Quote Originally Posted by OakLeaf View Post
ETA - A couple of years ago I asked here about using acids in the washing machine, and I believe it was Irulan, our resident fabric expert, who recommended against it - said it could corrode the internal workings. I guess it would be okay if you did a titration first to find out exactly how much acid to use just to neutralize the bases in your water
Our tap water is so ridiculously alkaline (pH 8.6) that I don't really think that is a valid concern. One half cup of vinegar isn't going to contain nearly enough hydrogen ions to mitigate however many gallons of tap water that go through the wash. My former machine, however, was horribly clogged from years of too much fabric softener (thanks, former residents of my house!) and tried to flood the kitchen with regularity.