Snow-white clothes lose their brightness over time, turning into dull gray things.
This process upsets many, but there are effective ways to restore the whiteness of your favorite wardrobe items.
Professionals share secrets on how to restore the original appearance of white items at home.
Reasons why white things turn grey
The main factors that influence the color change of white clothes are hard water, improper sorting of items during washing and using insufficient amount of detergent.
Hard water contains many minerals that settle on fabrics, giving them a grayish tint.
Washing white items together with colored items will result in discoloration of light colored fabrics.
Insufficient amount of powder does not allow to completely remove dirt, which also contributes to loss of whiteness.
Preparation for whitening
Before starting the bleaching process, it is necessary to carefully study the composition of the fabric and the care instructions on the label.
Some types of fabric may be sensitive to aggressive bleaching agents.
It is recommended to test on an inconspicuous area of clothing to ensure the safety of the chosen method.
Folk remedies for whitening
Lemon juice and salt are an effective natural bleach. The mixture of these ingredients is applied to the soiled areas before washing.
Vinegar also has bleaching properties and can be added to the rinse water. Baking soda added to laundry detergent enhances its action and helps remove gray stains.
Chemical bleaches
Modern household chemicals offer a wide range of bleaching agents. Chlorine-containing bleaches are effective, but they can damage some types of fabric.
Oxygen bleaches are more gentle and suitable for most fabrics.
When using chemical bleaches, it is important to strictly follow the instructions on the packaging.
Professional methods
Professional laundries use special bleaching compounds and equipment. However, some of their methods can be adapted for home use.
Soaking items in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water before washing helps restore whiteness. Using optical brighteners creates the illusion of brightness and freshness of white items.
Preventing graying
Regular care of white items will help maintain their original appearance.
Sorting clothes before washing, using enough quality detergent and the right water temperature are key factors in caring for whites. Drying in the sun also promotes natural bleaching.
