Can You Use White Vinegar On Black Clothes? (read this first)

White vinegar – it’s not just for salads and pickles. You might be wondering if this common kitchen ingredient can also play a role in your laundry room, particularly when it comes to black clothes. 

Well, the answer is a resounding yes! You can absolutely use white vinegar on black clothes without worrying about staining or fading. In fact, white vinegar offers numerous benefits for your laundry that you won’t want to miss out on. 

So, let’s have a look into all the fantastic things white vinegar can do for your dark garments.

Is It Okay To Use White Vinegar On Black Clothing?

White vinegar can be a fantastic substitute for harsh bleach when it comes to your laundry. The key difference is that white vinegar won’t cause discolouration or fading like bleach does. Why? Because white vinegar doesn’t contain those harsh chemicals that can wreak havoc on your favourite black garments.

Here’s the golden rule: as long as you dilute the vinegar with water and don’t apply it directly to your clothes, it’s perfectly safe to use on your black clothing.

How To Safely Use Vinegar On Your Laundry

Now that you know it’s safe, you might wonder about the finer details of using white vinegar on your laundry. 

White vinegar contains acetic acid, which is generally gentle on clothing but can be a bit worrisome for certain fabrics. Just remember this: As long as the vinegar is diluted with water and not applied directly to your garments, it is perfectly safe to use it on your black clothing. 

If you’re unsure about whether it’s okay to use vinegar when washing your garments, here are some tips to put your mind at ease:

Check The Care Labels Of Your Clothing

Not all fabrics are created equal, and some require more TLC than others, especially when it comes to laundry products. 

Delicate fabrics like rayon, silk, and leather should stay far away from white vinegar to prevent potential damage. So, always check the care labels on your clothing to make sure it’s safe to use white vinegar.

Always Dilute The White Vinegar

As mentioned earlier, dilution is the name of the game when using white vinegar in your laundry. 

The usual ratio is about 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar for one load of laundry. Using more than this might leave an unwanted vinegar scent on your garments, something you definitely want to avoid.

Use A Gentle Or Delicate Cycle

When washing your beloved black clothes, opting for a gentle or delicate cycle is the way to go, especially when using white vinegar. 

These settings reduce agitation and friction, which can contribute to the fading of your clothes.

Use Cold Water

Whenever possible, go for cold water when washing your coloured or black garments. 

Hot water can weaken the hold of fabric dyes, which is a surefire way to make your clothes fade faster. Cold washes are not only gentler on your clothes but also on your wallet.

Air Dry Your Garments

If the care labels permit it, consider air-drying your clothes.

The fresh outdoor air and natural sunlight can keep your clothes looking fresh and vibrant, with less fading compared to tumble drying.

Reasons Why You Should Use White Vinegar On Your Black Garments

Now that we’ve covered the basics of using white vinegar safely, let’s look into the amazing benefits it brings to your laundry sessions.

White Vinegar Disinfects Clothes

White vinegar boasts mild disinfectant properties^[1] that can help reduce pathogens and bacteria on your clothing. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. 

Add a cup of white vinegar to your laundry along with your usual detergent to help kill off those pesky germs. For heavily soiled clothes, consider using hot washes to really get the job done!

White Vinegar Removes Bad Odours

It’s no secret that white vinegar can help eliminate unpleasant odours. After all, most of the nasty smells on your clothes come from fungal or bacterial growth on the fabric. 

White vinegar’s antibacterial properties work wonders. Just add a cup of white vinegar to your laundry along with your regular detergent, and your clothes will come out smelling fresh as a daisy.

White Vinegar Keeps Black Clothes From Fading

Here’s a tip for black clothing lovers: white vinegar helps maintain the vibrancy of your garments. 

It does this by removing detergent and fabric softener residues that can accumulate on fabric fibres over time. Add half to one cup of white vinegar, along with your regular detergent, and opt for cold washes to preserve your beloved black dyes.

NOTE: White vinegar works wonders for white garments too! It helps them appear crisp and bright, thanks to its stain-removing properties.

White Vinegar Helps Remove Stains

White vinegar’s acetic acid is your ally in the fight against stubborn stains. Whether it’s sunscreen, deodorant, makeup, or sweat, white vinegar can help break down and lift these stains from your clothing fibres. 

To get the job done, soak the stained garment in undiluted white vinegar for 10 to 30 minutes, then wash as usual.

White Vinegar Softens Clothing

White vinegar isn’t just a stain-fighter; it’s also a fantastic fabric softener. It works to soften clothing fibres, making your garments more comfortable to wear. Plus, it reduces static cling on your clothes. 

Simply add half to one cup of white vinegar to your fabric softener dispenser when doing your laundry, and you’ll enjoy softer, static-free clothing.

Time To Add More White Vinegar To Your Grocery List!

Using white vinegar on black clothes is not only safe but highly beneficial. 

It disinfects, removes odours, prevents fading, removes stains, and softens clothing – a laundry partner you definitely need in your life. 

So, don’t hesitate to make use of white vinegar in your laundry routine and enjoy the long-lasting freshness of your black garments.

Do you have other tips to share? Feel free to leave a comment below. 

SEE ALSO: How To Use White Vinegar In The Washing Machine (and why!)

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