In reality, you may use common household substances to keep your favorite clothes from turning gray, yellow, or dingy.
We’ve compiled a list of the most common and successful methods for extending the life of your white clothes and keeping them looking new for longer.
1. Removing stubborn stains
Pour 2 liters of water into a large pot, and bring it to a boil. Take three lemons, and squeeze out the juice. Mix one tablespoon of salt in hot water. Add the lemon juice and a 1/4 cup of washing powder. Let your clothes soak for about 40 minutes, then rinse in clear water two to three times. Hang dry.
Bear in mind:
This recipe is also a great way to get rid of sweat stains on armpit areas or collars.
2. Getting white shirts even whiter
Pour a tablespoon (0.35 oz) of baking soda directly onto the stained area. Cut a lemon in half, and rub the cut side over the stain. Leave for 15 minutes, then wash as usual with warm water.
Note:
This method is often used for removing yellow underarm stains from white shirts. You can also make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice, and then rub it on the affected area to clean the stain.
3. All-purpose bleach
Slice two lemons, and add them to a bowl of boiled water (approximately 1 quart). Put your white clothes into the bowl, and let them soak for about 40 minutes. After soaking, wash as usual in the washing machine.
A useful tip:
Lemon makes a great all-purpose cleaner for your favorite clothes, and it doesn’t damage the fabrics.
4. Washing delicate clothes
Mix 1/4 cup of laundry detergent with 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and add it to 2 quarts of warm water. Soak clothing in the resulting solution for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Remember please:
To maintain the quality of your clothes, it is necessary that you choose your laundry detergent carefully. This recipe is suitable for washing wool and other delicate fabrics.
5. Intense washing
Add 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 4 drops of ammonia to a quart of water. Let your clothing soak in this solution for 10 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.
Take note:
This solution is stronger than the others and, therefore, more effective. Don’t forget to wear gloves when using it.
6. Natural fabric softener
Soak your clothing for 40 minutes in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) of vinegar. If you’d like to get rid of sweat stains, pour vinegar onto the stained area and rub a piece of soap over it.
Take note:
Vinegar not only whitens clothes, but also works as a natural fabric softener.
7. Washing linen
Put the bedding into a bucket of sour milk, and let it soak for 1-2 hours. Then wash as usual. You can repeat the soaking if necessary.
A little trick:
This technique not only helps your bedding last longer, but also makes it more soft, supple, and pleasant to the skin.