Laundry Tips for Dingy Whites
- When doing laundry, you may find yourself looking at a load of whites that are dull and dingy. To keep the whites looking new and in wearable condition, prolong the life of the garments by brightening them. You can accomplish this with several cleaning ingredients, both chemically based as well as natural, nonchemical whiteners.
- Use chlorine bleach to whiten clothing and undergarments that are soiled with body oils and residue. Chlorine bleach is a chemically-based cleaner that not only whitens but also kills bacteria, making it ideal for soiled shirts and pants. Pour 1 cup of chlorine bleach into your laundry load with your regular detergent. Wash whites only because the bleach will discolor colored garments. Use caution when cleaning undergarments or if you have sensitive skin, as this is a strong cleaning element that can often break out sensitive skin.
- Use oxygen bleach as a more natural alternative to chlorine bleach as this item uses oxygen ions instead of a chemical composition to clean your whites. Pour 1 cup of oxygen bleach into the washing machine with your regular laundry detergent to add natural whitening capabilities.
- Baking soda is a natural bicarbonate of soda that also works as a natural whitener, so adding 1 cup of baking soda into the washer with your regular detergent gives added whitening power that uses no chemicals. The baking soda is very mild, which makes it a good choice to use for undergarments and laundry for those with sensitive skin.
- Not only does white vinegar whiten clothing naturally, but it also disinfects because it contains a natural bacteria-fighting acid which works well when you have soiled whites that need brightening as well as disinfecting. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash along with your laundry detergent to whiten and kill germs. White vinegar works well for smelly gym clothes, soiled undergarments and smelly socks.