Recently, a trend has spread to follow "grandma’s tips from the internet" and add baking soda, vinegar, citric acid or even alcohol to laundry detergent. These substances may look natural and harmless, but the truth is different – they can seriously damage your textiles.
What Happens During Washing
Baking soda – has an alkaline pH and works as a natural bleach. On colored fabrics it causes fading, and on wool or bamboo it weakens the fibers.
Vinegar and citric acid – are acidic. With frequent use they damage polyurethane membranes (e.g., mattress protectors), weaken bamboo fibers and may affect the color fastness of cotton.
Alcohol – acts as a solvent. It etches the surface of polyurethane, dries out fibers and significantly shortens product lifespan.
Who Is Most at Risk
- Mattress protectors with polyurethane (PU) – vinegar, citric acid, soda and alcohol gradually destroy them. PU becomes hard, cracks and peels off.
- Cotton – soda and acids cause color fading.
- Bamboo – acids and alkalis accelerate fiber breakdown → fabric wears out faster.
- Merino wool – an alkaline environment (soda, strong detergents) literally eats away fibers, causing loss of softness and felting.
How to Wash Correctly
- Always follow the care label on the product.
- Use mild detergents designed for the specific material.
- Do not add vinegar, baking soda, citric acid or alcohol.
👉 Gentle care = longer product life.
With proper maintenance, our products will remain beautiful and functional for many years.
