By MARY MARLOWE LEVERETTE

All types of vinegar contain acetic acid that works to brighten, soften, and kill odors in your laundry. Cider vinegar is made from the juice of apples and has an acidity in the range of five-to-six percent. It is yellow or golden amber in color.

When buying vinegar to use in the laundry, choose distilled white vinegar. It contains no tannins (natural plant dyes) that can stain clothes, and it is less expensive. If you must use cider vinegar, use less and dilute it with water before pouring directly on clothes.