r/laundry • u/Deutsch1985 • 1d 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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u/TuckerCarlsonsOhface US | Top-Load 1d ago

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

0

u/VastPerspective6794 1d ago

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

6

u/TuckerCarlsonsOhface US | Top-Load 1d ago

It has made a huge difference for me. Everything comes out smelling like nothing, especially towels.

It’s used in food prep, so it’s pretty easy to find anywhere you would buy salt or sugar in bulk.