So, in my speech class as an exercise on creating proposals, I had my students get in groups of two to come up with 10 ways to save money.
One student came up with a suggestion that I had never heard of.
Instead of buying laundry detergent that can cost a lot, buy a large gallon bottle of vinegar and use it instead.
“But your clothes will stink like a sad salad at a cafeteria!” my students said.
“No they won’t. The rinse cycle cleans out the smell, and if you add any softener to your laundry, it will smell quite nice.” Depending on the size of the laundry load - half cup to a cup.
Mind you, this woman is one of the fashion majors at the college where I teach, she has her own business, and knows textiles. She went on to say that this is how people used to clean their clothes, it is a great anti-bacterial solution and far cheaper than most detergents (of which, many have vinegar in their formula).
So, today I tried it out.
She’s right!
Did a load of white undershorts, socks and t-shirts…all came out clean, no vinegar odor and this will most certainly save money - a gallon of distilled white vinegar costs FAR less than regular laundry detergent.
When asked if you could use this in the dishwasher, she said, "Yes, but it does make your kitchen smell like vinegar, so not reccommended. Still, good to do occassionally as it cleans the calcium build up. Also, it gives a nice shine to glasses. Did I mention she also worked for a water store - those places that sell bottled water - for many years?
At any rate, the vinegar did a fine job on our laundry today - so in case you want to give it a try, and save a few bucks every month, thought I would mention it!