Overview

• Recent how-tos recommend soaking colored garments in a 1:1 mix of white or distilled vinegar and water for about half a day, then rinsing and washing to help set dyes.
• For washing-machine care, instructions call for adding about one cup of white vinegar to the detergent drawer and running a long hot cycle on an empty drum, then wiping the gasket and interior dry.
• Outlets advise repeating the cleaning cycle monthly and using up to two cups of vinegar on hot washes when tackling strong musty odors in towels and linens.
• Reporters highlight that white or distilled vinegar helps dissolve limescale and detergent residue and can reduce lingering smells in both fabrics and the machine.
• Coverage underscores that vinegar is not a registered disinfectant, so approved products are recommended when the goal is to kill germs rather than clean or deodorize.