08:58 14-12-2025

Vinegar in laundry: faster drying in humid weather

Generated by DALL·E

Beat damp days with a simple laundry hack: add 1 tbsp white vinegar to the softener drawer to speed evaporation, banish musty odors, and keep fabrics safe.

When the weather turns damp and laundry takes longer than usual to dry, even a routine wash can feel like a slog. Still, experts note there’s a simple way to speed things up without any gadgets—just add one familiar pantry staple to the machine.

Why clothes dry more slowly in wet weather

Moist air slows the evaporation of water from fabric. Even after a solid spin cycle, garments stay heavy and stubbornly hold onto moisture. The effect is especially noticeable in apartments without a balcony or when drying in a bathroom where airflow is minimal. No surprise that people look for ways to give the fabric a bit of help.

Plain vinegar can make drying faster

Research published in the Journal of Surfactants and Detergents points to an unexpected fix. Acetic acid changes the behavior of water, making it easier to evaporate. That alters how moisture clings to fibers and helps fabric release it more quickly.

To try the method:

• add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the fabric conditioner compartment,
• together with your usual dose of softener.

This combination not only speeds up drying but also helps clear that musty smell that tends to appear when humidity is high.

Is vinegar safe for fabrics?

At the stated amount, vinegar doesn’t harm materials. Studies in the same journal indicate that a weak vinegar solution is safe even for delicate fabrics. It doesn’t break down fibers and doesn’t affect color.

Manufacturers still advise sticking to two simple rules:

• choose regular white table vinegar,
• avoid excessive dosing.

How to boost the effect

For better results, specialists suggest:

• adding an extra rinse,
• drying laundry in a ventilated space with a gentle flow of air.

That helps remove detergent residues from the fabric and speeds up evaporation—small tweaks that matter when the air is heavy.

Why the method caught on

The appeal is obvious: it’s simple, inexpensive, and doesn’t require special additives. Many home launderers already notice that drying times drop, and clothes feel softer and fresher even in rainy weather. It’s an easy experiment for the next wash—especially when the damp sets in and the usual tricks stop working.