Aspirin, a common household staple known for its pain-relieving properties, has found a surprising place outside the medicine cabinet – your washing machine. But why put aspirin in the washing machine, you ask? This article aims to uncover the reasons behind this unusual laundry hack and explore its effectiveness.
Aspirin is put in the washing machine because it contains salicylic acid which can break down proteins in sweat stains and other types of stains, potentially helping to maintain the color and quality of your clothes. It’s often used as a gentle alternative to bleach for whitening clothes and removing stains. However, its effectiveness is a topic of debate and may not provide the desired results for everyone.
The Science Behind the Hack
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which, when dissolved in water, can break down proteins in sweat stains and other types of stains. This makes it a potential solution to maintaining the color and quality of your clothes. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of aspirin in whitening clothes and removing stains is still a topic of debate. Some sources suggest that aspirin’s bleaching properties are limited and not as effective as bleach.
Benefits of Using Aspirin in the Washing Machine
- Whitening Clothes: Aspirin is believed to help whiten and brighten clothes, particularly white ones. Dissolve five 325 mg aspirin tablets in a large bowl of hot water and soak your dull, white clothes in the aspirin water for eight hours. Then, wash as usual.
- Removing Stains: Aspirin can be used to treat sweat stains on clothes. Crush a few aspirin tablets, make a paste with cold water, and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for a while before washing the clothes as usual.
Real-life Testimonials
There are numerous testimonials and experiences of people using aspirin in their laundry routine. A user on a washing machine forum mentions that they drop a couple of aspirins into the wash when doing their whites, as it helps remove stains like sweat stains and is safer than bleach. A blog post on Totally The Bomb explains that aspirin can help remove stains and brighten clothes, especially whites with a dull, grey, or yellow tone.
Risks and Downsides
While aspirin might be a gentler alternative to bleach for those with sensitive skin or an aversion to bleach’s strong odor, it is not as effective and may not provide the desired results. It is important to weigh the potential benefits against the downsides and risks before using aspirin in your washing machine.
Alternatives to Aspirin
If you’re not keen on using aspirin in your laundry, there are alternatives that can yield similar results, such as baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and bicarbonate of soda. These alternatives may not be as effective as aspirin in certain cases, so you might need to experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for your specific needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while putting aspirin in the washing machine is an interesting trick to keep your whites bright and stain-free, it’s not a foolproof solution. It may work for some, but not for others, and it’s definitely not as effective as traditional bleach. However, if you’re looking for a gentler alternative to harsh laundry chemicals, it might be worth giving this unusual hack a try.
Remember to always test any new laundry method on an inconspicuous area of your clothing first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. Happy washing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can aspirin damage my clothes?
Aspirin is generally not known to cause damage to clothes. However, it’s always recommended to test any new laundry method on an inconspicuous area of your clothing first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
How many aspirin tablets do I need to use for one wash cycle?
For whitening clothes, it is recommended to dissolve five 325 mg aspirin tablets in a large bowl of hot water and soak your dull, white clothes in the aspirin water for eight hours. The quantity may vary depending on the load of laundry and the intensity of the stains.
Can I use aspirin on colored clothes?
The use of aspirin is generally recommended for white clothes. Using it on colored clothes might result in discoloration, so it’s advised to test it on a small, hidden portion of the garment first.
Can I use any type of aspirin?
The type of aspirin doesn’t matter as long as it contains salicylic acid, which is the key ingredient that helps in removing stains and whitening clothes.
Is it safe to use aspirin in any washing machine model?
Yes, it is generally safe to use aspirin in any washing machine model as it is added to the water and not directly to the machine’s components. However, always read and follow your washing machine’s instructions to avoid any potential issues.
