Are your whites looking a little yellowed? Nothing is more depressing than tossing a brand-new white shirt into your closet, only to notice your existing ones look dull in comparison. Whites are the hardest colour to keep looking bright and new. Not only do colours from other clothes eventually bleed into the fabric, discolouring your bright whites but your sweat and oils can quickly become stains.
Also, if you faithfully use bleach, then it’s probably the culprit. The chemical makeup of household bleach can make white clothes turn yellow. Keep reading to find out how you can make your whites whiter without bleach.
Here are a 5 simple tricks to help you restore the brilliance to even your dingiest whites
1.Start with lemon juice.
Although I am very willing to pull out the big guns, I like to first start with the remedies that are least harsh. Dilute 1/4 cup of lemon juice with 4 litres of very hot water (boiling, if possible). Soak your yellowed whites in the solution for at least 1-2 hours. Then wring out and allow to dry in the sun. If results don’t make you happy, then move on to the other ideas. You can also add lemon juice to your regular wash cycle and achieve similar results.
2.Break Out the Aspirin
Aspirin, is not only great for aches, it breaks down the gunk that’s yellowed your whites. Dissolve five white aspirin pills in water, and add your clothes to the mix. Let them soak a while, and then toss them into your washer.
3.Dishwashing liquid does the trick
According to Apartment Therapy, eco-friendly dishwashing detergent works to whiten whites as well as other DIY methods. Simply add a bit in with your regular laundry detergent, and run your whites through their regular wash cycle.
4.Add White Vinegar
Add a few spoons of white vinegar during the wash cycle. Vinegar doesn’t only make your whites whiter, it softens fabric, brings brightness and comfort back to your clothes.
5.Soak your whites in Baking Soda
With a homemade mixture of water and baking soda, you can whiten your whites without any additives in your washing machine. Mix four litres of water with one cup of baking soda. Soak your white laundry for a few hours. You’ll be amazed by the results.
Do you have problems with whites turning yellow? What do you use to help get them white again?
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