Most of us have several white garments, either because they are part of our work uniform or because we like that they combine with almost everything. The problem is to find a solution to whiten the clothes.
Unfortunately, with the passage of time and its constant use, it loses its original tone and acquires a yellowish color that is very unpleasant for us. In many cases, it is due to sweating; in others, it results from not knowing how to treat them properly when washing them.
Fortunately, today there is a wide variety of products that allow white to be enhanced with each wash. In addition, some natural tricks used since ancient times as an alternative to conventional whiteners are still valid. Do you dare to try them?
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Ways to whiten clothes
Many people have stopped using household bleach as it has been noted as a harsh substance. According to information published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this product, whose active compound is sodium hypochlorite, can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
However, it is true that in its domestic presentations, it is usually safe, even more so when it is diluted in water. However, some are unaware they should not mix it with detergents and other cleaning products since it can be dangerous.
For this reason, in order not to take risks, ecological products that have similar effects when cleaning have been recommended. In this case, we propose some solutions to whiten clothes. Do you dare to try them?
1. Detergent, lemon, and salt
To remove sweat stains damaging the garment in the armpits and neck area, practice using detergent, lemon juice, and salt.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup detergent (62 g)
- 2 liters of water
- Three lemons
- One tablespoon of salt (10 g)
What should you do?
- Bring the water to a boil and add a quarter cup of detergent, the juice of the three lemons, and the salt.
- Submerge the garment in the previous mixture and leave it to soak for 40 minutes.
- After this time, rinse with plenty of water and put it to dry in the sun.
2. Detergent and hydrogen peroxide
This simple solution is also recommended for bleaching woolen clothes and other delicate fabrics. The detergent must be of good quality to not alter the garment.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup detergent for delicates (62 g)
- 2 liters of water
- ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide (62 ml)
What should you do?
- First: dilute the detergent in the two liters of water and add the hydrogen peroxide.
- Next: submerge the garment for 30 minutes and rinse.
3. Raw milk
According to popular belief, table linens and sheets can return to their usual white with raw milk. This ingredient leaves them very soft and helps to care for their tissues because it does not cause aggression.
Ingredients
- Raw milk (as needed)
What should you do?
- Add the white clothes to a bowl with raw milk and let it rest for one or two hours.
- Wash in the usual way and repeat the soak if necessary.
4. White vinegar
Applying vinegar not only helps remove difficult stains but also has a softening effect. It is even attributed to antibacterial properties that help to disinfect and eliminate foul odors in the garment.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of white vinegar (125 ml)
- 1 liter of water
What should you do?
- Dilute the white vinegar in a liter of water and soak the garment for 40 minutes.
- Apply the vinegar directly and rub it with a bit of soap if it is a sweat stain.
5. Baking Soda and Lemon
Make a thick paste of baking soda and lemon to remove stubborn stains in the underarm area of white shirts. Anecdotal data indicates that this preparation is used to whiten clothes and, in addition, to reduce the stained appearance.
Ingredients
- One tablespoon of baking soda (10 g)
- ½ lemon
What should you do?
- Sprinkle the baking soda over the stain, then rub it with the lemon half (which will release its juice).
- Let it act for 15 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.
6. Lemon slices
If you want to enhance the tone of your favorite white clothes, take advantage of the cleaning qualities that lemon gives you.
Ingredients
- Two lemons
- 1 liter of water
What should you do?
- Cut the lemon into several slices and add it to a container with a liter of boiling water.
- Immerse the clothes you want to whiten and leave them for 40 minutes.
- After this time, take them to the washing machine as usual.
7. Hydrogen peroxide
Another ingredient that has been used as a laundry bleaching agent is hydrogen peroxide. Those who have tried it suggest its application can help remove stains from white garments.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide (62 ml)
- 1 liter of water
What should you do?
- Pour the liter of water into a container and add the hydrogen peroxide.
- Soak the garment for 10 minutes and rinse as usual.
- Avoid it on delicate clothes.
Remedies for whitening clothes: what should be transparent?
The effectiveness of home remedies for whitening clothes is not proven and, therefore, may be ineffective in some cases. If so, it is best to opt for a conventional cleaning method. In any case, homemade preparations can be tried several times until the desired effect is achieved.