Getting Whites - White Again

Hi Maureen!

I have to agree with Amy. My son also wears a uniform and I bought a bucket at Target that has a divider and a tub of OxyClean. I fill the bucket with hot/warm water and OxyClean and put the shirts in one side and the socks in the other (they seem to be much dirtier than the shirts). You don't need to separate them, the bucket I got just happened to have 2 sides. If the load is really dirty I'll put a scoop of OxyClean in the wash too. He has 5 white shirts that he's worn up until now and they're still very white. I would stay away from soaking in bleach since it can make material wear out quickly.

Diluted or straight, lemon juice is a safe and effective fabric whitener when added to your wash water. Your clothes will also come out smelling lemon-fresh.

Good luck,
J.

From the martha stewart website:
www.marthastewart.com

Bluing is an old-fashioned product that was once a staple of the laundry room; chances are good that your grandmother was very familiar with it. Referred to as a whitener, bluing is added to the wash or rinse cycle for the purpose of giving whites a very subtle blue tint. Why blue? Some white fabrics actually have a blue-white hue; bluing makes them appear even brighter, cleaner, and whiter.

Bluing fell out of use as fabric detergents became more effective, but even with the improved formulas, whites gradually begin looking dingy after repeated washings. Chlorine bleach is an effective whitener, but it can weaken fabrics and fibers; bluing is often a better choice. Fortunately, bluing agents can still be found. One brand that Martha likes to use, particularly on antique linens and lace, is called Mrs. Stewart's (no relation).

I believe that by rinsing whites twice, and then hanging them in the sun, brings whites back to really white!

My 7 year old is the same way. I soak the white in oxyclean then wash them in hot water with detergent and a scoop of oxy clean. Seems to do the trick.

I found a sure way to get those uniforms white without wearing them! Lestoil! It's by the floor cleaners. Soak for a couple of hours, if really bad, soak overnight. I use about 1/2 cup lestoil, whitening detergent (I prefer Arm & Hammer). Run washer to fill up with COLD water and let sit! Make sure it's aggigated good to mix the soaps up. Then run and rewash. Lestoil works great but kind of stinks!! LOL So you have to rewash them a full cycle, but it's worth it! Good luck.

Mom to four kids with super white whites!!! LOL

even though you're not suppose to mix these two, i have found that it works great. start you washer and add a bit of bleach then a bit of oxy clean. let the two mix while the water fills and add your whites. the combo will bubble and fizz so don't stand over it while waiting. whites look brand new. it also is a great way the clean random things throughout the house.

The best thing to use in my opinion is BORAX...It is a great natural laundry booster, keeps whites brights, and gets out just about any stain. Just put some in the washing machine along with your laundry detergant and you are good to go. It comes in a green box and only cost about $2 or $3 at Walmart

From a mom with 2 very active and messy boys!!!

HOT water, a scoop of oxyclean and a full day of soaking in the sink or basin works wonders. Then throw it in the wash with other whites, a scoop of oxyclean and a half cup bleach and HOT water again.FYI the soaking in the sink works great with colors too!