IT can be seriously frustrating to take your laundry out of the washer only to find stubborn stains and smells have survived the cycle.
If you're battling against a blot that just won't budge, you don't need to spend loads of money on fancy stain remover.
The experts at Hotpoint have revealed their handy hack for blasting away pesky stains and smells - and it's a lot cheaper than you might think.
The item you need will cost you as little as 35p, and you won't find it in the laundry aisle of your local supermarket.
If you've got a pile of dirty laundry in mind that you know needs salvaging, try giving vinegar a go.
No! Not the type you'd chuck on your fish and chips.
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You're looking for white vinegar (also known as distilled vinegar), which is sold in most supermarkets.
You might even have some in the back of your cupboards already.
Thanks to it's acidity, vinegar is able to neutralise odours, soften fabrics and even lift out tough stains.
And it's gentle enough not to damage most materials.
Busting ugly stains
If you're struggling to get a nasty stain out of your clothes, give white vinegar a chance to work it's magic.
The Hotpoint experts say: "Just mix equal parts water and white vinegar, and apply it directly to the stain for 30 minutes before washing."
The cleaning powers of vinegar are great against loads of different types of marks, and once you've given your clothes a spin in the machine, they should come out stain-free!
Neutralising bad smells
Another great use for vinegar is targeting bad odours that cling to clothes.
So get ready to bring that old gym kit back to life.
"Begin by adding a splash of vinegar to your wash cycle. Vinegar naturally neutralises odours and acts as a fabric softener. Just pour half a cup into the fabric softener compartment."
Not only will your clothes come out sans-stink, they'll also get the added benefit of vinegar's fabric softening qualities.
More winter laundry tips
Tackling laundry in the winter can be a challenge, but these handy tips can help you stay on top of it:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Place a dehumidifier in your drying area to speed up the drying process and prevent dampness.
- Spin Cycle Boost: Run an extra spin cycle on your washing machine to remove excess water from clothes, reducing drying time.
- Indoor Drying Rack: Invest in a good-quality indoor drying rack and position it near a radiator or in a well-ventilated room.
- Tumble Dryer Balls: Add tumble dryer balls to your dryer to help clothes dry faster and reduce static cling.
- Space-Saving Hangers: Use space-saving hangers or a retractable washing line to maximise indoor drying space.
- Microfibre Towels: Lay microfibre towels over your drying rack to absorb extra moisture from hanging clothes.
- Partially Dry Outside: On dry days, hang clothes outside for a short period before bringing them in to finish drying.
These hacks can help you keep your laundry routine efficient and your clothes fresh, even during the colder months.
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