Everyday Cheapskate: You’re missing out by not using vinegar in your laundry, but there are rules

Using inexpensive distilled white vinegar in the laundry is smart because it will whiten, brighten, reduce odor and soften clothes without harsh chemicals.

IT’S CHEAP

Plain distilled white 5% vinegar runs around 3.5 cents per ounce in the typical supermarket when purchased by the gallon, and even cheaper when you can find it at the dollar store.

Name-brand liquid fabric softeners come in at about 10 cents per ounce -- nearly three times the cost. As an alternative to liquid softeners, dryer sheets are a cheaper way to ruin your clothes and linens. On average, they’re about 5 cents per sheet.

IT’S COLORLESS

When buying vinegar to use in the laundry, choose distilled white vinegar with 5% acidity. It contains no synthetic color and no natural plant dyes that can stain clothes.

IT SOFTE