Electricity bills keep going up in summer and end up being scarier than a horror movie night. But we’re feeling generous and we’re going to give you a very simple trick that has gone viral and will help you save a bit: using white vinegar in the washing machine.
Yes, vinegar in the washing machine, and you’ll be surprised, but it not only leaves clothes cleaner, it also helps reduce energy consumption! A great trick we’re bringing you today, plus, you probably already have vinegar at home so you won’t even need to go to the store. It protects fabrics, extends the life of the appliance, and also protects your wallet from unnecessary expenses, what more could you ask for?
And without giving up a clean load
With the summer heat, the washing machine works harder than ever. Sweaty t-shirts, swimwear, towels… Any activity we do, added to the rise in temperature, means we need to do more laundry but also that the electricity bill shoots up (unless you prefer to stink up the subway car, that’s up to you)
This is where our home tip comes into play: if you add a tablespoon of distilled white vinegar during the rinse cycle. It’s a trick unknown to many people, but it reduces energy consumption and is foolproof during hot seasons.
Why this trick works
White vinegar has an acidity level (4% to 5%) that can clean, disinfect and soften clothes without damaging fabrics. It’s also especially useful on sportswear, where detergent residue and bad odours tend to build up more easily. But not only that, it also prevents residue from building up inside the drum (and this improves the washer’s performance in the long run). Plus it works as a natural disinfectant. All in one!
Lower consumption, better performance
Reducing energy use doesn’t stop at vinegar. The washing machine is just one of many appliances that use more power in summer. The fridge, for example, also consumes more due to frequent opening and extra load. The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) recommends complementary actions like avoiding opening the fridge door unnecessarily or keeping the filters clean. And if we talk about using air conditioning… our salary isn’t enough to survive the heat.
And if you don’t have vinegar
If by chance you’ve run out of white vinegar, all is not lost. Another equally effective solution is baking soda, a product with deodorizing and alkaline properties that also works as a natural cleaner. You can add it directly to the drum before washing to fight tough stains and bad smells. Don’t say we’re not giving you options, ok?
Other tips
And as you’ve probably noticed, we love home tricks! Just like our grandmothers used to do (they were very, very wise), we’re going to leave you some more tips if you want to save a little more, and without spending a fortune!
- Always wash with cold water (do you know how much electricity the washer uses just heating water?)
- Avoid the dryer, hang clothes in the sun whenever you can, in summer everything dries much faster
- Skip the iron, that’s out of style now…
- Unplug what you don’t use, chargers, microwaves and such still consume energy while they’re waiting to be used.
- Switch your bulbs to LED
- Look into rate schedules so appliances run during the cheapest hours
In other words, if the electricity bill goes up, we make it go down. Remember, vinegar in your laundry routine means cleaner and better-cared-for clothes. And no, it doesn’t leave a smell on your clothes if that’s your biggest fear! Try it and let us know!