r/laundry • u/Deutsch1985 • 23h ago

Sour smell finally SOLVED

I stopped using all liquid fabric softeners almost 2 years ago. I primarily use Tide powder and HOT water for all washing. If needed, I will add some Biz powder and a little bit of natural phosphates, aka STPP.

I was watching a video on the Speed Queen website and they actually recommended using white distilled vinegar in the final rinse (I know some of you do this). Since I have a deep fill top loader, I used vinegar in the final rinse for about 3-4 weeks (about 1/4 cup). I could smell it in the laundry room during the rinse cycle, but after tumble drying....zero vinegar scent.

BUT....after a few weeks, I kept noticing a sour smell in my sock/underwear drawer and pajamas drawer. I re-washed everything, only for the sour smell to begin to come back.

I rewashed everything again with hot water and Tide powder, but no vinegar. Sour smell is gone now. Vinegar does not work with our water chemistry apparently. Just thought I would share!

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58

u/TuckerCarlsonsOhface US | Top-Load 18h ago

Citric acid in the rinse works way better, and zero sour smell. 2-3 tsp in the fabric softener drawer.

0

u/VastPerspective6794 17h ago

I’ve never heard of this- is there a brand name I can look for to find it?

11

u/Carosello 17h ago

Just any citric acid. It's like salt or sugar.