The Ultimate Guide to Using Natural Laundry Products in High-Efficiency Washers

When it comes to doing laundry in a high-efficiency (HE) washer, many people wonder if they can use natural products like vinegar, baking soda, and borax instead of commercial detergents. The good news is that yes, you can use these natural alternatives in your HE washer! While the packaging may not provide specific instructions for using these products, rest assured that they are safe and effective options for cleaning your clothes. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the ins and outs of using vinegar, baking soda, borax, and even ammonia in your HE washer.

Why Use Natural Products in HE Washers?

High-efficiency washers require the use of low-sudsing HE detergent to accommodate the lower water levels used in each cycle. However, traditional detergent boosters like baking soda and borax can still be beneficial in these machines. These natural products can enhance the cleaning power of your laundry detergent, helping to whiten whites, remove stains, and even act as a water softener. Here’s how to use each of these natural products in your HE washer, whether you have a front loader or a top loader.

Baking Soda

Usage Instructions:
– Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda into the empty washer tub before loading your clothes.
– For particularly stubborn odors, you can use a full cup of baking soda without harming your washer.
– Allow the clothes to soak in the baking soda and water for at least 30 minutes before starting the wash cycle.

Benefits:
– Acts as a natural brightener and deodorizer.

Borax

Usage Instructions:
– Sprinkle 1/2 cup of powdered borax into the empty washer tub before adding your dirty laundry.
– Ensure there are no lumps in the borax powder, especially when using cold water.

Benefits:
– Works as a water softener and deodorizer.

Distilled White Vinegar

Usage Instructions:
– Fill the fabric softener dispenser with white distilled vinegar to help soften clothes.
– The white vinegar should be added during the rinse cycle to remove detergent and soil from fabric clothes.

Benefits:
– Leaves clothes feeling soft and clean without a vinegar odor.
– Helps keep your washer fresh and clean, reducing the growth of mold and mildew.

Using Ammonia in HE Washers

Some tough odors, such as those from hog farmers, skunk encounters, or even cat urine stains, may require the use of strong ammonia to eliminate the smell. Non-sudsing household ammonia can be used safely in HE washers, but always read the label to ensure there will be no excessive suds. Here’s how to safely use ammonia in your HE washer:

Usage Instructions:
– Add the ammonia directly to the washer drum before loading your dirty clothes and adding water.

Warning:
– Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia, as this combination creates toxic fumes that are harmful.

How to Use Bluing in a Front Load Washer

Laundry bluing is a traditional product that can help make white clothes appear brighter and whiter. If you have a front load HE washer, here’s how to use bluing effectively:

Usage Instructions:
– Mix the bluing with at least one quart of water as directed on the packaging for top load washers.
– Dilute the bluing by mixing 1/4 teaspoon with one quart of cool water in a glass container for front load washers.
– Add the diluted bluing into the wash cycle through the appropriate dispenser.

Warning:
– Do not mix bluing with chlorine bleach in the same load.
– Clean the dispenser thoroughly if any bluing solution remains after the cycle.

In a study by Callewaert et al. (2015), researchers found that bacterial exchange can occur in household washing machines. Therefore, keeping your washer clean and fresh with natural products like vinegar and baking soda can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Remember to always follow instructions carefully when using natural products in your HE washer to ensure optimal cleaning results. By incorporating these natural alternatives into your laundry routine, you can achieve clean, fresh-smelling clothes without the use of harsh chemicals. Give it a try and experience the difference natural products can make in your laundry routine!