{"id":20249,"date":"2022-05-12T18:33:54","date_gmt":"2022-05-12T18:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/?p=20249"},"modified":"2024-08-05T15:41:02","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T15:41:02","slug":"4-tips-on-how-to-wash-white-clothes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/live-cleaner\/4-tips-on-how-to-wash-white-clothes\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Tips on How to Wash White Clothes"},"content":{"rendered":"

That classic, crisp tee. That chic, wintry knit. Those jeans. You know the pair. Those bright, tight, brilliant white jeans that once made your backyard barbecue feel like a sunset in Mykonos. There\u2019s a reason why our white clothes make such essential pieces. They keep us looking sharp all year long and they go well with everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

And when we say everything, we mean <\/span>everything<\/span><\/i>\u2014including, unfortunately, stains. Our finest, freshest whites can become dulled or tainted over time, whether from dropped forks, coffee spills, or less-than-perfect washing habits.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, how do you wash white clothes? Is it even possible to protect our best and brightest pieces?<\/span><\/p>\n

It is, and you\u2019ve come to the right place. (Here, it\u2019s always laundry day.) To help you give new life to your go-to whites, we\u2019ll let you in on our 4 best tips for how to wash white clothes. Just grab your <\/span>plant-powered laundry detergent<\/span><\/a>, read on below, and start feeling empowered to drink your morning coffee in that white sweater.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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#1 Wash Whites Separately<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You know what\u2019s just as important as properly washing your white clothing? Knowing how to wash colored clothes<\/a>\u00a0– separately, that is. <\/span><\/p>\n

Always wash your whites separately from the rest of your laundry. Take our word for it. We know that laundry day can be a headache, and we wouldn\u2019t even <\/span>think<\/span><\/i> about adding an extra step to your routine unless we thought it could make a big difference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But this? This is that extra step that makes all the difference. Through literal loads of experience, we\u2019ve come to understand that washing your whites separately from your bright and dark-colored clothing is the single-best method to keep all your white washables looking their best.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is one very good reason for this rule: Dark and bright clothing can bleed dye into the wash water, slowly discoloring your whites. Even lightly dyed or older clothing can release small amounts of dye. While the result may not be immediately visible, your whites will begin to look dingy and yellowish or gray.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking for a quick tip on how to separate laundry<\/a>? <\/span>Our favorite trick for keeping your white wash separate from your colored and bright wash is to purchase a divided hamper. Having a built-in system that allows you to organize your wash into whites and colors saves you the hassle of picking through a pile of dirty clothes on laundry day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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#2 Don\u2019t Let Stains Set<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We know the panic well\u2014the mad dash to find a napkin and a seltzer water. But no matter how careful we try to be, we always manage to let something slide. Sometimes that something <\/span>is<\/span><\/i> a slider, loaded with ketchup and hell-bent on destruction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So what can we do to prevent tough stains? Perhaps it\u2019s better to start with what we <\/span>shouldn\u2019t<\/span><\/i> do\u2014let stains get comfortable. To that end, let\u2019s talk about spot-treating and pre-treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s why. If you\u2019re washing whites for general freshness, it\u2019s fine to toss them into your hamper as-is. However, if you have a stain or noticeable soil on your white garment, bedsheet or towel, pre-treating the area as soon as possible might save you a lot of hard work once it sets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how we tackle stains on white fabric.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spot-Treat Small Stains\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As soon as you notice a stain on your whites, do your best to blot it away. Don\u2019t rub the stain; instead, use a small napkin or cloth to soak up as much as possible. Once this is accomplished, or if the stain is already dried, you need to pre-treat the stain before placing the stained item in your washing machine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pre-Treat Before You Wash<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After you\u2019ve blotted the stain, sworn off black coffee forever, finally calmed your nerves, and blotted once more, it\u2019s time to pre-treat the spot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the method that we use:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Pick a mineral-based, bleach-alternative treatment that\u2019s tough on stubborn stains but gentle on the environment and your skin, like <\/span>ECOS OxoBrite Multi-Purpose Stain Remover<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
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  2. Fill your washing machine, bathtub, or sink with warm water and add two scoops of OxoBrite per gallon of water. Add your soiled clothing and soak overnight to allow the treatment to lift the stains and brighten your white garments, then wash normally.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. For extra tough stains, mix \u00bd ounce of laundry detergent with \u00bd scoop of OxoBrite into a paste and work into the stain with an old, soft toothbrush or towel. Let sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and wash normally.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    #3 Get the Cycle Right<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    As the saying goes, it all comes out in the wash. Sadly, we\u2019ve found that this can sometimes be true of the brightness in our whites.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Thankfully, using the right settings on our washers and dryers makes the difference between a dull, gray finish and a brilliant, white one. While some generalities may help point us in the right direction, we recommend that you read your washer and dryer manuals to figure out exactly what each setting means.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Washing Whites<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Modern washing machines allow us to program specific characteristics of the cycle we want for every load. Many even come with pre-set programs such as:<\/span><\/p>\n