How to Wash White Clothes

Washing white clothes can seem like a bit of a challenge, especially when you’re trying to keep them bright and stain-free. Fortunately, it's not as hard as you'd think to keep your white clothes fresh and clean. One of the most important things you can do before starting is to sort your laundry—not just by color, but by fabric weight as well. Keep your white towels in a wash of their own. The same goes for your bedsheets. Your white clothes will launder better without their added weight.

Choosing the Right Temperature

Even with decades of laundry experience under my belt, it isn't always easy to decide between hot or cold water when washing white clothes. The selection really depends on the situation.

If your whites are heavily soiled or stained, hot water is usually your best bet. Hot water helps break down oils and dirt, making it easier to remove deep stains. That said, for delicate fabrics or clothes that aren't too dirty, cold water can be gentler (plus, it can prevent shrinking or damage). If there's any question, refer to the care label in your garment. If you haven't paid attention to the detailed instructions on your clothing labels before, this will be helpful:

• one dot means cold water (around 80°F)
• two dots mean warm water (around 105°F)
• three dots mean hot water (around 120°F)

If you're washing a mixed load of white garments, warm water is a safe middle ground.

Effective Bleaching Techniques

Learning how to use bleach and apply it safely to your white clothes is a skill worth mastering. Bleach can be a powerful tool when it comes to keeping white clothes looking their best, but when used incorrectly, it can cause damage.

Start by understanding that there are two main types of bleach: chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach.

• Chlorine bleach is stronger and works well for heavily stained whites, but it can be too harsh for delicate fabrics.
• Oxygen bleach, on the other hand, is a gentler alternative that works well for most fabrics and can still help brighten your whites without the risks of chlorine.

When using bleach, it’s important to get the ratio right. For a standard load of white laundry, you should add ¾ cup of bleach to the water, but make sure your washing machine has already filled with water before adding the bleach—this helps to guarantee that it'll be diluted in the water before it soaks into your clothing. Handwashing a single garment? If you’re soaking whites by hand, 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water is a safer ratio.

Always take precautions if you're washing delicate fabrics. Avoid chlorine bleach altogether if you're washing lace or silk.

Also, while we want to trust the garment’s cleaning label indicating that an item is bleach-safe, it's worth testing a small, hidden area first, if possible. Alternatively, if you have reservations about chlorine bleach, stick to using oxygen bleach. It's less likely to cause damage.

Preserving the Whiteness

Nothing’s more frustrating than white clothes turning yellow or gray over time, and for a long time, I thought there was something wrong with my washing machine! Turns out, it's totally normal and very preventable.

• Prevent yellowing or graying. Detergent residue can cause your white clothing to look dull. If too much detergent is used or if clothes aren't rinsed thoroughly, the residue builds up and gives your whites a dingy look. Were you overdoing it, trying to overcompensate for your discolored clothing by adding more detergent? Well, well. A good rule of thumb is to always use the recommended amount and to make sure your washing machine isn’t overloaded so clothes have room to rinse properly.
• Opt for natural whitening agents. If you prefer natural solutions, baking soda and vinegar can be your go-to helpers for keeping whites bright. Try adding half a cup of baking soda to the detergent to boost its cleaning power. Vinegar can be added to the rinse cycle—just one cup will help cut through detergent residue and soften fabrics, leaving your whites brighter.
• Improve how you store your white clothes. Not only can storage impact the longevity of your clothing fibers, but it'll also influence the brightness of your whites. Always store white items in a cool, dry place, and avoid plastic storage bags that trap moisture and cause yellowing over time. If you must store items, choose cotton garment bags that allow air to circulate.