Washing machine firm Hotpoint has revealed that the company are fans of a "good laundry hack", including avoiding the overuse of detergent, not overloading your dryer, and pre-treating stains13:02, 26 May 2026We can maintain fresh-smelling clothes and reap the rewards of fabric softener without relying on the liquid version, it has been suggested. Hotpoint, a leading washing machine and dryer manufacturer, says it's an advocate of a "good laundry hack", which includes steering clear of excessive detergent use, avoiding overloading your dryer, and treating stains beforehand.‌Another method it champions involves using fabric softener — but not the conventional liquid kind. Rebecca Jakeman, senior researcher at consumer watchdog Which?, cautions that softeners can "come with hidden drawbacks".‌She claims the "vast majority" of ingredients in softeners are "softening agents, fragrances, stabilisers and preservatives". Rebecca goes on to say that these can result in "skin irritation" and "damage to fabrics".‌It appears many people at Hotpoint hold comparable opinions on this laundry staple, recognising that some individuals may choose to avoid it altogether.Thankfully, they've put forward a thrifty substitute. It states on its website: "Fabric softener is an excellent tool for keeping your clothes fresh and soft, but if you're like many of us, you might not want to use liquid fabric softener.‌"We suggest using a dryer sheet instead because it's easier to store in the laundry room and can be used multiple times before being tossed in the trash."To make this hack even more effective, add a bit of vinegar to your rinse cycle-it will help eliminate any lingering odors from detergent or fabric softener."Hotpoint explained how vinegar acts as a "natural fabric softener", helping to combat static and freshen your clothes. It can also be deployed to deal with stains.‌It advised: "Wash the items in warm water with 1 cup of vinegar or soak the stained item overnight in 1 cup of white vinegar and 3 cups of water."It cautioned against mixing chlorine bleach products with ammonia cleaners as they can produce "toxic" vapours". According to cleaning influencer Clean Mama, you can use white vinegar for the job.‌In other laundry news, a cleaning expert recently highlighted a 2p tablet that can restore white shirts that have turned yellow around the collar and underarms.Nigel Bearman, director of cleaning company Daily Poppins, explained that clothes might turn this colour due to an accumulation of proteins from sweat and body oils, not dirt.Nigel said: "Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is a fantastic natural solvent for protein-based stains. When you dissolve it into a soak, the acid works to neutralise the yellowing and break the bond between the fabric and the grime.Article continues below"It's a trick that professional launderers have used quietly for years to get that crisp, bright finish without using harsh, fabric-weakening bleaches."It was noted that a box of aspirin could set you back as little as 69p. So, when it comes to doing your washing, the "treatment" will cost less than 15p for a full load.Nigel added: "Aspirin is a safe, gentle, and incredibly cheap way to extend the life of your clothes. It's especially good for delicate cottons that might be ruined by chlorine bleach."