It may sound old-fashioned, but adding baking soda to laundry can make your colored clothing brighter and your whites whiter. Rewash and use a fabric softener in the washer or dryer or use a detergent containing a fabric softener in the wash. To use it, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse cycle of your washing machine. Choose the hot water setting on your washer. Polyester is a man-made fiber that’s created by combining various chemicals and materials. I put each load through two complete cycles to ensure my laundry is clean, sanitized and rinsed thouroughly. What happens if you accidentally use fabric softener? What is this? If you accidentally put fabric softener in the detergent slot when doing your laundry, don’t panic — it won’t damage your clothing or washing machine. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washer’s drum at the start of the wash cycle to boost laundry detergent or bleach. On the other hand, fabric softener is used to enhance the feel and texture of the fabric. Like dryer sheets, they were made for older fabrics, not the synthetics so many people wear today. Use fabric conditioner (also known as fabric softener) or dryer sheets to enhance the smell, eliminate static, shorten drying time, and make ironing easier when washing just cotton and linens. In contrast, the purpose of fabric softener is to strengthen and protect the fabric while it is being washed. by Rocky. Fabric Softener. Most of the time, fabric softener doesn't do anything except put perfume on your clothes. Perry Santanachote, a Consumer Reports writer who is very. ago. Fabric softener should not be used as a substitute for laundry detergent. To Clean: Read the care instructions on your garment and those on the Nikwax Tech Wash package. When adding liquid fabric softener, add the liquid softener into the compartment marked softener. You can use vinegar or baking soda alone as a substitute for fabric softener (see below), or add in glycerin for an added softening boost. Do not do this. How to unshrink wool. It can be a bit more aggressive, like telling a naughty child to sit in the corner. Among the products tested were a dryer sheet, a fabric softener, and a laundry detergent, as well as spray and plug-in air fresheners. To Remove Odors. Credit:. Second cycle: I put lysol fabric sanitizer in the wash. Table 1: Accidentally Put Detergent in Softener – Detergent vs. Can You Use Fabric Softener as an Alternative to Laundry Detergent to Clean Clothes? The short answer to this question is no; you can’t use fabric softener as an alternative to laundry detergent. Leave the washer door open after a cycle. Also use about 1/2 the recommended amount of detergent. These fabric softeners are typically higher-quality liquid formulas, fabric softener pods, or dryer sheets or balls. Instead, it’s a fabric softener comprised of. Don’t use fabric softener, which can easily clog the open spaces in the microfiber and make it less effective. Nick Blackmer. The Fabric softener container is not empty when the load is finished running . Avoid Fabric Softeners and Scents: Fabric softener, detergents with fabric softener, and detergents with dye and/or scents can steal the softness from your minky. I might give that a try. Avoid Fabric Softeners. Dissolve 1 or 2 cups of baking soda in some warm water. To Remove Odors. 1. 11. Buy On Amazon. If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, add 1/2 cup vinegar to your detergent dispenser to use vinegar for washing your clothes. Amazon / 7th Generation / Blueland. This way vinegar will remove any residue and kill things the lysol sanitizer doesn’t kill. If your towel can take it, do a hot temperature cycle. Don't worry—the wrinkles haven't set in forever. Bleach is made up of some vigorous chemicals; therefore, you should avoid letting it come in contact with other detergents and cleaners. These cautoionic fabric softeners also routinely trigger reproductive toxicity in animals. This product is ideal for washing clothes with a fresh scent and the added benefit of fabric softener. (If using a smaller vessel like a bucket, adjust the amounts based on how much water you're using. If your laundry comes out of the machine smelly, you are using too much/too little detergent, overfilling the machine, didn't take the laundry out fast enough or need to clean the machine. tell your wife that your clothes don’t get cleaner the more detergent you use, they actually get dirtier. 1. Refill the iron and shake water through the. 3. ReLeaseMe76 • 8 yr. washing the affected area. The colors will start to fade if you soak clothes for too long. To use baking soda in the washing machine, just toss 1/2 cup into the drum before adding clothes and detergent. You can’t use fabric softener on polyester because the fibers are synthetic and don’t respond well to the chemicals, which can make the fabric feel stiff and scratchy instead of smooth and soft. Although some people recommend using fabric softener to keep your minky blanket soft, the fibers on these blankets are fine, so fabric softener could cause matting. Fabric softeners and detergents look similar, but they’re formulas for the best results for different purposes. One possible reason is that the siphon tube that is responsible for removing the water from the compartment is. 1. That means your clothes were washed basically without the detergent. It'd be like washing your dishes with lotion instead of soap. Fabric softener is designed to work in a rinse cycle. Assuming you do laundry with the aim of getting clean clothes, the answer is no . It’s a common question, and one that has a simple answer. To remove the baking soda from the shoe, liberally sprinkle it on top, place it in the refrigerator overnight, and then discard it the next morning. During this time, the washer comes to a halt. it should never be mixed with detergent. It’s time to set the record straight. Secondly, the laundry cycle may not be draining the water and fabric softener away properly. You CAN dry your Norwex microfiber in the dryer – the hotter the setting, the better. Add up to 10 heavily soiled microfiber cloths and soak for 30 minutes. A little goes a long way. Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a natural de-greaser. Cons. For blankets and comforters, add two cups of vinegar to the final rinse. If this occurs, simply re-run the laundry load using the proper supplies. Laundry products contain chemicals that do not always interact well together. Unfortunately, fabric softener will. For a 5-gallon bucket, start with ½ tablespoon each of borax and washing soda and 1 tablespoon of detergent. While I could definitely save money over buying detergent and softener for 2,000 loads, I was concerned that it would accidentally get in the dryer or get dropped and broken (I have seven children, so this is a real possibility) long before I had used. Dryer sheets are effective at softening fabrics as well as removing static. Wash as usual, selecting the appropriate wash cycle. Home Appliance Technician. Blood, urine, and grass stains. There are industrial fabric softeners used to finish and soften garments which are semi permanent. Mix one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water together and add to your wash in place of detergent. They’re supposed to be used WITH your detergent. However in the case of your hair, repeated frequent use of fabric softer could result in horrific. The whole cycle can go on without your clothes being washed. Slightly more expensive than the conventional formula. Use vinegar as a fabric softener when you normally use fabric softener. checking the. The answer to this question is no; fabric softeners can never and should never be used as an alternative to laundry detergent. & 2) only ever use half the amount of detergent that the package says. 3 Prewash compartment: Detergent for prewash or starch. The steps for unshrinking a wool garment are pretty similar to those of cotton. Step 3: Put the liquid detergent in your washing machine. The acid in the vinegar softens fibers and restores natural pH balance, which can help slow down fabric deterioration. That’s because of how the rinse cycle works. #1 – Fabric softeners and dryer sheets lessen the life of your clothes dryer. You can put fabric softener straight into the washing machine. Also, fabric softeners tend to be extremely scented, which is reflected by the flowers, berries and other representations of scents on the bottle. The liquid can be scented or unscented. i own a samsung he pair, i make my own fabric softener. (Yes, dryer sheets and liquid softener do the same thing!) “The main difference is simply which part of. Putting it in the softener dispenser can create buildup and may even cause clogging. ago. Waxy coating on clothes. The best course of action is to wash the items again without fabric softener and they should go back to the normal sweat-wicking levels once the. 1 Fill a jug with 1 cup of white vinegar and 3 cups of tap water. Soap Nuts. Set the bowl aside to cool for about 30 minutes. Bronners pure castile soap (grated) Pulse together in a food processor and place in an air tight container. It's great for eliminating odors from clothing and other benefits. Charlie's Soap has a high percentage of sodium carbonate and is claimed to remove washing machine residue. Well, fabric softener does just that to your clothes. Here in Southern California, I am having a hard time finding a steady supply of water softener. First cycle: Detergent in wash section and vinegar in the softener section. During the first stage, the detergent water is removed from the drum. On these models, we recommend using dryer sheets in your dryer. The Fabric softener container is not empty when the load is finished running . Fabric softener, sadly, will only work if you run out of detergent and are looking for a substitute product to use in its stead. The short answer to this question is no, fabric conditioner is not an ideal replacement option when you have run out of detergent. To use as a fabric softener, you will add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser. Fabric softener can be used with models without a fabric softener dispenser if the model has a fabric softener option. You can also wash them with baking soda if the softener leaves an odor. The lounge for off-topic conversation! Discuss sports, movies, current events, gossip. Add your product to the ball and place in the washer at the beginning of the wash cycle. Avoid the mistake of adding fabric softener at the beginning of a wash cycle if your machine does not have a dispenser. Try adding 2 cups of vinegar to 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin for a great DIY fabric softener that won’t hurt the environment. Never use hot water, as it can melt the fibers. Set the machine to perform an extra rinse to remove all the bleach from inside the washer. Place the soaked cloth/rag onto the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. It is not a big deal if you’ve accidentally used fabric. Following are some of the most common warnings about the use of fabric softeners and dryer sheets, combined with the lesser known facts — so you can make your own decision about whether you want to continue using a fabric softener or not. Undiluted ammonia. I'm sorry you have to re-wash them. For this I suggest using 250 ml of water, 80ml of laundry detergent and almost twice the amount of fabric softener (I used 150ml). Vinegar leaves no residue on your fabrics, unlike many fabric softeners. This is why you should use fabric softener after washing your clothes. The detergent helps to prevent fabrics from fading and losing their shape, while the fabric conditioner does not have any effect. Although it softens the towel, losing absorbency isn’t good for towels. Additionally, this means that you actually used a softener to wash your clothes instead of a detergent. If this is the case, some of the fabric. Bachelor's Degree. Instead of detergent, use this solution on your second wash cycle. Read consumer reviews to see why people rate Suavitel Fabric Softener 4. 11. Photo: istockphoto. I'm sorry you have to re-wash them. Fill the dispenser with a solution of detergent and hot water, using enough to submerge the build-up of the fabric softener in the. Place distilled white vinegar in automatic. These are surfactants that are suspended in dirt, preventing the dirt and water mix from reattaching to the clothes once the soiling has been removed from the fabric. All you have to do is add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. To clean an iron and remove the deposits, fill the water chamber with a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and distilled water. If you’re washing by hand, you can still use fabric conditioner at the end of the washing process. Noticing these blue stains on your laundry is an indicator that the detergent drawer or fabric softener drawer in your washing machine is being overfilled. After that, you will need to transfer the fabric softener compartment and make sure that. There is a compartment for liquid fabric softener and a main Wash detergent compartment which holds a removable liquid detergent tray. Dip a cotton swab in detergent and hold it on an inconspicuous area for two minutes to see if the color bleeds. 3. There’s a common misconception floating around that Downy, the beloved fabric softener known for imparting softness and delightful fragrance to your clothing, is a laundry detergent. Dumping detergent on top of your laundry, especially powder detergent, is a double mistake. Set the water temperature dial to the cool or cold water cycle, depending on what the care tag inside the sweater says. After rubbing the stained area, let the detergent sit for 10 to 20 minutes. SuavitelA (r), which we used to call a fabric softener in the past, does more than that. DO NOT use bleach or fabric softener/dryer sheets. 1. This is a bad time to add your fabric softener, as it’ll literally go down. The key difference between fabric softeners and detergent is that they play different roles in the laundry. While it is possible to just use fabric softener as a detergent (it still has a perfectly good surfactant) it may not be advisable because it can ruin the. It depends on several factors such as the type of fabric softener used, the length of time the product was left on the garment, the temperature of the water used to wash the garment, the type of wash cycle or cycle time used, and the amount of agitation during the wash cycle. Instead, use detergent to clean your laundry by adding it at the beginning of the wash cycle. To Brighten Aged Linens. Yes, fabric softener works—depending on the type you use. Common Detergent Mishaps . It’s typically added during the rinse cycle of the washing machine, after detergent has been used. Most commercially available fabric softeners contain silicone or other such substance to give the illusion of softness but ultimately they do nothing more than impart perfume and possibly make your towels less absorbent until the next wash. What Happens if You Use Fabric Softener Instead of Detergent. Many can cause irritation. The compartment for the liquid chlorine bleach is located in the front left corner of your washer. If you want to use white vinegar as a fabric softener, add one cup to the solution at a time and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Silk can be washed by hand or in the washer (in most cases). Clean the fabric softener dispenser regularly. Heavier-duty detergents are meant for really dirty clothes and might be unnecessarily harsh for lightly soiled clothes. And it involves a specific mixture of ingredients: a tubful of hot water, ½ cup borax, ½ cup washing soda, and a small amount of detergent. Purex Natural Elements works best for us. How Much Baking Soda in Laundry. Baking Soda: 1 In a large container, combine ¾ cups borax, ½ cup baking soda, and ½ cup white vinegar. Vinegar will not leave a scent in the sheets, and they will feel soft to the touch. Step 2: Wash With Detergent and Vinegar. Dry-clean if that's what's indicated in the care instructions. Wash the sheets separately and inside out, minimizing friction and abrasion. Results showed nearly 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the six products, and none were on the label. Fragrance-free and dye-free. I wanted a safer way to soften laundry and found several easy-to-use, natural alternatives:. Method 1. Home Appliance Technician. Laundry detergent also contains catalytic enzymes and these are what target dirt specifically and break it down. It contains no synthetic color and no natural plant dyes that can stain clothes. Adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash can help to soften the fabric and bring out its color. They are not meant to wash clothes and they will. This isn’t entirely true. Fabric softener and laundry detergent are two different products with dissimilar laundry actions. Instead, you should add it during the rinse phase. See moreRestart The Wash Cycle. It also causes lint to stick to your dryer exhaust like concrete, which is a huge fire hazard and a huge PITA to clean out. Fabric Softener Alternative FAQ Can I use substitutes for fabric softeners in my laundry? There are several alternatives you can use instead of fabric softeners to achieve soft and fresh-smelling laundry: Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or fabric softener dispenser. Homemade Laundry Detergent. See also How To Clean Halo Bassinest. Method 1. Then spray them with the vodka mixture and let them dry outside for two days or more. This is not a myth; there is a logical reason behind this answer. Funny how that works! If you forget this guideline and accidentally use fabric softener, don’t worry! Your gear isn’t totally ruined. Put the fabric softener into the washing machine’s softener dispenser before you begin your wash cycle as you add your laundry detergent. Use cold or warm water during the wash cycle. “You certainly don’t have to use it, but if used. Softener Detergent has a different consistency, and its purpose is to clean. Do not put pods in the dispenser unless specifically directed by your washing machine's manufacturer. Not the hot one. Microfiber is an incredible material with intricate threads that can trap dust and absorb spills. Otherwise, stick to a good detergent and. If you accidentally put Clorox 2 in a bleach dispenser, be sure to rinse the dispenser out thoroughly with water before using it again. Just plain old vinegar can make your clothes softer. Why You Should Not Mix Detergent and Fabric Softener When Washing Your Laundry. And at Icebreaker: Use a normal warm or cool machine wash cycle with regular powder or liquid detergent. But considering some fabric softeners don't even perform as well as water, consider lower-cost alternatives. Remove the Aqua Pebble from the fabric softener container, and fill it with detergent, making sure not exceed the MAX line. Commercial fabric softeners leave residue in fibers that can cause white sheets to look dull. Adding detergent to the fabric softener dispenser leads to inefficient washing cycles and the potential for skin irritation. After buying the bleach, I ended up getting fabric softener instead of detergent and didn't figure it out until I moved back to my home country and I was like "hey that stuff looks like what I used -----" and then it suddenly made so much more sense why my clothes always smelled so strongly of detergent after I took them out of the laundry. Overnight, leave linen items in a full washing machine with 1-2 cups of white vinegar. Fill up your sink with warm water and pour in 1/3 cup of fabric softener or hair conditioner. Do you really need fabric softener? May 21, 2018 at 3:46 PM. These non-irritating ingredients can help brighten and soften your clothes naturally. I wouldn’t alter the amount of vinegar or borax added to the wash when using. As mentioned, fabric softener is not going to do a good job of actually cleaning your clothes. Ive been using for 3. To Increase Bleach Potency. Please never use home made detergent that uses bar soap. In addition to chlorine bleach and fabric softener, you should also avoid using insect repellent, especially those with DEET, on your FR clothing. However, it is crucial to follow the instructions on each product label for accurate. Laundry Detergent. Fabric softener is used to soften fabrics and prevent wrinkles, but when used incorrectly, it can damage certain fabrics. com. Compounds like acetyl hexamethyl tetralin, isobornyl acetate and phenethyl alcohol also turned up. Add half a cup to your laundry cycle to help soften fabrics and reduce static cling. I fill he softener to the recommended level,use an existing softener bottle. Finally, be sure to dry your blanket on a low heat setting to. You can also use the cap of the laundry detergent or fabric softener as a measuring device. Scrub the fabric softener dispenser with vinegar solution. 2. Fully submerge your clothes in the mixture and leave to soak. Fabric softeners do not clean clothes and will rinse out of the system as soon as the cycle is complete. You should only use cold water and mild detergent to clean your minky. For those with babies and little kids or anyone sensitive. It depends on what kind of detergent you use. Hang each piece separately using clothes pins to keep it secure. Liquid fabric softener or fabric conditioner is added to your washer during the rinse cycle. Add the vinegar to the pre-wash dispenser to help remove odors and junk. Tyler Z. Emily Attwood, founder of Scooms, says: “Fabric softener can reduce absorbency in towels as it. Laundry detergents contain surfactants and enzymes that break down stains, dirt, and oils, allowing them to be washed away. If you use fabric softener on fabric that says not to, your clothes may become less absorbent, less breathable or more prone to staining. Instead of using chemical-laden stain removers, simply pre-treat your stain with. This residue can trap dirt and reduce the overall cleanliness of the laundry. Sunday - Closed. Measure liquid or powder laundry detergent by using individual measuring cups (1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/4 cup) that nest inside each other. (Baking soda is as an ingredient in my Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent. Hence, this could cause mechanical problems over time. Plain white distilled vinegar with 5% acidity is a natural fabric softener. Fortunately, there is a simple fix—just rinse them again. However, using only fabric softener as a detergent substitute, your clothes won’t get very clean. So, if you want to make sure your clothes are really clean, skip the fabric softener and go straight for the detergent. The answer to this question is no; fabric softeners can never and should never be used as an alternative to laundry detergent. Too Much Detergent or Fabric Softener. There are fabric softeners on the market that are created with more natural ingredients, and others. It can be a bit more aggressive, like. Also see scores for competitive products. Children get into all kinds of home laundry products: detergent, bleach, stain remover, fabric softener, pre-treatments, dry cleaning kits, rust removers, and so on. While detergents clean stains of clothes and keep them shiny. Place clothes in the washer. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and cleanser, and it also. Step 2: Apply the paste to the stained area of the clothing. speed queen washer. ) softener. The concern about dryer sheets stems from several studies that aimed to understand the effects of fragrances in laundry products. However, phosphate-free detergents are available. The Impact On Health. Method 3: Powder Detergent plus bleach. Compatible with HE washing machines-simply use along with your favorite detergent. Using fabric softener alone can lead to residue buildup on fabrics, causing dullness and reduced absorbency. You should also avoid using anti-static or wrinkle-free dryer sheets. Over time, the colors will completely disappear. Pour this mixture into a container with a lid. “The washing machine may get clogged by softener residues, especially if one has been overdosing the softener repetitively over an. Unfortunately, fabric softener will. The white distilled vinegar should be placed in the fabric softener dispenser so it will be added during the rinse cycle. Bleach and fabric softener should never be mixed, as the bleach can react with the fabric softener and create harmful fumes. • Pour in the detergent. Fabric softeners reduce the towel’s absorbency. 3. Directions. Before you know it, your workout clothes have been drenched in fabric softener, leaving them feeling soft and static-y. This automatic dispenser is a small compartment with a star or flower icon indicating where to add fabric softener. This is because fabric softener can stain some fabrics. Fabric softeners and detergents look similar, but they’re formulas for the best results for different purposes. It’s not going to damage your clothes. Take the stained garment and stretch the fabric, stained-side down, over a bowl. To use it, soak the stained item for at least 30 minutes up to overnight in a solution of white vinegar and 1 Tbsp. Like. Like your hair, your clothes need a conditioner to soften your fabric. jmatza829. Fabric softener is a product that is typically used in laundry to soften clothes and make them smell fresher. In contrast, the purpose of fabric softener is to strengthen and protect the fabric while it is being washed. 'Adding softener to denim (pre-washed, pre-stressed and stone washed items, for example) can enhance softness without causing other problems,' Clorox's laundry experts Mary. giving fluids through the veins (IV) treatment of any burned skin. As a result, focus on the most important advantages and demonstrate how they meet your best fabric softeners, requirements. Dry cleaning Tencel sheets can alter their. The Fabric softener container is not empty when the load is. • Add diluted fabric to the mix. Step 2: Prepare the solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a container. Baking soda helps to eliminate any residue left on the fabric, making it feel softer and more comfortable. “I’d never use more than the minimum amount of laundry detergent for most medium loads. So make sure you have vinegar in your laundry room in place of liquid fabric softener. 5. It is an add-on formula that helps protect the clothes even through. Step 3: Pour into the Softener Dispenser. “While most. Instead, wait until the rinse cycle and pour it into water pockets to avoid direct contact with fabrics to avoid stains. Natural Softener. Step 3: Add pods to washer. For more stubborn fabric softener, you may want to add 1-2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap to the vinegar solution before applying it to the fabric. Using too much detergent and—yes—fabric softener can actually cause buildup in your machine and leave behind a residue that can result in mold, thereby causing a problem you may feel compelled. Softener is only added at the end. SuavitelA (r) liquid softens, freshens, and SuavitelA (r) Complete provides color protection and wrinkle-reduction benefits. Instead of using fabric softener, use dryer balls. canoeguide • 5 yr. If your machine has a fabric softener dispenser, pour the vinegar in there instead. fabric softener market, is hoping to change that sentiment and reel in millennials – quickly. It also helps remove any lingering odors from your clothes. After awhile the clothing will turn dingy and have odors. Baking Soda Instead of Fabric Softener. Soap scum from laundry detergents and mineral deposits from water can build up in hoses, restricting water flow and performance. (Awesome instructions, BTW, for cleaning the dishwasher. And, if you do, you should only use a little and occasionally. I keep my jar of Epsom salt laundry. They’re only meant to add smells, not to clean anything. The basket is for liquid detergent. Chemical stain removers may also cause a laundry detergent allergy. This will help the fabric dry quickly and allow more air to circulate. Hot water, depending on the temperature, can and will permanently ruin microfiber. synthetic fabrics will be the first to suffer, with natural fabrics cotton and linen following quickly behind. This means longer laundry. You should not use them at the same time. Others wait until the end of the cycle, when the clothes are already wet and hot. read more. Ideally, you would be combining your conditioner with laundry detergent, a wasteful move that neutralizes the effectiveness of both products. Deep clean your cloths by soaking them in hot water mixed with enzyme laundry booster, then rinsing them out until the water runs clear. What you end up with is a pile of dirty clothes that has had its dirt and stains softened. Then when its time for fabric softner it does the opposite. 3. Stripping the Cloth: If detergent or fabric softener residue has built up on your Norwex or e-cloth, stripping the cloth can help remove the residue and restore its softness. May 21, 2018 at 3:46 PM. If you soaked your items in your washer, just let the machine complete a full cycle. If your towel can take it, do a hot temperature cycle. ago. After your clothes are clean, you are left with a coarse fabric. Let the clothes soak in the bucket for five minutes, and then remove the clothes. When. September 07, 2012 at 11:42 am. Mix detergent and bleach. Your clothes will have to be rewashed. Fabric softener residue can help lead to a lingering stink in the fabrics of towels and workout clothes; skip the softener to fix the problem. In the long run it'll save your clothes, your machine, the environment, and you a few dollars too! I've followed both of. Fabric softener also coats the automatic moisture sensor in your dryer, so it stops before your clothes are actually dry. 03 of 07. I make mine using diluted liquid fabric softener. Watch on. Is cost-effective: Look for one that balances performance with a low cost per wash. Skip Commercial Fabric Softeners . Use it first, do the scrubbing etc. Set the machine to the wool, gentle, or delicate cycle (whichever applies to your machine). By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively and reduce bacteria. Vinegar instead of fabric softener should help as. The ECOS Laundry Detergent is our top pick because it's biodegradable and safe to use in a variety of home water systems. Your clothes will be cleaner, and you will save money too!.