Combining baking soda and vinegar in a washing machine, especially on a delicate cycle, can create a fizzy chemical reaction. This reaction is caused by the acid-base reaction between the acetic acid in vinegar and the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda. When these two substances mix, they produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and a small amount of salt.
If you were to put baking soda and vinegar directly into the washing machine on a delicate cycle, here's what may happen:
Fizzing and Bubbling: The combination of baking soda and vinegar will cause immediate fizzing and bubbling. This is the release of carbon dioxide gas as a result of the acid-base reaction.
Cleaning Action: The fizzing and bubbling can create agitation and movement in the washing machine, which might give the impression that it's cleaning the clothes. However, the cleaning action from this reaction is limited and not as effective as using proper laundry detergent.
Potential Overflow: Depending on the quantity of baking soda and vinegar used, there is a risk of the mixture foaming up and potentially overflowing from the washing machine, especially during the delicate cycle, which uses less water.
Reduced Cleaning Power: Baking soda and vinegar do have some cleaning properties, but they may not be sufficient to remove tough stains, dirt, and grime from clothes, especially on delicate fabrics that require gentler washing.
To properly clean your laundry, it's best to use a suitable laundry detergent designed for delicate fabrics and follow the manufacturer's instructions on the amount to use. Baking soda and vinegar can be useful in some laundry applications, such as odor removal or fabric softening, but they should not be used as a primary substitute for laundry detergent in a washing machine. Always choose the appropriate detergent for the specific fabrics and washing machine settings to achieve the best cleaning results while preserving the longevity of your clothes.