Solved

How to get mould off clothes

VOvozilo
Asked over 4 years ago 7,081 views
0

Hi

I would like to clean mould off some clothes, so I plan to use vinegar 1:1 ratio. Normally, when I put washing liquid in I take the lid off the washing liquid(brand of washing liquid I use is ariel), and into the lid of the ariel then I put the ariel bottle lid into the front of the machine along with the clothes. Or sometimes i squeeze some liquid onto the clothes. Then I start the washing cycle cold wash.

I don't know how much water the washing machine uses though.. I wonder if maybe it uses loads so a 1:1 ratio water-vinegar isn't practical/advisable for a washing machine.

I wonder if maybe a 1:1 water-vinegar ratio is only advisable for a wet and dry cleaner like a charlie vacuum(henry's brother). Though I don't have a charlie wet and dry vacuum .

Thanks

Solution Summary

AI-generated from this discussion

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Advice requested on using vinegar in a washing machine to remove mould from clothes

The problem
The poster wanted to remove mould from clothes and asked whether using a 1:1 vinegar-to-water ratio in a washing machine was practical or advisable, as they did not know how much water the machine uses.
Likely cause
No appliance fault was described. The discussion only suggests caution that vinegar may damage the washing machine's rubber seals, particularly if used in the machine.
What fixed it
The accepted reply advised against focusing on a strict 1:1 ratio in the washing machine and suggested using a large amount of distilled white vinegar instead, added during the wash after the machine had started filling. Another reply stressed using white distilled vinegar intended for cleaning, not malt vinegar. The exact effectiveness on the clothes was not confirmed.
Checks to try
  • Confirmed the vinegar should be white distilled vinegar
  • Advised to avoid malt vinegar
Parts or tools mentioned
  • White distilled vinegar

Safety: Vinegar was said in the discussion to possibly damage rubber seals inside the washing machine.

Cause identifiedGenerated 12 Aug 2026 · AI summaries can make mistakes — read the full thread below.
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2 Answers

Accepted Answer
0
WH
WhitegoodshelpVerified Engineer
Answered over 4 years ago

Hi. I read recently that vinegar can damage the rubber seals inside a washing machine. Maybe once may be ok though? I’d just put a big dollop in. I’d put it on a wash cycle and after it has been filling with water for about 15 seconds I’d open the soap drawer and pour it in. It’s distilled white vinegar you are using I presume?

Whitegoods Help — appliance repair expert and forum host.
1
AN
andyr12345
Answered over 4 years ago

I have known people in the past make a mistake of using 'Malt' white vinegar (the stuff you put on your fish and chips lol) when using with their washing machines so always double check that the vinegar you use for cleaning purposes is the right white distilled vinegar, it will say on the front of the container 'for cleaning purposes' 😊

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