There are many facts and myths about washing machines and washing. While it is usually better to follow the beaten path to avoid ruining your favorite garment, we would like to ask you to pay attention to lemon juice.

Lemon juice in the washing machine? Right. This fruit contains citric acid, which is surprisingly good at removing stains. But it can also kill bacteria and keep whites white. What’s more, this is a great natural alternative to fabric softeners or other potentially toxic substances that we use to keep laundry fresh and clean. All you have to do is pour half a cup of lemon juice into the fabric softener compartment. Do you dare to try this yourself?

1- Remove detergent residue

Although many washing machines use a little extra water to rinse away detergent residue after a wash, it can still happen that some remain. That residue can have a negative effect on the next wash load. Adding lemon juice to that last step can ensure that even the last traces of detergent and fabric softener disappear from the drum and clothing.

2- Combat odors

Just like stains, unpleasant odors can also linger in clothing. Now, detergents can counteract this and make your clothes smell ‘nice’, but not everyone responds well to this. By adding lemon juice, you not only counteract unpleasant odors, but your laundry also gets a nice, citrusy hint. This makes your laundry smell just as fresh as it is.

3- Combating hard water

If you have hard water in your home, and your washing machine uses it, then the detergent may not be as effective. Hard water has an increased volume of dissolved minerals, which can’t withstand the power of the citrus. So adding lemon juice gives other agents more room to do their job – and with a boost of citric acid.

4- Laundry stays white

Lemon juice is also very good at keeping white clothes white. And that without the risk of colors running into each other or using substances that are toxic to humans. With half a cup of lemon juice, in addition to your normal detergent, you get almost the same benefits as bleach (chlorine). But then without the nasty smell, toxic properties, and non-sustainable character.

5- Keep your clothes fresh and durable

Frequent washing can also cause clothes to become damaged or harder than they were in the beginning. Lemon juice can combat this process (but never completely prevent it). So you can use your soft clothes for longer, while also being sustainable. After all, you use fewer chemicals, which do not end up in the water later.