Key to white socks and softer towels is 1 everyday kitchen item - but most use it wrong

We all know using the household kitchen item vinegar comes in handy in many ways. It's one of the most popular items to get rid of stubborn stains.

But not all of us know how to use it properly. Most people are likely guilty of pouring it on top of a clothing item and wondering why it didn't work the way you wanted to.

Crafty Home Creators has revealed the correct way to use the ingredient especially to get the most out of it.

Combining detergents and vinegar needs to be done carefully as both have different pH levels, this means they can neutralize each other if combined too soon, reducing their effectiveness.

The experts explain that this could be the reason why your whites aren’t as bright as you’d like.

How to properly use vinegar in your laundry routine:

1. Separate the steps for best results: For both your detergent and vinegar to work optimally, it's important to use them at different points in the washing process.

Start by adding your detergent as usual at the beginning of the wash cycle. Allow the detergent to fully clean your clothes before introducing vinegar.

2. Add vinegar in the rinse cycle: Once the washing cycle finishes and the machine drains the soapy water, pour ½ to 1 cup of white vinegar into the rinse cycle.

This is when vinegar works best, as it won’t interact with the detergent. It helps eliminate detergent residue, softens fabrics, and brightens whites.

3. Use the fabric softener dispenser: For an easier process, add vinegar to the fabric softener compartment. This ensures your washing machine will dispense it during the rinse cycle, avoiding any direct contact with the detergent.