Vinegar, baking soda, and borax are often touted as natural, eco-friendly cleaning solutions. But are they safe to use in high-efficiency (HE) washing machines? We’ll examine the pros and cons of using each in HE washers.
An Overview of HE Washers
HE washers use less water and energy than traditional top-load washers. They do this through a combination of:
- Smaller wash tub
- Faster spin speeds to extract more water from clothes
- Sensors to adjust water levels based on load size
- Low-water wash motions rather than full immersion in water
While HE washers are more efficient, they also have some special care requirements:
Use less detergent. With less water, you need less detergent. Too much can leave sticky residue. Follow manufacturer guidelines.
Avoid powder detergents. Powders can clump up and not dissolve well. Liquid detergents are recommended.
Don’t overfill. Overloading causes clothes not to get fully submerged, leaving detergent residue.
Clean wash tub regularly. Residue buildup in the wash tub can lead to odors, mold, and bacteria.
Wash clothes on proper cycle. Delicates and heavyweight items need different motions for best cleaning.
Avoid abrasives. Scrubbing agents can damage the smooth stainless steel tub.
With those tips in mind, let’s look at how natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and borax fit into the equation.
Vinegar in HE Washers
Distilled white vinegar is a mild acid that can help cut through dirt, odors, soap scum, and hard water mineral deposits. It’s also affordable and earth-friendly. But is it safe for HE washers?
Pros of Using Vinegar in HE Washers
Natural softener. Vinegar naturally softens fabrics and reduces lint without leaving a residue. Add 1⁄2 cup to the rinse cycle as a fabric softener substitute.
Removes odors. The acidic properties of vinegar help remove stubborn odors from clothes. Add 1 cup to a load to freshen workout clothes or smelly towels.
Cleans and deodorizes washer. Run a hot water cycle with 2 cups of vinegar to clean and de-stink the washer tub and drain. No other detergent needed.
Non-damaging. Vinegar is non-abrasive, so it won’t scratch or wear down the tub when used properly.
Environmentally friendly. Vinegar is biodegradable and far less toxic than many commercial cleaners and detergents.
Inexpensive. At only pennies per load, vinegar is very budget friendly compared to most laundry products.
Cons of Using Vinegar in HE Washers
Can damage rubber seals and hoses. The acidity of vinegar can degrade rubber over time. Use sparingly and rinse tub thoroughly after a vinegar wash.
Leaves residue on darks. Vinegar can react with dyes, leaving lightened splotches on dark clothing. Test an inconspicuous area first.
Doesn’t actually “clean” clothes. Vinegar helps remove odors and soften fabrics but doesn’t have detergent power to lift dirt and oils. Use with laundry detergent.
Can curdle laundry detergent. Don’t pour vinegar directly onto clothes along with liquid detergent. It can cause curdling. Add to drum before or during rinse instead.
Not a disinfectant. Vinegar is great for cleaning but does not sanitize or disinfect laundry. Use hot water cycles and laundry sanitizer for that purpose.
The Verdict
Yes, vinegar is generally considered safe for HE washers when used properly. Limit vinegar washes to 1 cup per load a few times per month. Always run a rinse cycle afterward and leave the door open to allow ventilation. Don’t use in place of laundry detergent. With some precautions, vinegar can be a cost-effective, eco-friendly boost to your HE washer routine.
Baking Soda in HE Washers
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild base that functions as a natural deodorizer, abrasive, and alkaline cleaner. It’s also very affordable. But how does it perform in high-efficiency washers?
Pros of Using Baking Soda in HE Washers
Deodorizes clothes. Baking soda helps remove tough odors like sweat, smoke, and mildew from fabric. Add 1⁄4 cup directly to the drum.
Softens water. The alkaline pH of baking soda helps detergents work better by softening hard water minerals. Goes well with vinegar.
Acts as a scrubber. The fine grit of baking soda loosens dirt and stains without damaging fabrics. Good for grimy clothes.
Cleans tub and drain. Mix baking soda with dish soap and let sit in empty washer overnight to clean bacteria and deodorize.
Environmentally friendly. Baking soda is natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Much less harsh than chlorine bleach.
Cheap. At only a few cents per wash load, baking soda is an affordable cleaning booster.
Cons of Using Baking Soda in HE Washers
Can leave residue. Like other powders, baking soda can clump up and leave a gritty residue in HE washers. Shake into the tub or mix into a paste first.
Not a stand-alone cleaner. Baking soda needs to be combined with an actual laundry detergent to effectively clean clothes. Don’t use by itself.
Can cause buildup. Over time, continuous use of baking soda can cause a chalky mineral buildup on the tub and drums. Use in moderation.
Irritating if inhaled. Avoid breathing in the baking soda powder. The fine particles can irritate lungs.
Needs hot water to activate. Baking soda works best in hot or warm water cycles. The cleaning power is diminished in cold water.
The Verdict
Baking soda is considered safe for occasional use in HE washers. Its abrasive properties can provide an extra cleaning boost but may cause buildup over time. Limit use to 1⁄4 cup per load once a week or so. Always add to the drum before clothes, and avoid pouring directly on fabric. For best results, combine with laundry detergent and vinegar in warm or hot water cycles.
Borax in HE Washers
Borax, or sodium borate, is an alkaline mineral salt that works as a water softener, whitener, stain remover, and deodorizer. But is it suitable for high-efficiency washers?
Pros of Using Borax in HE Washers
Softens water. Borax prevents minerals from bonding with clothes, helping detergents lather and preventing dingy laundry.
Deodorizes. The alkaline pH of borax helps remove odors like mildew that get trapped in fabrics.
Brightens whites. Borax acts as a bleaching agent to brighten whites and remove yellowing. Add 1⁄2 cup to load.
Removes stains. The abrasive texture combined with alkaline pH lifts stubborn coffee, blood, urine, and grease stains.
Kills mold and bacteria. Borax is antimicrobial against household germs, fungi, and molds when used in hot water cycles.
Affordable. Borax is very cheap compared to commercial bleaches, water softeners, and stain removers.
Cons of Using Borax in HE Washers
Can react with bleach. Don’t mix borax and bleach together. The reaction produces a toxic gas called chlorine.
Respiratory irritant. Inhaling borax powder can irritate nose, throat, and lungs. Use gloves and mask when handling.
Toxic if ingested. Borax should be kept out of reach of kids and pets. Large amounts are toxic when swallowed.
Can leave residue. Like baking soda, powdered borax can clump and leave a gritty residue in the washer tub and pipes.
Damages fabrics. Too much or continuous use of borax can weaken and yellow delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and spandex.
Toxic to plants and fish. Take care when draining, as the runoff can be damaging to plants and aquatic life.
The Verdict
Borax does have benefits as a laundry booster but requires caution in HE machines. Limit use to 1⁄3 cup per load for occasional stain removal and brightening. Combine with detergent and only use in main wash cycle. Avoid using on every load, as mineral deposits can build up. Never mix with bleach. For best results and safety, pretreat stains then wash borax out completely in the rinse.
Best Practices for Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Borax in HE Washers
While vinegar, baking soda, and borax can be helpful laundry additions, it’s best to exercise caution and moderation:
- Always follow manufacturer guidelines for your specific washer model.
- Use powdered additives like baking soda and borax sparingly to avoid buildup.
- Mix powders with water first before adding to the drum to prevent clumping.
- Limit vinegar rinses to 1 cup per load once a week or less.
- Run a hot water rinse or tub cleaning cycle after using additives to wash out any residue.
- Avoid abrasives like borax on delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or spandex.
- Never mix vinegar or borax with bleach – toxic fumes result!
- Don’t use vinegar, baking soda, or borax as a complete detergent replacement.
- Check that rubber seals and hoses are intact with no cracks before using vinegar long-term.
- Leave the washer door open after cycles to allow the tub to dry and prevent mildew.
Alternative Options for HE Washers
Vinegar, baking soda, and borax can provide an extra cleaning boost but may not be ideal for every situation. Some other options:
- Liquid oxygen bleach: Removes stains without the abrasives or residue. Safer on colors.
- Citrus acid powders: Made from natural citric acid. Gently brighten and deodorize clothes.
- Green detergents: Earth-friendly liquid laundry soaps without fillers. Avoid residue.
- Laundry balls: Reusable plastic balls with minerally cleansing ingredients inside. No powder or liquid needed.
- Steam cycles: HE washers that generate steam to sanitize and remove odors without additives.
The Bottom Line
Vinegar, baking soda, and borax can be safe laundry additions for HE washers when used properly, in moderation, and with care. But be aware of downsides like buildup, damage to fabrics, and reactions with other products. Alternative green cleaners are becoming more widely available. And always follow your machine’s maintenance guidelines for the best performance and longevity. With the right practices, you can find an eco-friendly cleaning routine that works well for your high-efficiency washer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is white vinegar safe for HE washers?
Yes, distilled white vinegar is generally considered safe for HE washers when used in moderation. Limit to 1 cup per load once a week or less. The acidic properties can damage components over time, so rinse thoroughly after use.
How much baking soda should you put in an HE washer?
No more than 1⁄4 cup of baking soda per load is recommended in HE washers. Too much can leave a gritty residue on clothes and interior components. Mix with water first before adding directly to the drum.
What does borax do for laundry?
Borax softens water, brightens whites, removes stains, deodorizes, and kills bacteria and mold in laundry when used properly. But it can also damage fabrics and leave toxic residue if overused.
Is mixing baking soda and vinegar in HE washer bad?
It’s not recommended. The chemical reaction can cause fizzing and bubbling, which won’t fully rinse out of an HE machine. Use them separately – vinegar in the rinse, baking soda in the wash.
Can I use OxiClean in an HE washer?
Yes, OxiClean and other oxygen bleach stain removers are considered safe when following package instructions for HE machines. Unlike chlorine bleach, they contain hydrogen peroxide and won’t damage clothes or the washer.
Should you leave HE washer door open?
Yes, leaving the door open allows air circulation to dry out any moisture, preventing mold, mildew, and odors. It’s especially important after using vinegar, bleach, or cleaning cycles.
Conclusion
HE washers offer significant benefits in terms of saving energy and water. But their high-tech design also comes with special maintenance considerations when using cleaning additives like vinegar, baking soda, and borax. As with any appliance, always consult the manufacturer guidelines for your specific model. When used properly and in moderation, natural cleaning boosters can safely enhance your HE laundry routine. But be mindful of factors like residue buildup, fabric damage, chemical reactions, and corrosion over time. With careful use, your high-efficiency washer can run smoothly and cleanly for years using eco-friendly cleaners.