As the weather gets warmer, thoughts turn to hanging out outdoors in white t-shirts and shorts. But after one or two wearings, those crisp clothes often turn from white to a yellowish hue, and many people don’t know what to do.
The secret is washing whites gently but effectively using natural elements to return clothes to their original glory. Discover how to get brighter white and eliminate dingy garments from the closet forever.
Separate Whites from Colors
The temptation to toss all the dirty clothes into the washing machine quickly can mean compromising the appearance of the whites. Colors tend to bleed, even if clothing is washed in cold water. Streaks of blue and red ruin white garments, sending them to the trash bin.
Take an extra few minutes to separate the whites from other colors. If there are only a few white items, do a smaller load of laundry rather than tossing them in with the rest of the clothes. Separating the whites also makes it easier to treat them to ensure they always look bright.
Harness the Power of the Sun
Anyone who left a wet t-shirt outside all day knows the bleaching power of the sun. Garments left out to dry in the sun often look faded. While this might not be a good option for all bright colors, the sun naturally bleaches and sanitizes white clothing.
Set up a clothesline to hang all the whites after removing them from the washing machine. Let the sun dry and bleach them naturally. Whites will be brighter and smell fresh from drying outdoors. Plus, harnessing the power of the sun is a way to reduce the use of the dryer and lower utility costs.
Banishing Bleach
Bleach is a powerful agent that many people misuse. Excessive use of bleach makes whites look worn. Plus, the scent of bleach can be overwhelming. Fortunately, bleach can be banished from the laundry routine. Choose a detergent specially formulated for whites and a chlorine-free bleach alternative to get rid of dinginess. Add the bleach alternative to the wash cycle for stellar results.
Read the directions on the bleach alternative to ensure it is safe to use on the fabric. Garments made from materials such as silk and wool may require special attention. Much like bleach, a quality bleach alternative can be used to clean the entire home! Keep the environment in mind by choosing a biodegradable bleach alternative.
Tackling Stains on Whites
The winning combination of detergent meant for whites, and a bleach alternative is sure to remove most stains from white clothes. Separating whites from darker colors eliminates the possibility of colors running and staining. But what about those stubborn stains, such as coffee and red wine, that could be resistant to the usual washing methods?
Some products found in any kitchen can help eliminate stains and make whites look like new. Try a dash of lemon juice or dampened baking soda to target the affected areas. For harder stains, use a specially formulated stain remover to get rid of the worst messes.
Brighter whites are just a few easy steps away. Try eliminating bleach and the dryer from your usual laundry routine. The right detergent and bleach alternative and drying in the sun will make whites brighter than ever before!
