Tips on Whitening Clothes
There's something about white clothing that just feels clean and fresh. Unfortunately, it often only seems to take two or three washings before white is not quite as white as it used to be and the word "dingy" begins to creep into your thinking. Don't despair; there are number of ways you can get your whites back to their original sparkling best. Does this Spark an idea?
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Bleach
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Bleach is probably the most common choice for whitening. The amount needed will be based on the size of the load, so follow the directions on the bottle. Be very careful that you don't splatter the full-strength bleach as it can burn a hole or at a minimum, discolor whatever you're wearing. If you decide to use bleach, make sure that your washing machine only contains white clothing, as the bleach will sap color out of everything.
Bleach Alternatives
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There are many effective alternatives to bleach, including lemons, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, white vinegar, Borax and dishwashing detergent.
Lemons are most effectively used along with hot water, but don't put them into your washing machine. Instead, combine the clothing, lemon slices and hot water in a basin and set the whole thing aside overnight. A good, long, soak will work wonders, and then you can throw away the lemon slices and wash everything with your normal detergent.
You can add other household items, like hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing detergent, baking soda or white vinegar, along with your regular detergent before you start the next load. (Make sure you use them individually and not all at the same time.) Don't be concerned about your clothes smelling like vinegar--the washing machine may briefly retain the odor, but your clothes will not.
Finally, Borax is a very effective whitener, particularly if you add a bit to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. At a minimum, make every effort to wash your whites only with other whites. Adding clothing of other colors, even pale ones, can make your whites look dingy.
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