How to Keep White Clothes White Without Using Bleach

White clothes have a terrible habit of looking spectacular when they're brand new and slightly less spectacular after they've spent some time in our laundry baskets.

White socks start turning gray. T-shirts lose their brightness. And towels that once looked wonderfully crisp can eventually look a little tired.

Chlorine bleach might seem like the obvious solution, but we don't necessarily need it to keep our whites looking white. A few laundry habits can help prevent some of that dinginess before it settles in.

Keep Your Whites Together

Sorting laundry may be the least exciting part of washing it, but our whites really do benefit from having their own load.

Dyes and tiny particles from darker clothes can transfer during washing, gradually making white fabrics look duller.

That doesn't mean we need to become fanatical about sorting every pale sock into its own category. But, keeping whites away from dark and brightly colored clothes will give them a better chance of staying bright.

Don't Let the Stains Settle In

The longer yesterday's coffee, pasta sauce, or mystery lunch stain stays on a white shirt, the harder it will be to get it out. Treat stains as soon as you can, rather than tossing the garment into the hamper and hoping the washing machine will handle everything else later.

The American Cleaning Institute says we should use different treatments, depending on what caused the stain, which is worth remembering before reaching for whatever cleaner happens to be nearby.

And, whatever you do, don't put a stained item in the dryer until you've checked that the mark is gone. Heat can make some stains harder to remove.

Check the Water Temperature

Hotter isn't always better when we're washing our whites. Instead, check the care label and use the warmest water that's appropriate for the fabric. 

Whirlpool recommends adjusting the temperature, based on the garment and its care instructions. A sturdy white cotton towel and a delicate white blouse don't necessarily belong in the same scorching-hot bath.

In the end, the label gets the deciding vote.

Give Everything Some Breathing Room

We've probably all looked at a nearly full washing machine and decided one more towel couldn't hurt. Then another shirt goes in. And maybe two pairs of socks.

Unfortunately, stuffing the machine will make it harder for the water and detergent to move through the load and take the dirt away.

Leaving enough room for the laundry to move around gives the washing machine a better chance to do the job it’s been hired for.

Try Oxygen Bleach

Avoiding chlorine bleach doesn't mean every product with the word "bleach" on it is off the table. Oxygen bleach, sometimes called non-chlorine bleach, works differently. 

The American Cleaning Institute says it can help keep our whites white, and is generally gentler than chlorine bleach.

You'll still want to read the care label and the product directions before using it. But, for washable whites that have started to look a little dull, it gives us another option without reaching for traditional chlorine bleach.

Don't Assume More Detergent Means Whiter Clothes

When something looks grubby, adding an extra glug of detergent seems perfectly logical.

Unfortunately, more isn't always better. Too much detergent can leave residue behind, especially if the washer can't rinse all of it away. So, that buildup won’t be doing our white clothes any favors.

Instead, use the amount recommended for your detergent, load size, and washing machine, rather than treating the cap like a rough suggestion.

Wash Grubby Whites Regularly

This is where those white socks finally get their moment. Some white items simply collect more dirt, sweat, body oils, and general evidence of daily life than others. 

Socks, underwear, T-shirts, and other clothes worn directly on our body shouldn't spend too much time in the hamper. Regular washing gives all that grime less time to settle into the fabric.

We don't have to wash every white item after a single use, of course. A barely worn sweater will have a very different day from a pair of white socks.

Keeping Whites Bright Doesn't Require a Chemistry Experiment

White laundry will probably never stay the exact same color it was when we brought it home from the store. And that's okay.

But, a few good laundry habits can help keep that mysterious gray away a little longer. And if the white socks eventually surrender, at least we helped them put up a decent fight.

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