Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to preserve colors

Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser, or add it manually at the start of the rinse cycle. Use this every few washes rather than every load.

Why It Works

Vinegar's mild acidity (around pH 2.5) helps dissolve alkaline detergent residue that builds up on fibers and dulls their appearance. Removing this residue restores the fabric's natural color vibrancy. As a bonus, vinegar softens fabrics without the waxy buildup of commercial fabric softeners. The vinegar smell dissipates completely as clothes dry.

Tips

• Never combine vinegar with chlorine bleach — the mixture produces toxic chlorine gas
• Use white distilled vinegar only — apple cider or other colored vinegars can leave stains
• A traditional method used by quilters and fiber artists to keep fabrics looking vibrant