Laundry Tip - Vinegar

Sunday is laundry day at our house. So laundry tips are likely to come on Sundays!

I use vinegar (white distilled vinegar) because:
a) it is environmentally-friendly,
b) it is wallet-friendly (purchase a gallon or more container, and pour some into a smaller bottle for use in the laundry room),
c) it is versatile.

As I begin to load the washing machine, I will put vinegar directly on:
1) underarms of clothing that have yellowed or have deodorant build-up, or on underarms of sweaty clothing to prevent yellowing and deodorant build-up,
2) on the traditionally stinky parts of underpants (i.e. where men have flatulence and where women have discharge).

I routinely add a tablespoon in the fabric softener dispenser of my washing machine in addition to the usual detergent. (A quarter cup is recommended, but since I have a front-loader, I use half that amount, or less depending on how much vinegar I used to "pre-treat"!)

I NEVER use liquid bleach or fabric softener.

There are at least "1,001 Uses for Vinegar" which you can check out at:
http://www.vinegartips.com/Scripts/
and specifically for laundry:
http://www.vinegartips.com/Scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=8

So why do I use vinegar specifically in regards to laundry? Because
a) I usually use only cold water to do the laundry, I need something to handle the germs, mold and mildew.
b) If your water is hard, vinegar will act as a water softener and boost the power of your detergent and decrease soap scum.
c) Most of our clothes are made from natural fibers like cotton, so they need milder treatment.