Here Are 8 Items That Surprisingly Work Wonders When Added To Laundry

There is always a time when you feel that the washing machine has not cleaned your clothes properly. The terrible odor of cat pee may still linger on your short, or the coffee stains just didn't come off.

The solution is not far-fetched; all you need are these everyday pantry items:

1. Essential Oils

Essential oils have been proven to fight bacteria, mold, and mildew. However, what makes them most unique is how they are free of toxic substances.

Next time you're doing laundry, sprinkle a few drops of your favorite essential oil with vinegar or detergent to prevent mildew buildup and leave the clothes with a unique laundry scent.

Alternatively, you can spray essential oils on your cloth after washing.

2. Vinegar

When added to laundry, vinegar becomes a booster for your detergent. So, experts recommended that you pour in half a cup of the vinegar into the fabric softener compartment during the rinse cycle.

When applied so, the vinegar removes the residue of dissolved things and detergents that may be left suspended in the water between the wash and spin cycle.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is acidic, which makes it an excellent bleaching agent when it is added to the laundry. Whether used as a spot treatment for tough stains or applied during a wash in the machine, the lemon juice will leave your clothes bright and clean with a lingering citrusy scent.

4. Rubbing Alcohol

Alcohol is a quick remedy for tough pen marks. All you have to do is dab the alcohol on the spot then soak the cloth in water for a few minutes. Like lemon juice, it can also have a bleaching effect, so it best advised that you use them for white clothes.

5. Salt

Unlike other items on this list, salt is not a laundry booster. Instead, it is best suited to spot treating blood and grease stains.

How you apply the salt greatly depends on what kind of stain you're dealing with. For bloodstains, you'll have to soak the stained cloth in a cold salt/water solution. For a grease stain, spot treat by rubbing the salt over it, and then brush it away before laundering.

6. Mouthwash

Give your clothes a minty fresh smell after every wash by applying mouthwash. To use, add 1/2 cup of mouthwash during a wash cycle or the rinse mode.

However, experts say this shouldn't be done frequently as they may pose long-running damage to your washing machine.

7. Dish Soap and Tablets

Dish soap is another way to rid your clothes of tough oil stains. Put a tiny drop of the soap on the stained spot before starting the wash. This targets that particular stain and will boost the action of your regular laundry detergent, or add a tablet directly in the washing machine.

8. Baking Soda

Last but not least is baking soda, one of the most versatile DIY hack ingredients ever. When added to laundry, baking soda acts as a deodorizer.

To use, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the wash before adding your regular detergent and starting the wash.