Washing Whites: Simple and Practical Tips for Keeping your Whites Pristine this Spring

At OHS, we love our white linens. White clothing, bedding, and furnishings exude a timeless elegance, but the ever-over-arching challenge of keeping them pristine looms over us all. Far too often my best white tee or bedding set has seen its hay day, and I’ve reluctantly thrown out what used to be a stainless linen as its descent into a murky grey has come too far quick. Whether it’s your luxurious duvet set or a crisp white shirt, maintaining its original state can be a daunting task. But fear not! I’ve armed myself with a few useful tips and tricks to combat this unfortunate progression, and I would love to share them with you! This guide should share a few ideas and practical tips to ensure that your whites stay white for the long haul.

 

Bleaching

Bleach is a scary word, and with good reason.  Although this is a powerful whitening agent, you should always exercise caution, especially when washing by hand which is what I prefer to do. Always start by carefully checking the care labels on your clothing, as some items can’t be bleached and won’t accept the treatment very well (rest in peace my beautiful mohair throw). It’s important to separate your white and colourfast from your coloured items as we don’t want to contaminate the dyes in your other items with bleach. When preparing a bleach solution to whiten your clothes, you’ll typically mix it with water to dilute it, as pure bleach can damage your clothing or irritate your skin. Make sure to follow your specific manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the desired strength for your load. Use a measuring cup to accurately measure the appropriate amount of bleach based on the type you’re using (standard or concentrated), and fill a bucket or sink with cold water. Pour the bleach into the water and stir well for an even solution. You can then use this solution to pre-soak heavily stained or yellow items for around 5-10 minutes. Rinse your items thoroughly to remove the bleach. Following this, I like to throw the items loosely into the washer and allow to freely tumble on a quick wash.

There are a few safety tips I’ve researched and collected along the way. When using bleach, it’s super important to wear latex gloves to protect your skin, and I recommend you’re in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes – I like to do mine at the back door. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners, as this can create toxic fumes.  Bleach can weaken fabrics over time, so use it sparingly. Once you’ve finished the bleaching process, be sure to store it in a higher cupboard in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

 

Detergent

In order to keep your whites in top form, choosing the correct detergent for you and your items is imperative. You’ll want to seek out detergents that are specifically designed to brighten fabrics and target tough stains. There are a range of detergents that are engineered for this, some of which do contain bleach. One example is oxygen-based bleach detergents, which contain sodium percarbonate or hydrogen peroxide, which are both effective at whitening without the harshness of chlorine bleach. Alternatively, as I do like to limit the amount of bleach I subject my clothes to, I recommend enzyme-based detergents. Enzymes like protease and amylase are popular for breaking down protein and starch-based stains, which is especially helpful by removing yellowing and general discolouration. These will generally be labelled “enzyme-based” or “stain-fighting”. Other detergents come with whitening boasters or brightening agents, which make for a less aggressive attack on stains, but can be effectively utilised for maintenance. Lastly, natural and eco-friendly detergents employ plant-based ingredients that are designed to whiten clothes without harsh chemicals.

 

Avoid Overloading

Overloading the washing machine is one of the primary mistakes that many make when washing clothes. Putting too much in your drum reduces the space available for water and detergent to circulate freely. Often, clothes will become twisted and crumbled, preventing them from being evenly exposed to the whitening agents. There is a very high chance that, in this case, detergent cannot penetrate and effectively clean all areas of fabric, leaving dirt and stains behind. It is also a good idea to limit the size of your load when thinking about the maintenance of your machine, as this can affect its motor and components as time goes on.

 

Drying

Once your clothes have been washed and whitened, the job isn’t finished there! I used to toss my whites into the drying machine, but I have since learned that this is super ineffective when looking to keep them nice and white. If you do need to use a dryer for your whites, I recommend a low heat setting to reduce the risk of shrinkage, fabric damage, and colour fading. Alternatively, air drying is a much better way to dry your whites, as it means the clothes can dry individually which extends their life. I find that all fabrics, especially delicate fabrics like silk and wool, benefit from air drying as this is much gentler than the high heat of dryers. Of course, air drying is also cheaper and much more environmentally friendly. Drying your clothes outdoors, if you have the option, can be great for whites. Sunlight has natural bleaching properties that can help brighten the fabric, making them appear cleaner and fresher. Be careful though, as extended exposure to direct sunlight can cause fabrics to fade over time, or some stains can be “set” by the heat. To avoid any drawbacks of drying in the sun, I recommend you turn your garments inside it and opt for indirect sunlight.

 

Storage

Storing white garments properly after washing is an essential step in maintaining brightness and colour integrity. Firstly, it’s important to make sure your clothes are thoroughly dry before storing them away. Damp or wet garments can develop mildew and will almost definitely yellow over time. Although it may seem like an obvious point, make an effort to regularly check your storage areas for cleanliness. I like to regularly take a wipe and wipe down the areas I use for storage, as this prevents dust or grim from affecting any clothes. Opt for clean, dry, and well-ventilated areas where possible, and absolutely avoid humid or damp environments like the attic. I used to keep all by bright, white, summer clothing is a box in the attic, but I had definitely learned my lesson when I took them down last year! Lastly, I would urge you to try and store white items where they have space for air circulation. Overcrowding in drawers and wardrobes can lead to wrinkles, creasing, and increased friction which will do you no favours when it comes to maintaining the colour and crispness of your whites.

 

Now that we’ve ran through these quick tips and tricks, let me wrap up by saying maintaining the whiteness of your clothing, bedding, and home furnishings requires a combination of thoughtful laundering practice, proactive stain prevention, and clever storage. By following these easy tips, I hope you can enjoy the timeless beauty of your white garments and crisp linens for years to come. Armed with this knowledge, why not expand your collection of clean, white furnishings with our fabulous White Edit, where simplicity and sophistication are ready to be embraced!