Brighter Whites: 5 Tricks to Getting Your Whites More White

Many of us know the frustration that comes from pulling load after load of dull, dingy whites from the dryer. They were so pristine when you bought them. How can they look so old already?

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Unfortunately, many factors can ruin that snow-white appearance, such as hard water, stains and washing colors with your whites. However, all is not lost. Here are are five handy tricks for getting your whites whiter:

Add bleach

Besides washing your colors and whites separately, the most common method for whitening clothes is to add a dose of bleach to the washer before each load. Bleach is an amazing substance that is capable of obliterating a variety of set-in stains.

Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for all fabrics. Items made from rayon, silk or nylon are very delicate, and using bleach can destroy them. It’s recommended to use bleach on cotton or polyester materials only.

Baking soda and peroxide

Baking soda and peroxide are often recommended for whitening your teeth, so why not for your laundry? According to appliance repair in Lawrenceville, hydrogen peroxide uses the power of oxygen to bleach materials naturally and safely, and the bubbling action helps to lift away stain particles.

Meanwhile, the chemical properties of baking soda also help to brighten whites and neutralize odors. Simply add one half-cup each of peroxide and baking soda to each load of laundry and prepare to be amazed.

Sunlight

Some people still recall a time when fresh laundry was hung outside to dry in the breeze. However, this is more than just a free and efficient method of drying. It’s also one of the best methods of whitening clothes. Sunlight has natural whitening and sanitizing properties that older generations gladly took advantage of.

It’s so potent, in fact, that many set-in stains will lighten to the point of being nearly invisible.

Cold water

One of the best things you can do for your whites, even when using other methods, is to wash them in cold water only. If you try to wash stained or dingy clothes in hot water, this will only cause the stain to set, making complete removal virtually impossible. When you wash in cold water, fresh stains are lifted more easily and respond better to other whitening treatments.

Lemon juice

Do you have an old, unused bottle of lemon juice sitting in your refrigerator? Don’t throw it out. Instead, add some to your washing machine the next time you’re doing a load of whites. The acidity not only breaks up grease but also dissolves the particles that cause stains.

Never again will you have to endure the frustration of old-looking whites. By trying some of the tricks above, you can enjoy fresh, sparkling clean whites load after load.