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Learn how to whiten clothes without bleach and how to prevent them from getting yellow and dingy.
With summer winding down, chances are our white clothes have seen their share of wear and may be stained, yellow or just overall dingy.
But don’t throw in the dirty, yellowed towel just yet. There are actually a few different methods for how to whiten clothes and believe it or not none of these methods include bleach.
Why Bleach May Be Ruining Your White Clothes
Contrary to popular belief bleach is not a recommended way to whiten clothes. Initially, it may work but over time it will actually yellow your whites. That’s because bleach is a very harsh cleaner, not to mention toxic and harmful to us, the environment and it will ruin colorful clothing. It weakens and damages clothing fibers over time, which causes them to look yellow.
I have never used bleach to whiten clothes. In fact, I have never used it at all. Me, the lover of cleaning has never used bleach? Nope. For the reasons listed above and because I have always found alternatives with less risks.
So, what are those alternatives for how to whiten clothes without bleach? Let’s look.
Option 1 : Oxygenated Bleach – An Effective Way to Brighten Whites
Oxygenated bleach (most popularly known as Oxiclean) is a great way to whiten clothes and it’s safer than chlorine bleach. It can be used on colorful clothing without issue and is less harsh for us and the environment. Hydrogen peroxide is the liquid form of oxygenated bleach.
It’s also less corrosive and doesn’t damage fibers the way chlorine bleach does. When used as a pre-soak it can remove stains and help whiten clothes and make them less dingy. Or it can be added to the washing machine to worked as a laundry booster and help the detergent do its job better.
To use powdered oxygenated bleach as a presoak to whiten clothes add a scoop to a bucket of hot water and soak the items for at least 30 minutes, then wash as usual.
If using peroxide to whiten clothes add 1/2 cup to 1 cup (depending on the size of the load) to the bleach compartment of the washing machine. I typically use this to either treat stains (apply and let sit 30 minutes or so then wash) or I add to the machine. If doing a pre-soak I would use powdered oxygenated bleach.
Effective Techniques to Remove Yellow Armpit Stains from Whites
Armpit stains are the pits! But luckily they can typically be removed. There are a few methods here I find work well.
- Baking Soda & Peroxide Paste – eyeball it and mix together until it forms a paste. Work in with a toothbrush, let sit 30 minutes or so then wash.
- Carbona Stain Remover – Apply and work in with a toothbrush and let sit 30 minutes or more than wash as usual. This is my favorite stain remover for general stains too.
- Miss Mouth Messy Eater Stain Treater – Spray liberally and work in with a toothbrush, let sit 30 minutes or longer and wash. Works great on regular stains too. May fade colors.
Option 2: The Best Laundry Boosters for Brighter, Cleaner Whites
Like I mentioned above, laundry boosters help boost the effectiveness of your laundry detergent. I like to use this regularly to whiten clothes simply by adding to the washing machine when I wash white clothing. That can help keep clothes white and prevent them from becoming dingy and it can help lift stains.
Some of my favorite laundry boosters are oxygenated bleach (like Oxiclean), Washing Soda and Borax.
To whiten clothes that are dingy or yellow try using this in a presoak by adding a scoop of laundry powder and a scoop (or tablespoon) of oxygenated bleach powder, or washing soda or borax.
You could also do laundry stripping which is filling a tub with hot water and adding 1/4 cup laundry powder, 1/4 cup borax and 1/4 cup washing soda. Toss in white items and let soak until the water turns cold then wash as usual.
Ammonia can also work as a laundry booster but it’s not my first choice simply because I think the other booster options are a little safer. Ammonia has to be used in a very well ventilated area and it cannot be used with bleach, so you’d have to make sure your laundry detergent doesn’t contain bleach, because the combination can create toxic fumes.
Ammonia tends to work best to whiten clothes and removes stain that are of human and animal matter and grease and oil but it doesn’t work well for coffee and food stains.
Option 3: Liquid Bluing
Using liquid bluing to whiten clothes is an age old secret our grandparents used. It’s affordable, non-toxic, non-hazardous, environmentally safe and works great. The key with liquid bluing however, is using it correctly or else it will leave your white clothes blue.
To use: add 1/4 tsp to a quart of cold water (I like to use a mason jar) and shake to combine. This will dilute it so it can then be added to the wash to whiten clothes. It should be a sky blue color.
If only washing a very small load start by using half the diluted mixture.
Front Loaders: Add to the dispenser. You’ll only use this in the wash, no detergent.
Top Loaders: Add to the final rinse cycle or pause the machine once there is water in there, add this in, then resume. Also, no detergent. When using liquid bluing to whiten clothes just use by itself.
Option 4: The Sun-Bleaching Secret – How Nature Can Whiten Your Clothes
This method is more for drying your white clothes. If it’s a sunny, warm day place your clothes outside in the sun to dry.
The sun will naturally “bleach” your whites by brightening them. It really does up the brightness and makes them pop!
Store Your Whites Right: Tips to Avoid Yellowing and Discoloration
This isn’t a method to whiten your clothes but instead a tip for keeping them from getting yellowed and discolored and that’s to avoid storing in plastic.
I know I’ve been guilty of storing white blankets and bedding into plastic tubs but this traps moisture and absorbs smells and doesn’t allow the fabric to breathe which can weaken fibers and cause yellowing.
Instead, opt for a canvas storage bin or something more breathable. These are some I like:
See These Methods to Whiten Your Clothes in Action
More of a visual learner like me? Check out my YouTube video!
Hopefully these tips help bring new life to your white clothes and revive them so you can get more use out of them.
Let me know what other areas you need help tackling around your home.
