TechTalk

The latest tech reviews and inspiration from Currys

How to brighten your whites naturally

(Put down the bleach!)

laundry-advice

Article Main Image

At Techtalk we’re used to answering your laundry questions – whether it’s what laundry labels mean or how to wash trainers in a washing machine. Now we’re turning our attention to the world of whites!

If your whites are turning yellow, there are some good natural remedies that don’t need lots of chemicals. You’ll also find that tech helps – whether it’s washing machines that are stain removal experts or auto dose programs that make sure you’re using exactly the right amount of detergent.

So let’s help you get whites white again (and why you probably shouldn’t be regularly bleaching white clothes)….

Why do whites turn yellow?

There are lots of reasons why white clothes turn yellow. Often it’s the things you might expect - sweat, cooking oil, dirt etc. But it can also be things that don’t seem obvious at all. It might in fact be because your whites aren’t being cleaned in the right way, i.e. too much detergent and fabric softener.

Other culprits might be unclean water, deodorant stains and poor storage, which can often lead to mold and mildew. And even though bleach gets rid of yellowing temporarily, it can actually damage your clothes and cause even more yellowing in the long term. It’s almost like you can’t win.

But you can!

Knowing that bleach is a harsh chemical that’s actually bad for your clothes in the long term, we’ve come up with some natural remedies that are far gentler.

Lemon and baking soda – the dynamic duo!

They might seem like an unlikely pair, but the mixture of lemon and baking soda (also called bicarbonate of soda) is the Batman and Robin of natural detergents. As well as smelling great, lemons contain citric acid, which break down stains. It’s much gentler on clothes and skin too, so is a safer bet. Baking soda is an alkaline and neutralises acids – which cause the nastiest odours in sweat, urine and vomit. Yuck.

But acid + alkaline just cancel each other out, right? Not quite.

When you mix the two together, the reaction releases carbon dioxide and a LOT of bubbles. These bubbles have an effervescent effect that get deep into fibres and blast away dirt and oil particles.

Here’s how to get the best out of your lemon and baking soda combo:

1. Cover the stain with 1 tablespoon of baking soda.

2. Take half a lemon and rub it over the baking soda.

3. Make sure to really work the juice into the fabric.

4. Leave it to work for 15 minutes.

5. Rinse out with warm water.

You can also make a paste and then apply it directly with a cloth. The only reason we suggest the method above is that the reaction between the lemon and bicarb is strongest right at the beginning, so it’s good to start that reaction off next to the staining.

Distilled vinegar – stain-fighting wonder cleaner

It’s as cheap as chips, but distilled white vinegar is one of the best cleaning solutions around. Literally. It’s mildly acidic – so is gentle enough on fabrics but tough enough to remove spots and blotches. It’s a real master on mildew stains too.

Here’s how to tackle yellowing whites with vinegar:

1. Pour a decent slosh of vinegar onto the stain.

2. Gently work the vinegar into the stain.

3. Now just pop your vinegar-soaked clothes into the washing machine and wash on a normal cycle.

Sunlight – the very eco-friendly bleach

Are you hanging your clothes outside? Yes, the UK weather is unpredictable, but by hanging your whites outdoors, the sun’s UV rays can go to work on whitening your whites. If you’ve ever seen coloured objects left in the sun too long, you know what natural bleaching looks like.

You’ll also know that this isn’t some quick fix concept. Sun bleaching is a long-term strategy. So, if you have a washing line (and the right weather) get into the habit of line drying your whites.

Advanced tips for stubborn stains

If you’re stuck with stains that just won’t budge, you’re going to have to take more action. Here are some expert laundry hacks to try:

Flush the stain – Hold your fabric the wrong way up under the tap and blitz the stain with fast-flowing cold water. Never use hot water, as this will bake in the stains and make them even harder to shift.

Use some toothpaste - You’ve read that right. Since most whitening toothpaste included hydrogen peroxide, it’s a great way of covering up yellow stains. And because toothpaste is safe on your teeth and gums, you know it won’t do your clothes any harm either.

Dab with alcohol – Dip a cotton swab in clear rubbing alcohol and dab onto the stain from its edges to centre.

Don’t tumble dry – if you’ve got whites that have yellow stains, don’t tumble dry. Always air dry. The simple reason is that the heat from the tumble dryer will simply lock in stains even more.

Finally, and if all else fails, mix oxygen bleach and cold water and allow the stain to soak. This is for emergencies only, as bleach isn’t a good long-term product to be applying to clothes.

How to keep your whites really white

- Keep whites together – this one’s true and tested. And while lots of modern washing machines let you mix up the loads, it’s never a bad idea to keep whites together so you can do a hot wash without worrying about running colours.

- Upgrade your detergent – While most well-known detergents you can pick up in the supermarket can do a standard cycle, go for one loaded with enzymes to remove dirt and keep whites bright.

- Don’t use too much detergent – More detergent doesn’t equal cleaner. In fact, if you add too much, it won’t get dissolved in your wash properly and can end up being baked into your clothes. And that’s what often turns yellow. If you’re not sure how much detergent is right, lots of new washing machines have an auto dosing feature you can use.

- Take it easy on the deodorant – Yes, underarm spray can often be the culprit. Look for a non-aluminium based deodorant. Then apply your deodorant and allow it to dry before putting on your clothes.

FAQs

Can natural remedies effectively remove all types of yellow stains?

Natural remedies can be effective for removing certain types of yellow stains, but they may not work on all types. It is important to consider the source of the stain and the type of fabric or surface before choosing a natural remedy. For example, lemon juice and baking soda can be effective for removing yellow underarm stains on white t-shirts, but may bleach or damage colored fabrics. Additionally, natural remedies may not be strong enough to remove deep or set-in stains. For tough stains, it may be best to consult a professional cleaner or use a commercial stain remover.

How often should I treat white clothes with these methods?

The frequency of treating your white clothes depends on the level of dirt or stains that they accumulate. For regular maintenance, you can follow these methods once every few months or as needed. However, if you notice any new stains or discoloration, it's best to treat them right away to avoid permanent damage. Additionally, using a colour-safe bleach alternative in your regular wash routine can help avoid the need for frequent spot treatments.

Are these methods safe for all white fabrics?

Our recommended methods for whitening fabrics are generally safe and effective for most types of white fabrics. However, some delicate or specialty fabrics may require different treatment, so it is always a good idea to test any method on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying it more broadly. Additionally, always consult the care label of your clothing or linens to ensure that the recommended methods are appropriate for the particular fabric.

Stain-busting tech!

Another way you can keep stains at bay is with a new washing machine – whether that’s a freestanding or integrated washing machine. Newer washing machines and washer dryers have so many stain-busting cycles while being gentle on your clothes. Check out our Washing machine buying guide to find out just what our laundry legends can do!

Related in Laundry advice

Related Article Image
How to disconnect a washing machine
Related Article Image
10 laundry hacks for saving time and money
Related Article Image
A guide to washing machine symbols
Related Article Image
Banish the blemish with this clever washing machine tech
Related Article Image
How to care for the clothes you love

No pain. No stain.