The secret of whiter whites? Vinegar

HOW to keep your whites whiter than white has been a washday headache for generations. And many households spend a small fortune on detergents in the hope of banishing the dreaded grey effect.

But now researchers at London’s Good Housekeeping Institute have discovered that a dash of clear vinegar may be all you need to revive your garments.

In their tests, two loads were put through a washing machine, both with half a cup of vinegar added as well as detergent. In the first load at 60C, socks that previously remained brown when washed using just detergent came out white. And even a second, similar load washed at only 40C was successful.

The Institute advises: ‘Vinegar is non-toxic and is much safer to have against your skin than bleach, ammonia or other toxic cleaning products.’