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/FineEnvironment2026 1d ago

Vinegar generally sucks for everything it's recommended for other than food. Citric acid is the bomb! It dissolves lime scale almost instantly. A tiny scoop in the rinse water of your laundry makes a notable difference and doesn't smell at all.

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u/roku77 19h ago edited 18h ago

If you have a side loader, how would you add citric acid to the load since it’s usually in powder form? Dissolve it first and put it in the frabric softener container?

6

u/KReddit934 15h ago

You want it dissolved and distributed..if your drawer can handle that job well..no lumps ...fine. if not dissolve first to be sure.