Vinegar is the key to whiter whites and softer towels, but most use it wrong. Here’s the right way to use it

Avoid using vinegar:

On delicate fabrics like silk or acetate

Regularly on elastic-heavy items (like some athletic wear)

Mixed with bleach (this is unsafe and should never be done)

Occasional use is safe for most everyday laundry, but it doesn’t need to replace every wash.

Will Clothes Smell Like Vinegar?

No—when used correctly. The vinegar smell disappears completely as clothes dry. If a scent remains, it usually means too much vinegar was used or the load was overloaded.