
Last updated on May 30th, 2024
Vinegar is widely appreciated for its versatility and eco-friendliness as a natural alternative to harsh chemicals, but there’s also a lot of misinformation out there. Some of this includes dramatic stories about damaged hoses or seals from vinegar use. As an appliance repair specialist with deep experience in servicing washing machines, especially Fisher and Paykel models, I am here to debunk these myths. While concerns about vinegar damaging washing machines may have had some basis in older models -which often used natural rubber components less resistant to acidic substances—the narrative has persisted beyond its relevance. Today’s machines typically use more durable materials that can withstand much more aggressive chemical exposure. I’m not claiming that vinegar is entirely harmless under all circumstances, but in my extensive experience with both modern and older machines, I have yet to encounter an example of vinegar causing damage.

Debunking “Evidence” that Vinegar can Damage your Washing Machine
Anecdotes and unverified claims often fuel the myth that vinegar damages washing machines. For example, one widely circulated story on social media and picked up by mainstream media includes a claim that vinegar has disfigured a rubber washing machine hose from a Fisher and Paykel washing machine with included photographs as proof. As a Fisher and Paykel specialist, I have examined the image in question and can confirm that the hose is not damaged; rather, it is in its correct operational shape. This is precisely what that hose is supposed to look like. It is part number H0020300797 “Hose Dispenser Tub” which connects the soap dispenser to the washing machine tub on all newer FIsher and Paykel frontloaders. You don’t have to take it from me, you can Google the part number to see a wide selection of photographs showing the part brand new from parts suppliers. It might be a bit out of shape where it is being held in the photograph, but it could also easily have been manipulated to look like that before the photo and then held in place for the photo. In any case, the hose pictured is perfectly serviceable.



This misinformation appears to be a case of misunderstanding, where individuals without technical expertise are misinterpreting normal appliance parts as damaged. There’s likely no actual Fisher and Paykel technician involved in this claim—just a fabrication or a misinterpretation of the facts. Additionally, even if we were to consider the possibility that the hose had been damaged, there is no concrete evidence here linking vinegar to the damage. The assertion that the washing machine’s owner used vinegar to soften their towels does not substantiate vinegar as the cause. The quality of such a claim is questionable at best. Such speculative reasoning underscores the importance of scrutinising and verifying claims before accepting them as facts.
The anecdotal evidence frequently cited in arguments against the use of vinegar in washing machines often lacks scientific rigor and is typically based on individual, unverified accounts. It is unreasonable to attribute the failure of a washing machine component, such as a seal, to vinegar alone, especially when this usually occurs after extended use involving various substances over many years. To conclusively blame vinegar without considering other factors is overly simplistic and unfounded.
The Past Concerns of Vinegar Damage in Washing Machines
While certain types of rubber can be susceptible to degradation from vinegar when exposed over long periods, this concern is largely irrelevant for modern washing machines. It is important to recognise that the technology and materials used in the manufacturing of washing machines have significantly advanced over the years. Historically, older washing machines may have utilised natural rubber components that were not as resistant to acidic substances like vinegar. Long-term exposure to vinegar in these machines could potentially lead to the deterioration of the natural rubber components. However, if you own a washing machine that predates this millennium and its rubber components are miraculously still intact, it would be wise to avoid using vinegar.
The Resilience of Modern Washing Machine Components
The evolution of materials in the past two decades means that the potential for vinegar to damage modern washing machines is not a realistic concern. During this period, washing machine manufacturers have turned to more durable materials such as Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) and silicone rubber. These materials, while more expensive than natural rubber, are chosen for their superior resistance to a wide range of environmental stresses, including chemical exposures from detergents and cleaning agents like vinegar and bleach. Although these materials cost more than natural rubber, they are preferred for their outstanding resistance to a variety of environmental stresses, including exposure to chemicals found in detergents, cleaning agents like vinegar, and bleach. Given these advancements, it would be highly unusual for manufacturers to choose materials vulnerable to vinegar-induced damage. Using such susceptible materials could lead to consumer dissatisfaction and potential legal claims, as the products might not be considered fit for purpose.
Washing machine components are routinely subjected to high temperatures, ranging up to 95°C (203°F), and interact with a cocktail of cleaning agents including highly alkaline detergents, fabric softeners, oxygen bleaches, and even chlorine bleach. Washing machine components are designed to endure much harsher treatments than exposure to a dilute vinegar solution during the rinse cycle. The idea that vinegar – which is comparatively mild – could cause damage seems unlikely.
To illustrate this resilience and from my extensive experience in the second-hand appliance sales industry, it’s common practice to remove heavily moulded door boots of all brands and soak them in strong commercial bleach. Remarkably, seals that were once rigid and seemingly beyond repair emerge from the bleach solution supple and impeccably clean, as if they were new. Given that these rubber components can endure such intense bleach treatments and come out in better condition than they went in, the idea that vinegar, a much milder substance, could cause harm seems extremely unlikely. In fact, the reason that the door seal is not soaked in vinegar is that it is not aggressive enough – that should tell you everything you need to know!
Furthermore, I have not seen any verifiable evidence that suggests that a dilute vinegar solution used during rinse cycles presents any risk to washing machine components. I would even go so far as to wager that using your washing machine daily with undiluted vinegar in place of water would not cause any issues other than pungent clothes. I have tested the claim somewhat by running a cycle with double-strength vinegar at high temperatures and observed no adverse effects on the washing machine rubbers or drum. This experiment does not address the potential long-term effects of vinegar contact.
So – Can you use Vinegar in Washing Machines?
The evidence strongly supports the use of vinegar in washing machines as a safe and effective cleaning agent in modern washing machines. While historical concerns about the impact of vinegar on natural rubber components were valid, advancements in material science have rendered these worries obsolete for modern appliances. Today’s washing machines are equipped with more durable materials, which are well-suited to withstand the mild acidity of vinegar. Anecdotal claims and unverified stories continue to circulate, but they lack scientific rigor and often stem from misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the facts. My professional experience, coupled with proactive empirical testing, reaffirms that vinegar, even when used in higher concentrations, does not harm the structural integrity or functionality of contemporary washing machine components. You should feel confident in incorporating vinegar into your laundry routines, benefiting from its natural cleaning properties without fear of damage to their appliances.
Let me also assure our Whybuy customers: We will never provide you with a washing machine that cannot handle vinegar. If you choose to run your machine with pure vinegar, feel free to do so. The idea that a modern washing machine could be damaged by vinegar is frankly ludicrous. Any machine that can’t withstand such a mild agent is simply not up to standard. So go ahead and use vinegar as you see fit!