How to Whiten Clothes

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Use chlorine bleach to treat white clothes.

   Chlorine bleach is a powerful whitener, but it should only be used on white clothes.
   
   If you have a patterned or multi-colored item you want to brighten up, use a method aside from chlorine bleach.
   
   Here's how to use chlorine bleach:
   Check the labels of your items to make sure it's safe to use with chlorine bleach Start your washer with the regular detergent Add 3/4 cup of chlorine bleach to the water Add the laundry
2. 2

   Step 2: Use non-chlorine bleach to wash any washable clothing.

   Non-chlorine bleaches use oxygen or hydrogen peroxide to whiten fabrics.
   
   This is a safer bet for fabrics that aren't safe to use with chlorine bleach, because it's gentler.
   
   OxyClean, Clorox 2 and other products bleach items without using chlorine.
   
   Here's how to use them:
   Check the labels of your items to make sure it's safe to bleach them with non-chlorine bleach Make a solution of the non-chlorine bleach product according to the instructions on the bottle Soak your items in the solution overnight Wash as usual the next day Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the washing machine for enhanced brightening , You can also treat smaller stains with non-chlorine bleach or just plain hydrogen peroxide.
   
   Try to catch the stain before it dries and sets if you can.
   
   Here's an effective stain removal method:
   Pour the non-chlorine bleach or peroxide on the fresh stain, completely soaking it Let the item sit in a non-chlorine bleach/water solution overnight Launder the item as usual the next day , This liquid is a combination of ferric ferrocyanide and water.
   
   It brightens whites by adding the slightest hint of blue, offsetting that yellowish hue that t-shirts, socks and sheets can take on.
   
   Bluing liquid should be mixed with cold water according to the instructions on the bottle.
   
   You'll only need 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon, depending on what type of wash cycle you're using.
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   Step 3: Use non-chlorine bleach for spot treatments.

4. 4

   Step 4: Use bluing liquid.

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