Question

How do you remove the vinegar smell from fabrics that were washed with vinegar and liquid detergent but not rinsed well before adding fabric softener?

Answer 1

To remove the vinegar smell from fabrics that were not rinsed well before adding fabric softener, you can follow these steps:

1. Re-wash the fabrics: The first step is to re-wash the fabrics to remove any remaining vinegar and fabric softener. This time, make sure to use only water in the rinse cycle to thoroughly rinse out the vinegar and detergent.

2. Use baking soda: Add baking soda to the wash cycle. Baking soda is known for its ability to neutralize odors, including vinegar smells. Add about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of baking soda to the washing machine along with the detergent and run a full wash cycle.

3. White vinegar rinse: After the baking soda wash, run an additional rinse cycle with white vinegar. Vinegar helps to eliminate odors and can also help to break down any remaining detergent residues. Use about 1 cup of white vinegar for this rinse.

4. Sun-dry the fabrics: If possible, hang the fabrics out in the sunlight to dry. Sunlight has natural deodorizing properties and can help to further eliminate any lingering smells.

5. Use a scented fabric softener: If the vinegar smell persists, consider using a scented fabric softener in the next wash. This can help to mask the remaining odor.

6. Repeat if necessary: If the smell is still present after the first attempt, you may need to repeat the process a few times until the vinegar smell is completely gone.

Remember, when washing fabrics, it's essential to follow the care instructions on the fabric label and the recommended guidelines for the detergent and fabric softener you are using. Also, consider doing a small patch test on a hidden part of the fabric to ensure the cleaning process doesn't cause any damage or color fading.