Submitted by MotorDiscipline t3_11e4cw7 in LifeProTips
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Comments
Amazing_Library_5045 t1_jacakl8 wrote
Vinegar by itself is an amazing as well 😍
lokoston t1_jacaov0 wrote
So, i can't use vinegar that going through rehab and attending AAA? 😇😈😆
justanothernomad1 t1_jacap7m wrote
I always buy a large container of regular white vinegar and add it to my towels in the rinse cycle. NGL, I've never heard of alcohol vinegar but my mother always used white vinegar and it works like a charm. It's also great for cleaning glass and mirrors.
indiana-floridian t1_jacas4u wrote
Where do you obtain alcoholic vinegar?
MotorDiscipline OP t1_jacb40a wrote
They are almost the same. I'll edit the post to white vinegar since more people know it by this name.
[deleted] t1_jacb6ip wrote
MtPollux t1_jacclo9 wrote
You definitely don't want vinegar that's part of the American Automobile Association.
lokoston t1_jaccwgl wrote
You get regular white vinegar and teach it to drink in the hopes it becomes alcoholic.
Just_anopossum t1_jacd7ga wrote
The cons are it can ruin the seals on your washer if you use too much
Obwyn t1_jacd8fc wrote
You take a bottle of white vinegar and bottle of scotch and dump them into a jug. Put the lid on the jug and shake vigorously.
Voila, alcoholic vinegar. For extra class, toss a fine Cuban cigar into the mix
Space_Shep t1_jacdl2p wrote
Any chance the residual alcohol would be a combustion risk if you put it in the dryer? Not sure if it would be enough alcohol?
"Never use a dryer when clothing has been exposed to any type of flammable liquid (e.g. cooking oil, alcohol, gasoline, spot removers, or dry-cleaning agents). Washing machines cannot completely remove these liquids and they can ignite or explode in the dryer."
From https://my.spokanecity.org/news/stories/2015/02/03/prevent-a-clothes-dryer-fire/
MotorDiscipline OP t1_jacdsas wrote
I use approx 1 shot of it. It was recommended by the guy that services those machines. Doubt that this amount could do any harm since it gets diluted. Its main objective is to make the water softer.
Just_anopossum t1_jacdwse wrote
You mean the guy that gets paid to fix broken seals?
popejubal t1_jace177 wrote
“No cons” @OP says.
Continual use of vinegar can destroy the seals in your washing machine and dishwasher. If you want to use it once that probably isn’t a problem, but don’t do it often if you want to avoid replacing or repairing your washing machine often.
Please do a quick google check before posting a tip.
MotorDiscipline OP t1_jace5jr wrote
He has zero incentive, retired a few months later. But do as you wish.
Do you really think a shot of vinegar diluted by the whole drum of water could harm the seals? IMO the machine would break down faster than the seal.
_Forgotten t1_jace69n wrote
Bro he wasnt ready for the truth.
MotorDiscipline OP t1_jaceaw7 wrote
I don't use a dryer. But I wouldn't put it there. The main job of vinegar is to make water softer - the same job as the fabric softener does.
MotorDiscipline OP t1_jacemm7 wrote
"You may have heard that running a dishwasher with a bowl of vinegar in it will help get rid of hard-water film and lingering odors."
Putting a shot of vinegar vs. what this article is stating (a whole bowl) isn't the same. It is not for stain removal it is for softening the water.
popejubal t1_jacfcno wrote
You didn’t scroll down far enough.
Washing Machines Vinegar is sometimes used as a fabric softener or for getting rid of stains and odors in laundry. But as with dishwashers, it can damage the rubber seals and hoses in some washing machines to the point of causing leaks. It’s a problem that Steven Grayson, owner of Foothills Appliance Service in Wilkesboro, N.C., sees fairly frequently. “With continual use, vinegar can literally melt hoses, causing leaks and thereby possibly all kinds of additional damage to the house,” says Grayson. In his experience, front-load washers are especially susceptible to vinegar-related damage.
MotorDiscipline OP t1_jacfktu wrote
>But as with dishwashers, it can damage the rubber seals
I understand this as in filling the drum with loads of vinegar to clean it.
incasesheisonheretoo t1_jacgd5h wrote
True, but only if you use too much. Regular fabric softener isn’t great for your machines either.
marcelivan t1_jacgljr wrote
Years ago, as a home renter, I pulled apart a 15 yr old washing machine before AND after we switched from fabric softener to white vinegar.
The fabric softener buildup in the tubes and behind the drum was disgusting. This residue was the cause of mold and made our machine stink. After cleaning it, it took a few runs with Afresh to get rid of the mold smell.
Never had a mold smell problem like that one again.
After we switched, I pulled the old washer apart to fix an alignment issue. I got stuck and called a repair tech. The machine internals were so clean that the repair guy mentioned without prompting , “it’s clear that you don’t use softener”.
Re: replacing the rubber parts. I’ve replaced the boot because we washed a cat tunnel with metal that was sticking out. It gashed the rubber boot. That’s a simple $230 (cost of parts) home fix and much cheaper than having to replace your entire machine early b/c it’s gunked up.
incasesheisonheretoo t1_jacgpvs wrote
A small amount of white vinegar is great for odors and fabric softening in the wash, but the con is that is does nothing for static. Dryer sheets help with softness, static, and fragrance (if you’re into that). I do vinegar in the wash and a wool ball in the dryer.
Jaded-Moose983 t1_jachgoq wrote
No, I don't think so because my family has been doing this forever. Bonus over liquid fabric softener is the paraffin wax from the softener doesn't build up and clog the washer. It's better for the clothes as well.
[deleted] t1_jaci0gl wrote
[removed]
popejubal t1_jackwnu wrote
If you want to continue to use vinegar in your washing machine, you are welcome to do so. I’ll still warn other readers to avoid using vinegar regularly because of the problems with damaging the seals. I’ve had a washing machine leak and it is no fun.
MotorDiscipline OP t1_jacpje7 wrote
You do realize the amounts in the article you've posted and the amount it should be used instead of fabric softener are vastly different?
NZ_Employment_Law t1_jacsrmr wrote
We don't use it because we don't want to walk around smelling like the worst part of a salad dressing.
MotorDiscipline OP t1_jacu6qx wrote
If there is any smell left you're using it incorrectly or too much. Washed clothes smell fresh from the laundry detergent.
bojack42069 t1_jacyk1h wrote
OP must work for Big Vinegar the way they’re fighting so hard to use it all the time!
MotorDiscipline OP t1_jadjncm wrote
Hahahaha might be! Just trying to inform people about it so they can ditch toxic softeners. Using it for more than 5 years without problems.
Mark7A t1_jadkfpq wrote
There is a difference between routine (daily washing) use and occasional (cleaning) use.
Mark7A t1_jadklg3 wrote
You also don't want to use vinegar with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
KaraBoo723 t1_jaecmic wrote
This is bad advice!
I read an article from Consumer Reports that says the internal components of a washing machine cannot handle the vinegar on a regular basis. It's fine once in a while though.
LifeProTips-ModTeam t1_jaeqba8 wrote
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