It’s easy to get caught up in trendy laundry hacks that promise brighter whites, fresher clothes, and fewer chemicals. But just because it’s popular on social media doesn’t mean it works.
A lot of what consumers believe about laundry care comes from passed-down advice or viral cleaning tips that might actually hurt your clothes—or your washing machine.
Let's break down some of the most common laundry myths, what people think works, and what actually does work according to experts.
Is vinegar good for laundry?
Myth: Vinegar helps clean clothes and boost your laundry detergent.
Many people swear by adding vinegar to the washing machine to freshen clothes or soften fabric. But according to experts, it's not the best solution. “Household staples like vinegar and baking soda are commonly cited as laundry hacks, but they are not as effective as people believe," shares Sammy Wang, P&G Fabric Care Laundry Scientist. "They may even be decreasing the efficacy of your detergent!”
She adds, “The most effective way to use vinegar, if you still want to, is as a vinegar soak—not directly in the washer.”
Laundry detergents are carefully balanced for pH level; however, adding vinegar (which is acidic) changes that. It interferes with the formula's ability to fight stains and odors.
Is baking soda good for laundry?
Myth: Baking soda makes your laundry cleaner and smell better.
Just like vinegar, baking soda (a base) can throw off the chemistry in your detergent. “While combining vinegar and baking soda creates a satisfying foam, the end result is actually just salt water and carbon dioxide, which won’t improve cleaning,” notes Wang.
Using these two kitchen staples may feel like you're being resourceful; however, they don't help with stain and odor elimination the way proven laundry products do. For odor removal, she touts Downy Rinse & Refresh, which “gives better odor removal than 5X as much vinegar.”
Is laundry stripping good?
Myth: Laundry stripping deep cleans your clothes and removes buildup.
Laundry stripping looks satisfying on TikTok—the water turns dark, which makes it feel like you’re pulling dirt from deep within the fabric. But Wang warns against it: “Laundry stripping uses harsh conditions which may actually be damaging your fabrics.”
Most of that murky water isn’t a result of stain removal; it’s dye and fabric fibers being stripped away. Instead of using hot water and strong chemicals like borax and washing soda, switch to a deep-cleaning detergent and a product like the aforementioned Downy Rinse & Refresh to prevent buildup and keep clothes cleaner over time.
Do wool dryer balls work?
Myth: Wool dryer balls are better than dryer sheets.
Wool dryer balls get a lot of love as a natural way to reduce drying times and static cling. But when tested head-to-head, Bounce dryer sheets actually outperformed them.
“Wool dryer balls claim to be a replacement for dryer sheets when it comes to softening clothes and reducing static cling, but they fall short of these expectations in actual testing,” shared Wang.
Dryer sheets reduce static, soften fabric, help prevent wrinkles, and repel pet hair—none of which wool dryer balls do as well. They also add a fresh scent and are tested for safety in all types of clothes dryers.
Do fabric softeners damage clothes?
Myth: Fabric softeners break down fibers and shorten clothing life.
This is one of the most common beliefs in laundry care; however, it’s completely backward. “Fabric softeners are designed to work alongside detergent to condition and protect fabric fibers, much like how shampoo and conditioner work together to clean and condition your hair,” explains Wang.
Downy Liquid Fabric Softener helps reduce fuzzing, fading, and stretching, keeping your clothes in better shape after each wash.
Do laundry beads damage your washing machine?
Myth: Scent beads clog or harm your washer over time.
Downy Unstopables In-Wash Scent Booster Beads are safe for washing machines and clothes. They dissolve fully and are tested to be safe for use in both top-load and front-load washing machines.
They add long-lasting scent without interfering with the wash cycle. So while they may seem unnecessary to some, they don’t pose any threat to your laundry room routines.
What does help in laundry?
- Use a quality laundry detergent designed for your washing machine (top load or front load).
- Stick to products that are tested for performance and safety.
- Use the rinse cycle properly to avoid detergent buildup.
- Add dryer sheets to improve the drying cycle; to reduce static, soften clothes, and repel lint.
- Avoid using vinegar or baking soda in the wash drum—these household staples aren’t designed for laundry detergent compatibility.
FAQ
Can using too much detergent cause issues?
Yes. Overloading your detergent dispenser can lead to residue on clothes and inside the washer. Always follow the label instructions... more isn’t better.
Do dryer sheets affect fire resistance in kids’ pajamas?
Some do, especially if the label says “flame-resistant.” Always check clothing labels before using fabric softeners or dryer sheets on children’s sleepwear.
