Washing fleece/mattress pads with vinegar

[Barb1222]

So I just changed my fleece for the first time (started using it last week...love it! as do my piggies) and I read about washing the fleece and mattress pads with hot water and vinegar in order to get rid of the smell.

My question is do I use just vinegar and water, no laundry detergent, or do I use laundry detergent and vinegar? And about how much vinegar should I use? I kept reading a "splash," but what does that mean?

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question.

Thanks!

[Taboo]

I'm not sure about detergent. but I'd say it'd be fine if it doesn't leave a strong scent on the fleece.

[banjosnotbombs]

I use laundry detergent and vinegar. I put vinegar in the rinse cycle. There's a small area that's meant for fabric softener(I think) in my washing machine, and I put the vinegar in there. I think I use about 1/3 cup vinegar, and the fleece, mattress pads and cuddle cups are all in the wash.

[guineapigluver1]

Laundry detergent is fine to use as long as it isn't strongly scented. I wouldn't even recomend using one that is scented at all. There are plenty of ones that aren't scented out there, Seventh Generation has one, All has one, Ecos has one, and I'm sure there are more, but those are the only ones I know of.
As for the vinegar, I would put 1/3 to 1/2 a cup in the load, and yes you put it where it says Fabric Softener.

[Piggy Pip's Mom]

I'm a newbie and also just started using fleece. Can I ask what role the vinegar plays in the washing machine? Thanks!

[BubuCandyBlue]

Originally Posted by Piggy Pip's Mom

I'm a newbie and also just started using fleece. Can I ask what role the vinegar plays in the washing machine? Thanks!

I put liquid detergent - for front loaders (a little, not as much as for cloth loads) and vinegar in the detergent area (quantity depends on how dirty the fleece and piggies towels are). I also add vinegar in the softener area too, and always choose an extra rinse. Works better then the detergent. Fabric softener is not good for fleece, prevents it to absorb, beside the fact that it also perfumes the fleece, and for piggies ain't good.
The vinegar is the best cleaner ever! It gets all hard stains out (most people here on the forum use it to clean the cage too, 50% water 50% vinegar, or 100% vinegar for worst stains), it is better then any special cage solution cleaner. Removes piggies odour too, disinfects.

[guineapigluver1]

Vinegar also reduces static.

[gooberific]

My hubby uses All with no dyes or scents, so that's what I use for the piggy laundry from time to time, but typically I use half a cup of vinegar. I also put vinegar in for the fabric softener spot in my washer. It reduces static, neutralizes odor, and makes the fabric softer than it would without it. I've also snuck it into my hubby's wash and his clothes don't come out so stiff, and he is none the wiser.

[Caviekisses]

Help!!

Mattress pads?? What do you mean?... There's something that is reusable, where do I find it?

Is it used instead of disposable puppy pads as a base?... Then put towels, then add fleece.

I have something else I'm working on for fleece bedding but, it's taking me awhile to get it together and I'm going to be getting my little boys in a few days.

Please help!... Thank you,

CK

So...
All, Clear- Good!
Vinegar, 1/2 cup (in the fabric softener cup)- Good!

I learn so much here.

[BubuCandyBlue]

Yes mattress pad is the absorbent layer under the fleece. Yes, they can be used instead of towels or puppy pads. Mattress pads can be found cheap at Target or other stores like that.

[Caviekisses]

Thank you BubuCandy!... That will be so much easier for me...

[gooberific]

I use old blankets and towels underneath. I have some disposable bed pads, but they're just not the same. They crinkle!

[Piggy Pip's Mom]

I have an old wash machine that does not have the bleach or softener slots...I have to use a Downey ball for my regular laundry.

So...where do I use the vinegar at? In the regular wash cycle or in the Downey ball?

Thanks!

[BubuCandyBlue]

Originally Posted by Piggy Pip's Mom

I have an old wash machine that does not have the bleach or softener slots...I have to use a Downey ball for my regular laundry.

So...where do I use the vinegar at? In the regular wash cycle or in the Downey ball?

Thanks!

Wherever you want. You can even do both.

[Caviekisses]

Also, if you add the vinegar when the water starts filling the tub it will evenly distribute it through the load.

I cleared an area under where the water drops and dumped the vinegar in that spot the moment I heard it filling up for the rinse cycle. It does the same thing as if you were using a dispenser slot.

I do it all the time when I'm bleaching towels/sheets.

[Reiland]

I have a front-loading washing machine, so I was a little confused on how to do the vinegar thing. It has areas for detergent, softener, and bleach. I use Seventh Generation unscented liquid detergent in the detergent area on all my laundry, including pig stuff.

When I would put vinegar in the fabric softener section, the fleece came out smelling like vinegar. So what I've found works best for my machine is to fill the bleach section with vinegar (I never use bleach in my laundry, so no cross-over dangers). Then I choose the bleach option, and a second rinse. Works very well!