Using Alternative Cleaners to Whiten Clothes
Whitening clothes is an important part of making sure they look their best, however bleach is not always the best option. In fact, bleach can be damaging to some fabrics if used too often. Here are some other helpful ways you can whiten your clothes without using bleach:
Natural Cleaners
- Lemon juice – Use lemon juice as a natural brightener. Just mix a cup of it with a gallon of water and let the clothing soak for about an hour. After that, add detergent and run a regular cycle.
- Vinegar – Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the water when washing your whites in the washing machine. Again, add a scoop of detergent and run the regular cycle
- Baking soda – You can keep colors from fading by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. This will also whiten and brighten colors as well!
Non-Toxic Cleaners
- Oxygen bleach – Oxygen bleach is often used to remove tough stains and will also help to whiten your clothes without using harsh chemicals. Just pour 1/4 cup of the powder into the machine before starting the cycle.
- Hydrogen peroxide– Add 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the washing machine before starting a cycle with whites. For best results, soak your clothes for 30 minutes before running the cycle.
- Borax – Borax is a powerful cleaning agent and it can help brighten and whiten clothes when you add ¼ cup of it with the regular detergent when washing whites.
Using the alternative cleaners listed above can help to keep your whites bright and clean while avoiding the use of harsh chemicals. Additionally, air-drying your laundry can help keep colors from fading and whites from becoming dull over time. With the proper care and these alternative cleaning methods, your whites can stay looking like new for a long time!