How to wash whites without them turning yellow or gray
Foolproof Tips: How to Wash Whites Without Them Turning Yellow or Gray
Are your white clothes losing their shine wash after wash? They end up yellowing or turning gray, and you're wondering if it's inevitable? Don't worry, there are simple and effective techniques to keep your laundry sparkling white. In this article, I'll explain how to wash your whites properly, without them turning gray or yellow. You'll see, it's much simpler than you think!
Why does white turn yellow or gray?
Before tackling the solutions, let's understand the problem. White linens fade for several reasons:
🔸 Limescale deposits in the machine.
🔸 Excessive detergent that has not been rinsed properly.
🔸 Mixing with colored clothes by mistake.
🔸 Accumulation of perspiration or deodorant.
🔸 Low temperature washing is ineffective.
But rest assured, with the right actions, you can easily avoid all of this.
1. Sort, sort, and sort again
First of all, here's the golden rule: never mix white with colors , even pastels! One forgotten sock is enough to turn all your laundry gray. So take the time to sort carefully after each wash.
2. Choose the right temperature
Next, don't be afraid to wash warm whites, unless they are delicate. For cottons and durable fabrics:
✅ Wash at 60°C : This is ideal for removing stains and killing bacteria.
✅ For delicate fabrics: Prefer washing at 30 or 40°C but add natural bleaching agents.
3. Magical products to use
Here are the essentials to have on hand:
✅ Baking soda : Natural whitener and fabric softener. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons to your laundry.
✅ White vinegar : Removes limescale and restores shine. Pour a glass into the fabric softener compartment.
✅ Sodium percarbonate : Extremely effective for whitening. Add it to the drum with your laundry (be careful, it requires a minimum temperature of 40°C to be active).
Bonus tip: For yellow stains (stains, perspiration), soak the laundry in warm water with baking soda before washing.
4. Be careful with the laundry
Too much detergent = residue = dull laundry. Use the right amount, and if possible, a special whites detergent, which contains lightening agents.
5. Drying also counts
The sun is your friend! Air drying and sun drying naturally help whiten laundry. However, avoid repeated tumble drying, which can dull some fabrics.
6. What should you do if your laundry is already yellowed or gray?
Don’t panic, there are catch-up solutions:
✅ Sodium percarbonate soak : Mix hot water and percarbonate, leave to soak for 1 to 2 hours, then wash normally.
✅ Lemon and bicarbonate : Rub the yellowed areas with this mixture before washing.
✅ Hydrogen peroxide (30 volumes) : Perfect for very yellowed white cotton fabrics (preliminary test recommended).
Conclusion: Brilliant white is possible and sustainable!
As you've probably guessed, keeping your whites spotless is all about good habits. With these natural and economical tips, say goodbye to dull, yellowed clothes that end up relegated to the back of your closet. Take care of your whites, and they'll repay you, wash after wash!