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How to Wash White Clothes

LAUNDRY TIPS

You're probably familiar with the need to separate the whites and colors. The reason is simple; you don't want any of the coloring from one batch to leak in the wash and stain your whites. To maintain bright laundry, you need to wash whites in a completely separate load from your colored clothing.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a colored item can accidentally end up in a load of white clothes. This can cause the white clothes to appear slightly grey.

Pulling your clothes out of the wash to find that they're nowhere near as white as they were when you first put them in can be pretty frustrating. Don't fret, though; there are ways that you may be able to refresh your white clothes and prevent discoloration.

Wondering how to wash white clothes effectively? Follow this guide to learn whether to use hot or cold water to remove stains, how to bleach clothes, and tips to get your clothes whiter.

White Clothes Wash Temperature: Do You Wash Whites in Hot or Cold Water?

Generally, it is best to wash your whites in warm or hot water. Washing your white clothes in a higher temperature helps to remove dirt, grime, and stains more effectively. Just make sure to avoid adding any colored fabrics, as warm water might cause the colors to bleed.

Continue reading to learn how to get stains out of white clothes with bleach.

How to Bleach White Clothes

Washing with regular detergent alone is not always enough to remove stubborn stains and yellowing. Adding 1/3 cup of bleach to your washing machine's bleach dispenser or directly to your load of white clothes can help restore clothing whiteness. To bleach clothes safely, follow these tips:

  • Make sure to follow directions on the label of your products.

  • Only use bleach on white clothes to avoid discoloration and damage to colored fabrics.

  • Before using bleach on a whole garment, test a small area first to make sure it won't damage the fabric.

  • Be sure to use bleach in a ventilated area and don't mix the bleach with other cleaners to avoid dangerous fumes.

By following these tips and using bleach properly, you can effectively remove stains from your white garments.

How to Brighten White Clothes: Tips on How to Keep White Clothes White

  • You may be wondering how to keep clothes white without bleach. Baking soda is a natural whitening agent that can help to remove stains and odors from your clothes. Simply add the baking soda to the washing machine along with your regular laundry detergent and wash as usual. Or consider soaking your whites in baking soda and hot water for a couple of hours before washing.

  • Vinegar is also a great alternative to chlorine bleach. Add half a cup of white vinegar to your white laundry. This can remove the grey or yellow hues from your white clothes and restore their original color.

  • Drying your white clothes outdoors is a great way to keep them looking bright and white. Air drying in the sunlight can help to naturally bleach and brighten the fabric, giving your clothes a fresh and clean appearance. Additionally, hanging your clothes outside might help to remove any lingering odors and give them a pleasant, fresh scent.

Choose a Cleaner You Can Trust

This guide answers how to whiten clothes, what temp to wash whites, and how to use bleach in laundry. While these are great tips to whiten clothes at home, sometimes it is necessary to turn to the professionals.