residue on clothes, effectively softening them.
2. Removing odors: The acidic nature of vinegar helps to break down odor-causing bacteria in clothes, removing any unpleasant smells.
3. Brightening colors: Due to its acidic properties, vinegar can help brighten colors, leaving clothes looking fresher and brighter.
4. Deodorizing laundry: Baking soda is known for its powerful deodorizing properties, and adding it to the laundry can help to neutralize unpleasant smells.
5. Removing stains: Baking soda is often used to treat stains on clothing. It can be combined with vinegar to create a powerful stain-fighting solution.
The Proper Ratio
While it is safe to add vinegar and baking soda together in washing machines, it is essential to know the proper ratio to avoid oversudsing and damaging the washing machine. Generally, one tablespoon of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar are enough for a standard load of laundry. However, always refer to your washing machine manual for instructions on how to add vinegar and baking soda to your specific machine.
Precautions and Limitations
While vinegar and baking soda can offer several benefits for your laundry, it is essential to note that they are not all-in-one solutions. Vinegar and baking soda are not effective at cleaning heavily soiled clothes or removing hard water stains. In such cases, it is best to use commercially available laundry detergents.
Additionally, while it is safe to use vinegar and baking soda in a top-loading washing machine, they may not be suitable for front-loading washing machines. Front-loading machines have sensitive sensors that may be damaged by the acidity of vinegar. Always consult your washing machine manual or a professional before using vinegar or baking soda for front-loading machines.
Conclusion
In summary, vinegar and baking soda can be safely mixed in a washing machine to provide numerous benefits such as softening of clothes, removing odors, removing stains, brightening colors, and deodorizing clothes. However, it is crucial to use them in the proper ratio to avoid oversudsing and damaging the washing machine. While they are not suitable for all laundry situations, they can be a great addition to your regular laundry routine if used correctly.