What You Need
Keeping clothes as bright and as white as they were when you first bought them can be challenging. Some stains can be difficult to eliminate, even after multiple washes.
While bleach may be used to re-brighten white clothes, it can be toxic and irritating to skin. Bleach can also cause fabric to weaken, which could lead to thinning, fraying, or holes. Using too much bleach may cause certain materials to turn yellow or grey over time.
Look for laundry detergents made with plant-based surfactants containing a mild, fabric-safe enzyme formula. You want a detergent that is free of chlorine, optical brighteners, borax, or phosphates which is gentler on skin and better for the environment.
For best results, wash white clothing separately from colors and use hot water to maintain brightness. Delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, or lace should also be washed on their own, either by hand or on the delicate cycle in a washing machine. Always follow the care instructions on the garment's label to make sure you wash it correctly.
How to Pre-Treat Laundry Stains on White Clothes:
Washing White Clothes with a High-Efficiency (HE) Washing Machine:
Washing White Clothes with a Conventional Top-Loading Washing Machine:
Tip: Wash fewer items at a time, even though it takes longer, the clothes will wash and clean more effectively. Don't overload your washing machine.
Tip: It is recommended to wash white clothes every 1-2 wears to remove body oils and perspiration stains which can accumulate over time and cause discoloration.