Does anyone have a secret to getting my whites brighter? I am sick and tired of my white laundry being dingey. We have well water and I know that is my major problem but I think there must be a better way. I have tried bleach but it is difficult to get only whites and I notice that everyone gets itchy if I do that for too long. besides it doesn't seem to help all that much. SO any ideas would be welcome.
yes there is this stuff called mrs stewart magic bluing it a small bottle and you only need a little bit it get your clothes hospital white
White Distilled Vinegar - it works great as a natural bleach and overall house hold cleaner. Google white distilled vinegar and you will be amazed at all the things you can do with it!
It is even safe for most colors.
and no your laundry will not smell like it.
I know what you mean about waiting for enough whites for a solo load, but that is what I do. Then I alternate - this time the white load gets bleach for any stain removal and the next time I do a white load I use Iron Out. Makes a big difference for me. Not sure what kind of washer you have, but if it is a standard top-loader then just let it fill about half way, add the Iron Out to the water and agitate it a bit, then add your clothes and let it continue filling. Allow it to soak for 20 minutes or so, then add your detergent and run the wash cycle. If you have a front loader, ours has a "pretreat" cycle and I use the Iron Out in that cycle. I've done it both ways and it works well for us. There is also a product called Yellow Out made by the same company that is the same deal. One of the products says it is not necessary to use detergent but I always do just so the clothes smell nicer.
If you're still at a loss, there is a product called Liquid Bluing for whites that my mom uses. You add just a drop or two to the wash water. It kind of acts like a blue dye and is just enough to get rid of the dinginess and brighten them up. And no, your whites aren't blue, LOL (unless you use way too much, LOL).
Good luck and let me know if you find a miracle product as I would surely be interested in anything new!
I've heard adding hydrogen peroxide with your detergent helps to get more dirt out. And it is supposed to be color safe. Add 8 ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your wash in place of bleaches.
My grandma uses dishwasher detergent. (The powdered kind) She loads the washer, lets it fill, puts in the powder, lets it wash, and then stops it (before it drains), so it can soak for a while. Later in the day, she lets the cycle finish. It seems to work great! She used to work in a bakery, and she was always the one in the brightest white clothing!
