Home Remedy for Whiter Cottons

When it comes to keeping white clothing looking bright, instead of dingy and dull, there are many products you can buy specifically for that task. But there is one simple thing that most of us already have in our homes that will do the trick for a much lower price: White vinegar.

Stain Pre Treating

If you have spilled something on your white cotton clothing pre-treat the garment before you begin the laundering process. Pour a capful of white vinegar on the spot and let it sit for five minutes. Vinegar will break up soiled spots and neutralize the staining process.

Laundering

Cotton whites should be laundered in cold water to prevent shrinking. Once the washer is filled, add the regular detergent and one cup of vinegar. Agitate the water before adding your white cotton garments. Vinegar works as a natural bleaching agent and will lift away all the embedded soil in the garment, leaving it gleaming white.
For cotton whites that have yellowed areas such as the under arms or lines across the shoulder from hanging, you can soak them in a bucket of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water overnight before washing and the yellowing should wash right out.

Drying

To keep your cotton whites their whitest line or rack dry them instead of placing them in a dryer. This not only will help your cotton garments hold their shape and prevent shrinking but will also keep them from picking up soils and dust from the forced air in a dryer. It is very disappointing to get your white cottons bright white and then remove them from the dryer looking yellowed or dingy.

References

• The Laundry List
• author experience

Resources

• Versatile Vinegar