How to Use Whitening Alternatives to Chlorine Bleach

Lemon juice can whiten fabrics.

Chlorine bleach disinfects, deodorizes and whitens fabrics like cottons and linens. Sometimes, though, using chlorine bleach isn't practical or recommended. For more delicate materials, you can try some milder whitening alternatives.

Things You'll Need

• Lemons
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• Bluing

Instructions

1. Squeeze the juice out of enough lemons to produce 1/2 cup of liquid. Add the lemon juice to the wash cycle of your load of laundry. Lemon juice isn't recommended for silk fabrics.

2. Add a cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to a load of white laundry to brighten it. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide is a bleach and is not recommended for colors.

3. Add diluted bluing to your laundry. Bluing is a fabric whitener used when fabric is manufactured, but that loses its effectiveness as the fabric ages and goes through multiple launderings. Follow the label instruction for diluting the bluing in cold water before adding it to the wash or rinse water in your washing machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read directions before use.

• Always spot test fabrics if you are unsure if product your using is safe for fabric you are trying to whiten

• Always read the product directions before use.

• Spot-test fabrics in an inconspicuous place to be sure the product you're using is safe for the fabric.

• Silk is very delicate; always take care when trying to whiten it.

References

• Real Simple: 101 New Uses for Everyday Things
• Pro Chemical & Dye: Bleaching Wool Using Hydrogen Peroxide
• Mrs. Stewart: Home Washing Guide