Mouthwash in the washing machine, the unthinkable secret of grandmothers: One dreams of so much laundry

3. **Brightening Whites and Colors**: Mouthwash contains ingredients like alcohol and essential oils that can help brighten whites and even bring some vibrancy back to colored clothing. These ingredients help lift dirt and grime from fabric fibers, leaving your laundry looking cleaner.

4. **Bacteria Control**: Like many disinfectants, mouthwash can kill bacteria that may remain trapped in clothing fibers, especially in items like towels, workout gear, and sheets, which tend to harbor more bacteria due to sweat, moisture, and everyday use.

### How to Use Mouthwash in Your Washing Machine

Using mouthwash in your washing machine is simple, but it’s important to know how much to use and when to add it for the best results. Follow these easy steps for a fresh laundry experience:

#### Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup of mouthwash (preferably one with a minty scent and antibacterial properties, like Listerine)
– Regular laundry detergent (as usual)
– Optional: Baking soda or vinegar for added freshness

#### Instructions:
1. **Load the Washer**: Begin by loading your washing machine with your laundry as you normally would. Make sure to sort your clothes by color and fabric type for optimal results.

2. **Add Laundry Detergent**: Pour in your usual amount of laundry detergent. This will serve as the primary cleaner for your laundry, while the mouthwash acts as an additional booster for freshness and bacteria control.

3. **Add the Mouthwash**: Pour about 1/4 cup of mouthwash into the washing machine, directly into the drum or into the detergent compartment (depending on your washing machine’s model). If you’re using the fabric softener compartment, make sure to only use a small amount to avoid an overpowering scent.

4. **Add Optional Ingredients**: For added freshness, you can sprinkle in a little baking soda to deodorize or add white vinegar to help brighten whites and soften fabrics. These ingredients can complement the antibacterial and odor-neutralizing effects of mouthwash.

5. **Wash as Normal**: Run your washing machine on the normal cycle, adjusting the settings based on the fabric type and level of soil. Mouthwash doesn’t require special care and works well with both warm and cold water.

6. **Dry and Enjoy**: Once your laundry is done, dry it as you normally would. When you take your clothes out of the dryer or from the clothesline, you’ll notice a fresh, clean scent, and your laundry will feel soft and revived.

### What Types of Laundry Benefit the Most?

Mouthwash in the washing machine can be particularly effective for certain types of laundry. Here are a few items that will benefit most from this hack:

– **Towels**: Towels are prone to picking up odors from moisture and mildew, especially in bathrooms or when not properly dried. Mouthwash helps kill bacteria, remove musty smells, and refresh the fabric.

– **Gym Clothes**: Workout gear can absorb sweat and bacteria that contribute to stubborn odors. Mouthwash helps neutralize these smells and leave your gym clothes smelling fresh.

– **Sheets and Bedding**: Bedding can easily trap body oils, sweat, and bacteria, leading to unpleasant smells. Mouthwash helps refresh your sheets while keeping them hygienic.

– **Clothes with Strong Odors**: If you’ve worn clothes that have been exposed to smoke, food smells, or any other intense odors, mouthwash can help eliminate these smells and leave your clothing smelling fresher.

– **Delicates**: Because mouthwash is gentle, it can be used in smaller amounts to refresh more delicate fabrics that might not tolerate heavy-duty disinfectants.

### Additional Tips for Fresh Laundry

If you love the mouthwash hack, there are a few other things you can do to take your laundry to the next level:

– **Use Mouthwash Regularly**: If you’re someone who does a lot of laundry, you can incorporate mouthwash into your routine every few washes to keep everything smelling fresh.

– **Be Mindful of Scent Strength**: Mouthwash has a potent scent, so be careful not to overdo it, especially with stronger varieties. Stick to a quarter cup for a subtle effect, and consider testing it on a small load first to gauge the fragrance level.

– **Avoid Colored Mouthwash**: If you’re concerned about staining, stick to a clear or lightly colored mouthwash. Dark-colored mouthwashes could potentially leave stains on lighter fabrics, especially if you use too much.

### Conclusion: A Simple, Freshening Secret

Mouthwash in the washing machine is a clever, surprising trick that delivers refreshing results. With its odor-eliminating, antibacterial properties, it can help freshen up your laundry, brighten whites, and leave your clothes smelling cool and crisp. This unthinkable secret of grandmothers is simple, effective, and just might become your new go-to method for achieving laundry that’s not only clean but wonderfully fragrant too.

Next time you load your washing machine, try adding a little mouthwash into the mix—you might just wonder how you ever did laundry without it!