We love an essential white tee.  Layered, tucked in or tied up, the humble white tee is your ultimate wardrobe chameleon.  We do however want them to last, look fresh, soft and white; so, it’s good to know that chlorine bleach is not the only option.  Try some of these potentially less damaging products (you probably already own them) before and during your wash.

3 EASY WAYS TO WHITEN YOUR WHITES

Baking soda. Baking soda whitens, softens, and freshens fabrics.  Add ½ cup of baking soda along with your regular laundry detergent.

Distilled white vinegar. Vinegar whitens, softens, and freshens fabrics.  Add ½ to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar along with your regular laundry detergent. Don't worry about the vinegar scent- it will disappear after drying.
 
Lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens and freshens fabrics.  Add ¼ - ½ cup of lemon juice along with your regular laundry detergent.
 
Line-dry white clothes in bright sunlight for extra bleaching power.

SPILL SOMETHING?

Whether your stains are from sweat or spills, a little elbow grease is your best friend when it comes to removing them without bleach.  Remember to wash stained clothing in cold water, as hot water can set the stain.  If the stain is still there after washing, avoid the dryer and repeat the stain removal process and wash again.
 
For coffee, tea or grass stains try pouring lemon juice or white vinegar directly onto the fabric.  Saturate a small around the stain and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before washing.
 
Try plain table salt for those unavoidable yellow sweat stains on armpits and necks.  Make a paste with water, rub the salt into the stain with your fingertips and wait 15 minutes before washing.
 
For stubborn stains wet a toothbrush, dip it into a box of baking soda and gently scrub the stain with the paste. Allow the baking soda to work for 15 minutes before washing.

July 25, 2018