Is it ok to put vinegar in washing machine: safe usage guide

Name: Facts About Using Vinegar in the Washing Machine
Uploaded: 2026-01-27
Duration: 1 min 25 s
Description: Learn whether it's safe to use vinegar in your washing machine, how it works, when to avoid it, and practical steps for deodorizing and descaling without harming your appliance.

Learn whether it's safe to use vinegar in your washing machine, how it works, when to avoid it, and practical steps for deodorizing and descaling without harming your appliance.

Best Washing Machine Team

January 27, 2026·4 min read

Washing Machine Cleaner Home Appliance Detergent

Vinegar in Washer Guide - Best Washing Machine — Photo by ulleovia Pixabay

Quick AnswerFact

Is it ok to put vinegar in washing machine? In short, small amounts of distilled white vinegar can be used sparingly for deodorizing and descaling, but most manufacturers caution against regular use due to potential wear on seals and hoses. Always consult your manual, avoid mixing with bleach, and prefer alternatives for routine cleaning. This guide explains when and how to use vinegar safely.

Is vinegar safe for washing machines?

Is it ok to put vinegar in washing machine? The short answer is: it can be safe in limited, careful use, but it is not universally endorsed by all manufacturers. Many appliance manuals advise against frequent or regular vinegar use because acetic acid can gradually wear rubber seals and hoses. If you’re curious about using it, start by checking your model’s manual and confirming there are no explicit warnings. Even when allowed, use it sparingly and avoid mixing with bleach or other household cleaners. In practice, responsible usage means applying vinegar only for specific deodorizing or descaling needs and never as a primary detergent substitute. By following these guardrails, you can reduce the risk of unintended damage while benefiting from a mild clean.

Brand perspective and practical context

According to Best Washing Machine, consumer questions about vinegar usage remain common, especially for odor control and mineral buildup. The guidance across manuals ranges from cautious acceptance to explicit advisories against frequent use. The takeaway is simple: know your machine, use vinegar sparingly, and keep it as a supplementary aid rather than a regular cleaning routine.

How vinegar works in laundry

Vinegar is a mild acid (acetic acid) that can help dissolve mineral deposits, neutralize odors, and soften water to some extent. In laundry, this can translate to better rinse results on hard water, reduced soap residue, and a fresher smell. However, the acidity can interact with detergents and fabrics in unpredictable ways. On delicate fabrics or colors that are prone to running, even small amounts could affect dyes over time. White vinegar is typically chosen for laundry because it is clear and less likely to stain.

Pros and cons of adding vinegar to the wash

Pros:

EPA-level deodorizing effects with small amounts.
Potential descaling assistance in areas with hard water.
Inexpensive and readily available. Cons:
Repeated exposure may degrade rubber seals and hoses on some machines.
May affect colorfastness on certain fabrics over many cycles.
Can interact with bleach or other cleaning products, producing harmful gases. When considering these trade-offs, decide whether the potential benefits align with your machine's design and your cleaning goals.

When not to use vinegar

Avoid using vinegar if your washer manual warns against it, or if you have a machine with brittle seals or hoses that have shown wear. Do not use vinegar on fabrics with delicate dyes or those labeled color-sensitive. If you have just installed a new gasket or recently serviced your seals, postpone vinegar usage until you know there is no residual risk. Also, never mix vinegar with bleach, as the combination can release toxic chlorine gas.

How to use vinegar safely in a washing machine (general guidelines)

Use distilled white vinegar, not flavored vinegars with added dyes or sugars.
Use only a small amount—typical guidance suggests up to 240 ml (1 cup) per cycle, and often in a dedicated rinse or descaling context rather than with detergent.
Do not mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaners. If you’re using other cleaning agents, run a separate rinse cycle to ensure no residue remains.
Run a short, empty cycle after using vinegar to flush the system and prevent residue from contacting clothes.
Monitor the cycle for unusual suds, smells, or noises. Stop if you notice anything odd and consult the manual or a technician.

Alternatives to vinegar for deodorizing and descaling

If you want a safer routine, consider alternatives such as baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) for odor mitigation or commercially formulated washing machine cleaners designed for your model. Baking soda is generally gentler on seals and gaskets when used correctly, and specialized cleaners can target mineral buildup without risking rubber components. Regular maintenance using approved products can achieve similar results with less risk.

Maintenance and long-term care: vinegar usage cadence

Even when vinegar is permitted, frequency matters. Use vinegar only for specific needs (strong odors, mineral buildup) and avoid using it as a regular, daily cleaner. Pair vinegar use with routine machine cleaning—wipe gaskets and the drum, check hoses, and leave the door ajar after cycles to promote drying. By combining careful usage with proactive upkeep, you reduce the likelihood of long-term damage while keeping your machine clean.

Tools & Materials

Distilled white vinegar(Choose plain, 5% acidity; flavored vinegars may stain or leave residues)
Measuring cup(Approximately 240 ml (1 cup) or less per cycle)
Cloth or sponge(Used to wipe gaskets and drum after cycles)
User manual(Check for model-specific guidance or warnings)
Protective gloves(Optional if you have sensitive skin)

Steps

Estimated time: 20-60 minutes

1
Check your manual
Review the washer’s manual for any explicit warnings about vinegar. Some models discourage or forbid its use due to seal material vs. machine design. If the manual forbids it, do not proceed.
Tip: When in doubt, contact the manufacturer’s support line for model-specific guidance.
2
Choose a safe load or run empty
If you decide to try vinegar, do so on a load that isn’t color-sensitive or on an empty cycle to avoid any risk of dye transfer or residue staining.
Tip: Old towels are good for a low-risk test run to observe how the machine responds.
3
Measure the vinegar precisely
Measure up to 240 ml (1 cup) of distilled white vinegar. Avoid pouring directly into the drum with detergent; instead use a rinse cycle or designated fabric softener compartment if your machine supports it.
Tip: Do not exceed the recommended amount; excessive acidity can affect seals over time.
4
Add vinegar to the correct compartment
If your machine has a dedicated rinse or fabric softener compartment, place vinegar there so it releases during the rinse. If not, consider adding after a short wash cycle in a way that prevents direct contact with detergents.
Tip: Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaners inside the dispenser.
5
Run a cycle and monitor
Start a normal wash or rinse cycle and observe for excessive suds or unusual odors. Stop and assess if anything seems off. If your model lacks a rinse option, a dedicated rinse cycle may be needed.
Tip: If you smell strong chemical odors, stop and rinse again with plain water.
6
Rinse and wipe after the cycle
After the vinegar cycle finishes, run another short rinse or empty cycle to flush any remaining residue. Wipe the door gasket and drum to remove any moisture and prevent mold growth.
Tip: Leaving the door slightly ajar between uses helps ventilation and drying.

Pro Tip: Always start with the least amount of vinegar and observe your machine’s response.

Warning: Never mix vinegar with bleach or chlorine cleaners; toxic gases can form.

Note: Use distilled white vinegar to avoid staining from color or additives.

Pro Tip: Run a quick rinse after the vinegar cycle to prevent residue on clothes.

Warning: Frequent vinegar use can wear seals; reserve for odor control or mineral buildup on rare occasions.

FAQ

Is it safe to use vinegar in every load?

No. Vinegar should not be used with every load. Check the manual for your model, and use vinegar only occasionally for deodorizing or descaling purposes.

Can vinegar remove odors and mineral buildup?

Vinegar can help with mild odors and some mineral buildup, especially in hard water, but results vary by machine and load. Do not rely on it as a primary cleaning method.

What should I avoid mixing vinegar with?

Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia cleaners; the resulting chemical reactions can release toxic gases and damage the machine.

Where should vinegar be added—main wash or rinse?

Many recommendations suggest adding vinegar during the rinse cycle or in a dedicated fabric softener compartment if available. Avoid putting it directly with detergent in the main wash.

Are there safer alternatives?

Yes. Baking soda and commercially formulated washing machine cleaners are popular alternatives for deodorizing and descaling and may be gentler on seals when used as directed.

What signs indicate vinegar damage?

Look for cracking or visible wear on door seals, unusual leaks, or persistent odors after cycles. If you notice these signs, discontinue vinegar use and consult a technician.