Just as there are rules in life for things like how to drive a car, how to cook a meal, or how to manage your money, there are a few simple rules for how to wash white clothes to keep them looking brilliant and clean. And, if they happen to get a bit dull, gray, or yellowed, there are rules for how to restore the brightness of washable white clothing, too. An especially crisp white dress shirt or blouse is a showstopper, but white clothes are hard to keep white. We have a few tips to brighten up your whites and make them worth wearing again.

Check Your Fabric’s Tag

Use hot water in the wash cycle for white items (or the warmest recommended for the fabric) and cold water for the rinse cycle(s). This helps to remove body oils and grime that can leave fabric looking dingy and gives the dirty detergent the best opportunity to be rinsed away completely.

It’s Time To Banish Bleach From Your Laundry Day

Not only can chlorine bleach irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs, but during production it releases carcinogenic dioxins. It is also poisonous to insects and fish.

Here are four ways to whiten your whites with less harmful products you likely already have around the house.

  • Lemon– Take some lemon juice with you to the laundromat. Lemon juice brightens and freshens fabrics naturally. Just add up to 1/2 cup of lemon juice per load with your laundry detergent. Or if you prefer, before going to the laundromat use lemon as a pre-soak. Just boil a large pot of water with sliced lemon. Take it off the heat and then add clothing and let it soak up to an hour before washing.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide – Try using hydrogen peroxide as a substitute for bleach on white fabrics (it is not safe for colored fabric). Hydrogen peroxide, which can be found at drug and grocery stores, is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen and is available in several strengths. Pick up a bottle of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide and add up to 1/2 cup with your laundry detergent and run a normal cycle.
  • Baking Soda – You likely use baking soda in other ways around the home, and it can help at the laundromat as well. Baking soda naturally freshens, softens, and whitens laundry. Try adding up to 1/2 cup per load with your regular laundry detergent.
  • Salt – For tough rust stains, before going to the laundromat, pre-treat the stain with some salt mixed with lemon juice. Squeeze lemon juice directly on the stain and then sprinkle some salt on it and let it sit overnight. Then rinse with cool water and wash the item and wash on the cold cycle.

Prevention

Of course, the best way to get rid of the grey is to prevent your whites from being discolored in the first place. To do that, follow these tips:

  • Make sure the whites are completely separated from the colors.
  • Avoid overloading the washer.
  • Use the hottest temperature stated on your fabric tag.
  • Add a bleach alternative to the load with the detergent.
  • Take your blouse or shirt home from the laundromat wet and hang outside in the sun. The ultraviolet rays from the sun will sanitize, freshen, and whiten them!

Look for us behind Jimmy Johns and Speedway on Leestown Rd or 

Contact us (859-227-5757) for more information
Open 24 Hours | Meadowthorpe Laundromat | 1407 N Forbes Rd | Lexington, KY 40511

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About 24 Hr Meadowthorpe Laundromat

24 Hr Meadowthorpe Laundromat is a self-serve coin laundry, with a variety of washing and drying options. We have large capacity equipment, perfect for blankets, comforters, sleeping bags, and more. We are owned and operated by a Meadowthorpe resident and have better washers and more drying capacity than ever before. We offer customers a clean, safe, and dependable place to get your laundry clean. We also have Free WiFi, snacks, drinks, and laundry supplies available for your convenience.