Dos and Don'ts of Washing White Clothes

Tap to Read ➤ Neha B Deshpande

Wearing white is a somewhat risky affair, since the color is under the constant threat of stains. The stains are easily seen on whites and removing them can get difficult. Take extra care while washing white clothes, so that the stains are removed, the clothes look clean, and also retain their whiteness.

A white object reflects all wavelengths of light. This is why light is not converted to heat, and the temperature of the white object does not rise. That's the reason it is better to wear white clothes in the summer.

Whites catch dirt and stains easily. Moreover, they are more easily seen on white surfaces, as opposed to dark ones. And removing them is not an easy task. Not using the right washing techniques, can make your white clothes turn yellow. Also, they cannot be washed with dark-colored clothes that lose color.

Even after knowing all this, our love for the whites doesn't fade away. We can't stop wearing this elegant color. And why should we? If certain instructions are religiously followed, washing white clothes and retaining their whiteness is not tough.

Allow us to help you with the dos and don'ts of washing white clothes. Follow these and also take extra care while using whites. When wearing white outfits, be more careful about not dropping food or ink on them, and do not wear them in the rains.

Washing White Clothes

Dos

With an effective detergent, your white clothes might need some aids, so that their color is retained and the stubborn stains are removed.

✓ Use Vinegar Vinegar has additional benefits that can help your white clothes become bright again. It also helps remove odor and deodorant stains. It acts as a fabric softener and gives a fresh look to your clothes. Add ½ to 1 cup white vinegar during the wash cycle.

✓ Use Baking Soda Use ½ cup baking soda along with your detergent, to whiten the clothes. It also serves as a fabric softener.

✓ Use Bleach Use bleach to retain the whiteness of the clothes. ✓ Use Hydrogen Peroxide Use hydrogen peroxide with the help of a cotton swab and rub it on the stain. Then, soak the clothes in water. It is less toxic than bleach.

✓ Use Lemon Jui ce Use ¼ cup lemon juice in water and soak your white clothes in it for the difficult stains. ✓ Use Salt Use a tablespoon of salt with water, it can act as a good stain remover.

✓ The temperature for washing white clothes depends on the type of fabric and the stain that you're trying to remove. For difficult and stubborn stains such as oil, preferably, use hot water. However, the fabric must be able to sustain the heat.

✓ Dry white clothes in bright sunlight. It bleaches them in a gentler way as compared to chlorine bleach. ✓ For delicate white clothes, it is advisable to hand-wash them instead of using the machine.

✓ If you like, you can use the bluing agent to reduce the impact of the yellowing of your white clothes. ✓ If you have well water that is high in mineral content, use a water softener before washing your clothes in it.

Don'ts

✘ Do not wash white clothes with the colored ones. ✘ Clean your washer to ensure that there are no dirt deposits on the white clothes. Never do your laundry without ensuring that the machine is clean.

✘ Never dry white clothes without removing the stains. They tend to become permanent, when out in the sun. ✘Avoid using bleach for washing white polyester clothes.

✘ Avoid washing delicate white clothes in the machine. It is advisable to hand-wash them. ✘ Use bleach in the right quantity. Using too much of it may harm the clothes.

✘ Read the tags on the garments for instructions pertaining to washing them. If it is specifically mentioned 'Dry Clean Only', avoid washing at home.

The given tips can help you retain the whiteness of your white clothes. You may opt for products that serve as fabric softeners or bleaching agents. But it's preferable to go the natural way.