The Many Uses of White Vinegar

Dri-Pak’s White Vinegar is one of the most versatile and economical products you can have on hand. Come and discover some key ways to put that bottle to good use!

There are different types of vinegar, but generally, White Vinegar is recommended for laundry and cleaning because it reduces the risk of staining fabrics and surfaces, plus it’s relatively cheap.

So how does it work?

This highly acidic liquid is a smart way to clean without relying on harsh chemicals. To see this in action, pour alkaline Bicarbonate of Soda down the plughole, followed by White Vinegar. The fizzing action is a result of the two substances reacting with one another. (By the way, this is a great way to clear plugholes!)

When it comes to cleaning clothes, White Vinegar is great for tackling deodorant-stained shirts. While deodorant stains can be difficult to remove, acidic products like White Vinegar and Citric Acid can dissolve the aluminium salts in the stain. More laundry and cleaning tips.

Regularly spray the underarm areas with White Vinegar before washing as normal. This will help to prevent staining.

In addition, spraying White vinegar onto deodorant-stained shirts before the wash can ease the discoloration - it’s also great for tackling mustard, tomato sauce, or ketchup stains.

White Vinegar works magic on upholstery too. If your child has an ‘accident’ on a mattress, clean it with a solution of White Vinegar and water. Afterwards, pour some baking soda onto the mattress, and brush or vacuum the residue once it’s dry.

Adding a cupful of White Vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine can freshen up bright colours and give you cleaner laundry. Acetic acid won’t harm fabrics, but it helps dissolves the soap residue that can dull dark clothing. It also acts as a fabric softener, a static reducer and a mildew-inhibitor. More information on white vinegar for laundry use.

To help remove mineral deposits and prevent corrosion on your steam iron, give it an occasional cleaning by filling the reservoir with undiluted White Vinegar. Place the iron in an upright position, switch on the steam setting, and let the White Vinegar steam through it for 5-10 minutes. Then refill the chamber with clean water and repeat. Finally, give the water chamber a good rinsing with cold, clean water.

White Vinegar can clean and deodorise, just about everything. From keeping your laundry fresh and clean, to preventing deodorant stains, there’s not much that it can’t do. As an alternative to expensive and harsh cleaning chemicals, White vinegar is something you can feel good about keeping in your cupboards, it’s just a great, green buy!

Traditional Laundry Methods are Alive and Well at The Vintage Wash House

Linda Peake set up The Vintage Wash House at Skipton’s Handpicked Hall in May of 2013. As of March 2014, the shop is now located at 3 Court Lane, Skipton. The 1940s-inspired stall sells nostalgic homeware gifts and a range of traditional cleaning and laundry products, from the former Sunwin House department store. 

From her stall, complete with authentic washboard and mangle, and blitz-style paper-tape crosses on the windows, Linda demonstrates the household duties of a typical 1940s housewife, using traditional products like Soap Flakes and Soda Crystals.

Linda explains, “I wanted to set up a totally unique stall showcasing vintage laundry methods and demonstrating how traditional products can work just as well, if not better, than their modern equivalents. Soap Flakes, for instance, clean effectively and efficiently but contain no perfumes or allergens, making them perfect for delicate laundry and cleaning without aggravating skin conditions.”

After demonstrating her nostalgic laundry methods, customers are able to buy from the range of traditional and natural cleaning and laundry products, including Linda’s own hand-knitted 100% cotton dishcloths, as well as vegetable Soap Flakes, Soda Crystals, White Vinegar, Bicarbonate of Soda, Borax Substitute and Laundry Starch.

The traditional products, made by family-run Derbyshire manufacturer, Dri-Pak, are experiencing something of a revival of late, thanks to their simple and effective cleaning power. The allergen-free alternatives to modern cleaners are made from sustainable sources and are extremely versatile, as Linda explains: 

“Soda Crystals alone have hundred of uses around the home, from unblocking a slow-draining sink, to clearing a driveway of moss and removing laundry stains like grease, ink and blood, they really are a true multi-purpose product”.

The nostalgic atmosphere of the Vintage Wash House stall often encourages people to share their own experiences of washdays gone by, as well as sparking questions from the younger generations, as Linda explains:

“I really enjoy people sharing their memories of using the old washboards and mangles, and it’s great teaching the younger generations how we used to do things. Many of the people I speak with agree that a lot of the simpler, old-fashioned products deserve place in the 21^st century home!”

The Vintage Wash House at 3 Court Lane, Skipton (BD23 1DD) is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. 

Find out more about the History of Soda Crystals and Soap Flakes on the Dri-Pak website.

Get Ready For Your Next Grunge Match!

We move mountains of laundry each week and expect that our clothes are clean and fresh. However, a recent study by public health experts featured in the Daily Mail, found that laundry washed at 40 degrees Celsius has only 14 per cent fewer germs.

The study also found that one in four items of clothing washed at 40 degrees contain faecal bacteria, with children’s cuddly toys and baby-grows carrying the highest amounts, while toddlers’ underwear contain the most bacteria overall. To reduce the bacteria, the experts recommend washing your clothes at 60 degrees or higher, or using a laundry disinfectant.

If you’re making a beeline to go and sanitise your washing machine, then hang on - bear in mind that extra detergent doesn't get things extra clean. Instead, the excess suds can carry odours and bacteria beyond where the water inside the drum can reach and leave an unpleasant residue that can transfer on to clothing.

There is however, a money-saving option with Dri-Pak Soda Crystals. Although Soda Crystals are well known for their ability to cut through tough stains and dirt on clothes, they’re equally good at giving your washing machine a thorough clean.

Every month, run an empty machine on a hot wash with up to half a pack of Soda Crystals. This will deodorise the drum’s interior and keep the machine and the outlet pipes clean and free from a build-up of bacteria, dirt, grease and hard water salts. Regularly cleaning the machine’s door seals and detergent drawer will also help. Plus, leave the door ajar after each load of laundry to allow the interior to dry - doing this can reduce the growth of bacteria inside.

If you live in a hard water area and see a frequent build up of limescale in your washing machine, then run it on a maintenance wash every four to eight weeks, using a cup of Citric Acid or White Vinegar.  This will descale the machine and prevent the build up of limescale. The harder your water, the more regularly you will need to do it. 
 
Alternatively, switch your regular fabric softener for White Vinegar! Not only will it soften your laundry, it will help keep limescale deposits at bay. And don't worry, you're clothes will smell fresh and clean - White Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and the vinegar smell will dissipate before your wash cycle is done.

This should save you money in the long run because if limescale is left untreated, your energy bills will rise as the electricity goes towards heating the limescale first.

All this should keep your machine functioning efficiently to deliver outstanding results.  

Wimbledon Whites!

We can’t get enough of centre court action at the moment! If you’ve caught tennis fever and can’t wait to get out onto the courts to practice your backhand but your tennis whites are looking a little worse for wear, don’t worry our handy tips will have you back volleying like Murray in no time.

Tennis Whites

Keeping you whites whiter than white can be an ongoing battle, but luckily the fast action cleaning power of Soda Crystals Laundry Boost can help. Just adding a scoop to your normal detergent will help remove stains, brighten whites and boost the power of your detergent – allowing you to wash at lower temperatures.

Odours

If you’ve been working hard to perfect your game, you’ll have worked up quite a sweat! Neutralise unpleasant smells by spraying your clothes with White Vinegar 10 – 15 minutes before washing as normal paying particular attention to the most affected areas (such as underarms). White Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and your clothes will smell fresh and clean for serves to come!

Deodorant Stains

The aluminium salts in antiperspirants react with perspiration causing nasty yellow stains that are notoriously difficult to remove. As the residue binds to the fabric fibres, a stain that is resistant to normal washing routines gradually builds. The acidic properties of White Vinegar and Citric Acid work best at removing the residue because these salts become soluble at a lower pH.

If a stain has already developed on the underarm area, soak in a Citric Acid solution of one tablespoon to 250ml warm water and leave overnight before washing according to the garment instructions. For coloured items, test on an inconspicuous area first.

To prevent stains from building up right from the beginning, squirt the underarm areas with White Vinegar prior to washing. The acetic acid will break down the salts and allow them to be washed away by detergent, as well as deodorising any nasty niffs. Adding a cup of White Vinegar in place of your regular fabric softener will also help reduce any build up as well as leaving your clothes soft!

Soda Crystals - The Facts!

Soda Crystals are one of the most versatile cleaning and laundry products on the market. They're safe and economical, and have been used for hundreds of years, but some people are still confused about what they are and how they can be used. That's why we've put together a few facts about our beloved Soda Crystals...

WHO?

Soda Crystals also go by the names ‘Washing Soda’ and ‘Soda Ash’, or if you’d like to be a bit more scientific, ‘Hydrated Sodium Carbonate’. Unfortunately they are sometimes confused with much stronger, corrosive Caustic Soda, which can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

WHAT? 

Soluble crystals used for a number of household and industrial uses, due to their alkaline properties.

WHY?

Soda Crystals are a simple, one ingredient product, with no other additives which makes them less likely to cause an allergic reaction such as perfumes or enzymes. They are made sustainably in the UK, are biodegradable, contain no petrochemicals and are not tested on animals.

WHERE?

Soda Crystals are made and distributed by Dri-Pak, an independent family-run company based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. They are available in all major supermarkets as well as many hardware stores and independent shops. 

WHEN? 

Soda Crystals have been around for donkey’s years... we’re talking centuries old, ask your Gran! Our History of Soda Crystals page has lots more information about them.

HOW? 

Soda Crystals have literally hundreds of uses including softening water, dissolving grease, removing laundry stains and generally being an all round household superstar (or at least we like to think so!). 

Here's just a few of our favourite uses for Soda Crystals...

Unblocking Drains

Water Softening 

Cleaning Washing Machines

Removing Moss

... but there are dozens more! What's your favourite use for Soda Crystals? Let us know via out Facebook page or Twitter

Traditional and Economical: How products from yesteryear can help you save money!

Soda Crystals Box from 1955

There is a wealth of money saving hints and thrifty ideas around to help us weather these austere times, but this is not the first time the people of Britain have had to tighten their belts and be careful with their pennies! During the Second World War, British families had to carefully plan their outgoings and ‘make do and mend’ the possessions they had. Luxuries were rare, and even basic supplies like soap were rationed, so cleaning products like Soda Crystals became favourite alternatives for laundry and cleaning tasks.

Soda Crystals Packing Factory

Soda Crystals are once again gaining popularity due to their effective cleaning power, sustainability and versatility, as well as their economical value. For under a pound for a 1kg bag, Soda Crystals have hundreds of uses around the home, from unblocking a slow-draining sink, to clearing a driveway of moss, and removing laundry stains like grease, ink and blood.

Other traditional products like White Vinegar have also been used for centuries for cleaning. Remember Granny’s tip of cleaning windows and mirrors with White Vinegar and newspaper? Well it works a treat, and can also be used for removing limescale from taps, shower screens and draining boards or even as a fabric softener and dishwasher rinse aid!

Old Lux Soap Flakes Ad

Before washing machines were an essential part of every kitchen, laundry was a long and laborious task making use of wash boards, wooden dollys and soap flakes. Whilst these old-fashioned items are no longer necessary, easy to use Liquid Soap Flakes are especially good for washing delicate items like silk, lace, wool, and outdoor clothing, as well as cleaning leather, wooden floors, and natural stone.

These simple, multi-purpose products are just as effective as one-task modern-day products and their versatility means there’s more room in the cupboard and more money in your pocket! 

Have you switched to traditional products to save money?

Top 5 Student Cleaning Tips!

Let’s be honest, student accommodation doesn’t have a great reputation for being kept clean and tidy, but by using some old-fashioned cleaning tips your Grandma would be proud of, and some cheap and cheerful products, you can have your new student digs looking like a palace in no time! Here’s how to tackle the most common student cleaning tasks quickly and cheaply!

1. Blocked, smelly sinks are awful to deal with, but before you call the maintenance team, try pouring a large mug of Soda Crystals into the plughole, and then sluice it down with a kettle full of hot water. It’s also a good idea to invest in a sink strainer so you can catch food and other nasties before they block the sink!

2. Whereas Mum obviously appreciates you bringing back your dirty laundry back for her every term, washing out stains can be done quickly and easily by spraying with Liquid Soda Crystals. Just spray the stain and throw in the washing machine – easy peasy!

3. It’s no secret that that communal fridges are rarely cleared out and can really start to hum if old food is kept past its use by date. Once it’s been thrown away, spray any sticky spills with naturally deodorising White Vinegar and wipe away. You can also leave an open box of Bicarbonate of Soda on a shelf to absorb smells once it’s clean! 

4. Does that greasy, blackened oven make you want to order take-away for the sixth time this week? Tackle it head on - invest in a pair of rubber gloves, a heavy-duty scourer and a bag of Soda Crystals. Soak the racks and tray in a strong, hot Soda Crystals solution (1 cup to 500ml water), then spray the interior of the oven with the same solution, or try Liquid Soda Crystals in a handy trigger spray bottle. Wait for half an hour for the Soda Crystals to start to dissolve the grease and gunk and scour away the burnt on mess!

5. Finally, cleaning rotas do seem dull but they really work! Organising it so that each person takes responsibility for a single area (e.g. the bathroom), then switching areas each week means that everyone pulls their weight without one person being left to clean everything!

Hints and tips using reusable nappies

Reusable nappies have been gaining popularity amongst parents over the past few years as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to disposables. A 2008 Environment Agency report comparing the environmental impact of both disposable and reusable nappies, confirmed that if reusable nappies are laundered responsibly they can be up to 40 percent kinder to the environment. Despite the initial investment in purchasing a nappy system, reusable nappies have also shown to be more cost effective than disposables over the first two years of a child’s life. 

The benefits of reusable nappies are plain to see - less waste in landfills, soft, natural fibres against baby’s skin and they are economical. However some parents are put off by the thought of storing soiled nappies, as well as putting dirty nappies through the wash. Here are some helpful tips and ideas for hesitant parents, using traditional, reasonably-priced products from Dri-Pak.

The first thing parents considering using reusable nappies will need is a bucket with a tight fitting lid for soiled nappies to be placed in. A mesh liner for the bucket is also recommended so that no touching of soiled nappies is required once the bucket is full. A great tip is to periodically sprinkle naturally deodorising Bicarbonate of Soda into the bucket to help prevent smells. Once the bucket is full, simply lift the mesh bag out of the bucket, and either put the nappies straight into the washing machine initially on a cold rinse, or leave them to soak in a regular hot Soda Crystal solution to help remove stains prior to washing. 

When washing the nappies use a non-biological washing powder or liquid as biological detergents are more likely to irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. Adding Soda Crystals to the detergent draw helps to soften the water, and aid the cleaning action of the detergent, meaning only the minimum amount is required to clean the nappies. 

For very sensitive skin use Liquid Soap Flakes and a scoop of Soda Crystals in place of detergent. Containing only pure soap, Liquid Soap Flakes gently clean without fragrances or detergent that can irritate skin. To prevent the nappies losing absorbency, an occasional hot wash with a White Vinegar rinse will eliminate any soap build-up on the nappies. 

Do not use fabric softener, as it leaves a residue on the surface of the fabric which affects absorbency and can stop the nappies working properly. White Vinegar is a good natural alternative to fabric softener that will ensure no residue is left on the fabric. 

For parents worried about bacteria building up within the washing machine, a regular hot wash using half a bag of Soda Crystals will eliminate any smells and wash bacteria out of the machine.