The Key to Whiter Whites and Softer Towels (But Most People Use It Wrong). Here’s the Right Way.

 

The key to whiter whites and softer towels is vinegar and baking soda, but many people use them incorrectly. Here’s how to do it right:

For Whiter Whites:

1. Pre-soak: Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with warm water and soak your whites for an hour before washing. This removes buildup and brightens fabric.
2. Washing Machine: Add ½ cup of baking soda to the drum before adding clothes. This boosts whitening power.
3. Detergent Choice: Use a high-quality detergent but avoid chlorine bleach, as it can weaken fabric over time.
4. Final Rinse: Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener. It removes detergent residue and keeps whites fresh.

For Softer Towels:

1. Wash with Vinegar First: Run a hot wash cycle with 1 cup of white vinegar (no detergent). This strips away buildup from fabric softeners and detergents.
2. Second Wash with Baking Soda: Wash again with ½ cup of baking soda to soften fibers and remove odors.
3. Skip Fabric Softener: It coats fibers and makes towels less absorbent over time.
4. Dry Properly: Use a lower heat setting or line-dry. Adding wool dryer balls helps fluff towels without chemicals.

By using vinegar and baking soda correctly (separately, not together in the same cycle), you can naturally whiten clothes and keep towels luxuriously soft!