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IT can be seriously frustrating to take your laundry out of the washer only to find stubborn stains and smells have survived the cycle.

If you're battling against a blot that just won't budge, you don't need to spend loads of money on fancy stain remover.

Woman removing blue shirt from washing machine.
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It can be really annoying to see stubborn stains have survived the cycleCredit: Getty
Laundry basket of towels next to a washing machine and detergent.
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Experts say you don't always need to splurge on fancy stain removerCredit: Getty

The experts at have revealed their handy hack for blasting away pesky stains and smells - and it's a lot cheaper than you might think.

The item you need will cost you , and you won't find it in the laundry aisle of your local supermarket.

If you've got a pile of dirty laundry in mind that you know needs salvaging, try giving vinegar a go.

Tesco Distilled Vinegar, 568ml bottle.
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You can buy vinegar from as little as 35pCredit: Tesco

No! Not the type you'd chuck on your fish and chips.

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You're looking for white vinegar (also known as distilled vinegar), which is sold in most supermarkets.

You might even have some in the back of your cupboards already.

Thanks to it's acidity, vinegar is able to neutralise odours, soften fabrics and even lift out tough stains.

And it's gentle enough not to damage most materials.

Woman inspecting a freshly laundered sweater.
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You'll be surprised at how clean, soft and fresh-smelling your clothes will come outCredit: Getty

Busting ugly stains

If you're struggling to get a nasty stain out of your clothes, give white vinegar a chance to work it's magic.

The Hotpoint experts say: "Just mix equal parts water and white vinegar, and apply it directly to the stain for 30 minutes before washing."

People are only just realising what the circle and dot symbol means on their laundry labels - so can you figure it out?

The cleaning powers of vinegar are great against loads of different types of marks, and once you've given your clothes a spin in the machine, they should come out stain-free!

Neutralising bad smells

Another great use for vinegar is targeting bad odours that cling to clothes.

So get ready to bring that old gym kit back to life.

"Begin by adding a splash of vinegar to your wash cycle. Vinegar naturally neutralises odours and acts as a fabric softener. Just pour half a cup into the fabric softener compartment."

Not only will your clothes come out sans-stink, they'll also get the added benefit of vinegar's fabric softening qualities.

More winter laundry tips

Tackling laundry in the winter can be a challenge, but these handy tips can help you stay on top of it:

  • Use a Dehumidifier: Place a dehumidifier in your drying area to speed up the drying process and prevent dampness.
  • Spin Cycle Boost: Run an extra spin cycle on your washing machine to remove excess water from clothes, reducing drying time.
  • Indoor Drying Rack: Invest in a good-quality indoor drying rack and position it near a radiator or in a well-ventilated room.
  • Tumble Dryer Balls: Add tumble dryer balls to your dryer to help clothes dry faster and reduce static cling.
  • Space-Saving Hangers: Use space-saving hangers or a retractable washing line to maximise indoor drying space.
  • Microfibre Towels: Lay microfibre towels over your drying rack to absorb extra moisture from hanging clothes.
  • Partially Dry Outside: On dry days, hang clothes outside for a short period before bringing them in to finish drying.

These hacks can help you keep your laundry routine efficient and your clothes fresh, even during the colder months.

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