Blog
How to Wash White Clothes Properly
November 19, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
White shirts are great. Not only are they timeless but they’re also versatile and can be styled in different ways.
They do have one drawback though – they can get dirty easily.
Fortunately, you can keep them clean with proper washing. That means separating them from your dark clothes before washing and using a stain remover or hydrogen peroxide for stains.
What’s the best way to wash white garments? How can you whiten white clothes? Can you use distilled white vinegar or should you run a hot water wash with regular detergent?
For the answers, be sure to keep reading!
Using the Right Laundry Products
The type of detergent that you use for your white clothing matters. For example, some contain ‘optical brighteners’ – tiny blue particles that stick to the fabric during the regular wash cycle, which creates a subtle optical illusion that makes your eyes perceive whiter and brighter clothes.
Preparing Your White Clothes For Washing
To keep your bright clothes bright, always wash whites separately from colors. That will prevent color transfer that can dull your vibrant garments over time.
Choosing the Right Water Temperature
Cold water isn’t always the best choice for washing your whites. Instead, you want to use hot water or the warmest recommended temperature on your garment’s care label.
Why? Hot water helps to activate the detergent ingredients more effectively and that will allow it to break down dirt particles and grease stains. Remember, though, different fabric types also have their own preferred water temperatures.
If you’re dealing with stubborn stains like red wine or lingering sweat marks, opt for white vinegar instead of chlorine bleach during the washing cycle. Vinegar will not only soften the fabric but will also act as a natural whitening agent without causing damage to fibers.
Choosing the Correct Cycle and Detergent
Your washing machine settings play an important role too. Set them according to what works best for your garments’ fabric type.
As we mentioned earlier, the right type of laundry detergent can also make a big difference in keeping those crisp whites looking fresh longer as well.
We recommend ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Booster Powder as it’s specially designed to remove tough stains while preserving color integrity.
Adding the Right Amount of Detergent
Add enough detergent based on load size – using less may leave your clothes dingy and too much can cause residue build-up leading to dullness over time.
Machine Washing Your White Clothes
There are a few things that you want to be mindful of when washing white clothes.
Step 1: Add ACTIVE Laundry Enzyme Booster
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Laundry Enzyme Booster to the washing machine while it’s empty. It will significantly boost the efficacy of your laundry detergent, keeping your white clothes nice and clean.
Step 2: Put Your Clothes In the Washer
Turn your clothes inside out and place them in a large laundry bag before putting them in the washer. That will prevent them from wearing out prematurely.
It might be tempting to squeeze in just one more shirt or pair of socks but try to resist the urge. Overloading your washer can result in dull-looking fabrics because they won’t get thoroughly cleaned.
Step 3: Add ACTIVE Detergent
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the washing machine.
Step 4: Run a Wash Cycle
Run a gentle cycle with warm or hot water. Keep in mind, however, that you should always check care labels before making any decisions about what setting to use as different fabric types have varying recommended temperatures.
Step 5: Dry the Clothes
Allow the garments to air dry. Depending on the material, you may be able to put them in the dryer on low heat.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- ACTIVE Laundry Enzyme Booster
- Laundry bag
Do not wash your white clothes with dark-colored clothing as that can lead to dye transfer.
ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Booster
Meet your new favorite product for bright white clothes.
How to Hand Wash Your White Clothes
You can also wash your white garments by hand. Here’s how.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
Step 1:
Fill a container or sink with warm or hot water.
Create a laundry detergent solution by adding a bit of ACTIVE detergent powder.
Step 2:
Place your white clothes in the soapy water and gently rub the detergent in, paying extra attention to the armpit and neck areas.
Step 3:
Let the garment soak for fifteen minutes before rinsing with water.
Air dry the items in a well-ventilated space afterwards.
Remember to separate your white garments from your colored clothes, even if you’re hand washing.
What to Do After Washing Your White Fabrics
Once your white clothing has finished its rinse cycle, it’s time to focus on the post-wash steps – if anything, they are just as important as washing itself.
Inspecting Freshly Washed Whites
Inspect the white fabrics for any lingering stains. This is important because the excessive heat from the dryer will set these stubborn spots, making the stain harder to remove later on.
Drying Your White Clothes
Did you know that hanging white clothes outside in the sun can help freshen and whiten the fabric? The sun will act like a natural bleaching agent without causing damage or wear-and-tear to your dress shirts.
If outdoor drying isn’t an option due to weather or lack of space, don’t fret. You can still get excellent results by using a tumble dryer at low heat settings. That will prevent moisture and contaminant growth, which might lead back to yellowing, which is exactly what we’re trying hard not to do.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with White Clothing
How to Deal With Yellowing Whites
If your once crisp white shirts now resemble the color of butter, it’s time to take action. The yellowing is often caused by lingering sweat or body oils that weren’t entirely removed during washing.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Oxygen bleach (optional)
Step 1:
Start by soaking your delicate whites in warm water mixed with some vinegar – it’ll act as a natural stain remover.
Step 2 (Optional):
For more stubborn yellow spots, consider using an oxygen bleach.
They’re great at whitening laundry without causing damage like chlorine bleach sometimes does. Just remember to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
Treating Stubborn Stains
We’ve all been there: A spill happens and despite immediate action, a faint stain remains after washing. These pesky marks need not be permanent though.
You may have heard about adding baking soda as a laundry booster – but did you know it’s also effective for stain removal?
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Water
Step 1:
Make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply directly onto the stain before re-washing.
The chemical reaction between the baking soda and the stain will help lift them from fabric fibers, ensuring cleaner whites.
Step 2:
Once the stain is gone, launder as normal.
For excessively stubborn stains, you may need to leave the mixture on the fabric for longer (ie. for up to eight hours) before rinsing.
Washing Instructions for White Clothes – FAQs
Can you bleach white clothes?
Yes, certain types of bleach (e.g. oxygen bleach) can be used to whiten and brighten white clothing.
What is the best way to wash white clothes?
The best way is to sort whites separately, pre-treat stains, use hot water or the warmest recommended temperature with a detergent containing optical brighteners, and avoid overloading your washer.
Do you wash white clothes in hot or cold water?
You should wash white clothes in hot water or the warmest setting allowed for that specific fabric type. This helps maintain their brightness.
How do I get my white clothes white again?
To restore whiteness, try adding distilled vinegar during the rinse cycle. For stubborn yellowing, soak them in a solution of oxygen-based bleach before washing normally.
What not to do when washing white clothes?
Avoid mixing whites with colored laundry as it may lead to color transfer. Also, don’t overload your washer because this can result in less effective cleaning and dull-looking fabrics.
What kind of laundry detergent should I use to wash colored clothes?
Any regular laundry detergent will do. Having said that, it’s best to use a gentle, all-natural product such as ACTIVE Detergent Powder.
SAVE
15% off
Your Next ACTIVE
Purchase on Amazon
Limited Time Offer
Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
Similar posts
