Spots appear more often on white clothes, they often fade and turn yellow, in contrast to things of other light or dark colors. Keeping your clothes whiteness is tricky. However, with proper care and attention, you can keep things white and clean without compromising their quality and appearance.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Sorting and Separating White Clothes
Step 1. Sort whites from light or dark colored clothes
White should always be washed separately from color, so that the paint is not transferred to snow-white clothes and does not leave stains on them.
Step 2. Separate the whites with colored garments from all whites
So white things won't paint over. Do this even if the colored surface is very small. For example, grab a white tee with bright red stripes from a pile of all-white T-shirts.
Step 3. Sort white clothes into different piles, depending on the degree of soiling
This way food, dirt and other debris will not stain other white items. For example, if your white tee is splashed with mud from gardening, separate it from your cleaner, bright white tees.
Step 4. Lay things out according to the care instructions
On tags and labels, you can find information on how to properly wash a thing, namely: water temperature, cycle, the ability to use bleach. Thus, place all delicate items in one pile and normally wash clothes in the other.
Step 5. Separate the white items that are pilling from the white items that the pills stick to
This will prevent pellets from accumulating and they will not stick to fabrics from which they are difficult to remove. For example, wash white towels separately from white corduroy pants to prevent lumps from remaining on the fabric.
Method 2 of 3: Wash White Clothes
Step 1. Whenever possible, always wash white clothes in hot water
Hot water is most effective at killing germs and bacteria and also helps to keep things whiter.
- If necessary, adjust the temperature of the water according to the directions on the label to prevent the garment from shrinking or losing its shape. So, things made of nylon, spandex (highly elastic fabric), lycra, as well as some cottons can shrink in hot water.
- Use cool water when washing white clothes that are stained. Stains from things like wine, chocolate or tea are best removed in cool water, which also prevents stains from transferring to other clothes.
Step 2. Add the correct amount of detergent according to the instructions on the package
This amount depends on the weight of the load and how potent the brand you choose is.
Do not add more detergent than indicated on the packaging. Excess can create a film that will attract more dirt and be more visible on white clothing
Step 3. Use the correct bleach or a natural substitute
Bleach can help make things look white, but it can be toxic and irritate to sensitive skin. Consider adding chlorine bleach to remove stubborn stains. Alternatively, mix 1 part bleach and 1 part baking soda to neutralize the toxic effects of pure bleach.
- Use the amount of bleach indicated on the label so as not to overdo it. Otherwise, gray or yellow stains may remain on clothing.
- Do not use bleach on thin garments, as chlorine or oxygenated bleaches can weaken the fabric, causing it to rip or fray.
- Replace bleach with household ingredients that have natural bleaching properties. For example, use citric acid, white vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients will whiten things without the risk of toxic effects or skin irritation.
Step 4. Try using bluing to neutralize yellow spots on white fabric
Blue makes whites whiter by releasing a small amount of blue dye into the water, which disappears during rinsing.
Method 3 of 3: Drying Whites
Step 1. Transfer the white items from the washing machine to the dryer immediately after the washing machine has stopped
If the clothes are not left in the drum for too long, mildew and mildew will not form on them.
Step 2. Before placing your clothes in the dryer, check for any stains
Otherwise, the heat can cause the remaining stains to be eaten even further.
Wash items if necessary before placing them in the tumble dryer
Step 3. Dry your white clothing according to the care instructions
On some things, you can find recommendations for drying modes or see instructions like "dry unfolded on a horizontal surface." For example, fabrics such as nylon or acrylic need to be dried at low temperatures as they absorb less water.
Step 4. If possible, hang white clothes outside in the sun to dry
The sun's ultraviolet rays have a natural whitening effect, keeping things whiter. This drying method is often more efficient than using a tumble dryer.