Whitening clothes

[Electric_Andy]

I read on the internet that lemon juice and bicarb can whiten your clothes. I tried it with my white shirts yesterday (using both lemon juice and some bicarb mixed with the washing powder) but if anything it's made them even more dull and slightly yellow on one of the collars.

Has anyone any tips for whiter whites? I think perhaps a 40 degree wash wasn't hot enough. I might have to try some 3% hydrogen peroxide but I'm worried it might bleach the (non-white) patterns on some shirts?

 

[Drago]

Mrs D uses Vanish whitener whitey white stuff and reckons its very good. With the state of my Y fronts it needs to be.

 

[MossCommuter]

Dr Beckmann Glow White

 

[Electric_Andy]

Thanks. Wasn't sure if the branded stuff was any good but I'll give it a whirl (pun intended)

 

[Electric_Andy]

We always use non-bio powder on a 30 minute cycle (30 or 40 degrees, can't remember), this saves power and water. But I shall try my whites only in a hotter wash thanks.

I'm being honest with myself when I say I like these shirts and they are certainly not going in the bin without a fight.

 

[pplpilot]

90 degree wash with a few scoops of Vanish. I'm fussy about my shirts being white.

 

[Electric_Andy]

Thanks, I will try it and report back. Lately I've bought some nicer shirts (having lost weight) and I even iron them now.

 

[Bodhbh]

I read on the internet that lemon juice and bicarb can whiten your clothes. I tried it with my white shirts yesterday (using both lemon juice and some bicarb mixed with the washing powder)

Isn't this just gonna fizz a bit?

 

[cyberknight]

stand outside , they will soon be white .

 

[colly]

Boil them on bleach for 3 hours.

Never fails.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I heard that the stuff used for nappies, Napisan I think it's called, makes whites whiter than white.
Never tried it myself, but I guess it would need a very hot wash too.

 

[postman]

Leave them outside tonight white as anything and as stiff as a board,better than starching.

 

[Electric_Andy]

I tried the Dr Beckman's "glow white" at 90 degrees (temperature, not angle). Worked a treat. I would recommend it to a friend or relative.

Thanks

 

[Globalti]

The higher the proportion of polyester the duller the shirt will look, no matter how you wash it.