Keeping white clothes white can be easy if you follow a few simple rules. White looks crisp and clean and is now worn year-round.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
- Sort clothing carefully. Wash white clothes separately to prevent color transfer.
- Do not overload the washer . Detergents loosen soil but there must be enough space and water for the soil to wash away rather than redeposit on clothing.
- Treat stains immediately. Follow stain removal guidelines for fabric types and type of stains. Do not automatically use chlorine bleach even on cotton fibers because overuse can cause yellowing . An oxygen-based bleach like OxiClean is usually safer.
- Never dry a garment that still has a stain. It can become permanent.
- Dry white clothing and fabrics outside . The ultraviolet rays will help to brighten and whiten the garment.
- If clothing is dingy or gray, use a color remover to brighten the fabric. Or, try old-fashioned bluing to restore brightness.
Tips:
- If your washer is not clean, your white clothing will show it. Clean your washer thoroughly at least every three months.
- If you have hard water in your area, invest in a water softening system or add a water softener to each laundry load. The minerals in hard water will deposit on your whites and leave them looking dull.
- Launder white garments after every wearing even if they look clean. Body oils and perspiration can quickly turn a garment yellow. If you like to wear white and want to save money, be sure the garment is washable and does not require dry cleaning.
What You Need:
- washer
- chlorine or oxygen-based bleach
- clothesline
- stain removers
