Using inexpensive distilled white vinegar in the laundry is smart because it will whiten, brighten, reduce odor, and soften clothes without harsh chemicals. It’s Cheap Plain distilled white 5 percent vinegar runs around 3.5 cents per ounce in the typical supermarket when purchased by the gallon, and even cheaper when you can find it at the dollar store. Name-brand liquid fabric softeners come in at about 10 cents per ounce—nearly three times the cost. As an alternative to liquid softeners, dryer sheets are a cheaper way to ruin your clothes and linens. On average, they’re about 5 cents per sheet. It’s Colorless When buying vinegar to use in the laundry, choose distilled white vinegar with 5 percent acidity. It contains no synthetic color and no natural plant dyes that can stain clothes. It Softens Plain white distilled vinegar with 5 percent acidity is a natural fabric softener. The acid helps …