15+ Surprising Household Items That’ll Whiten Clothes Without Bleach

Having trouble achieving that pristine white look for your clothes? Whether they appear yellow, stained, dingy, or just not as brilliantly white as desired, even with the best detergents and bleach in use, it’s time to explore alternative methods. Consider these suggestions for achieving whiter clothes during your next laundry cycle.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, a common kitchen staple, might be a valuable addition to your laundry routine. Extend its use beyond the kitchen by placing it in your laundry room cabinets. Incorporating baking soda into your washing machine along with your usual detergent can effectively tackle stains, providing a thorough cleaning that enhances the brightness of your laundry.

Aspirin

Create a solution by dissolving six aspirins in a bowl of water, and use it to soak stained laundry prior to washing. The aspirin’s properties assist in stain removal and contribute to a brighter appearance for your white clothes. Incorporate this pre-wash aspirin soak regularly, and your garments will consistently emerge looking refreshed and virtually good as new after each wash.

Vinegar and Lemon

Harness the stain-fighting power of vinegar and lemon for your laundry. Combine a cup of vinegar with a cup of lemon juice in a bowl, and let your clothing soak in this mixture for half an hour. Afterward, toss the treated items into the washing machine along with your regular detergent. Witness the transformation as your laundry emerges, not only white but also free from stains, thanks to the potent combination of vinegar and lemon.

Borax

Borax is commonly blended with laundry detergent to enhance cleaning efficacy. For stubborn stains, create a paste by combining Borax with vinegar, apply it directly to the stained area, and let it set. Subsequently, toss the treated clothes into the washing machine and launder them as usual. This method leverages the cleaning power of Borax and vinegar for a thorough stain removal process.

Dry Clothes on Low Heat

The dryer might be causing burns and stains on your clothes. Even if you successfully remove the stains in the wash, excessive heat during drying can lead to dark spots, yellowing, and burn marks on your white garments. Opt for low heat settings to safeguard your clothes and prevent unwanted discoloration or burns during the drying process.

Dishwasher Detergent

Since dishwasher detergent effectively cleans and whitens your dishes, consider extending its use to your laundry routine. Easily enhance the brightness of your whites and eliminate stains by adding dishwasher detergent pods directly into your washing machine along with your clothes. Experience the dual benefits of cleanliness and whiteness that dishwasher detergent brings to both your dishes and laundry.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Harness the natural stain-fighting power of hydrogen peroxide for your clothing. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain, allowing it to soak in before tossing the garment into the washing machine. The peroxide’s natural properties work to effectively remove stains during the wash, providing a simple yet efficient solution for maintaining the cleanliness of your clothes.

Only Use Bleach on Cotton

While bleach is often considered a go-to for whitening white clothing, be cautious as it may not be suitable for all types of fabrics. If you observe yellow stains on some whites, it could be due to bleach staining. Not all fabrics can withstand bleach, and it may not effectively remove stains from certain materials. Reserve bleach usage for cotton and explore alternative methods to whiten fabrics that are not bleach-friendly.