How to restore the whiteness of white shirts

Whether it's from sunny picnics or energetic sports activities, your white garments can unfortunately lose their brilliance and acquire an unwanted yellowish tint as time goes by. But don't worry—there's a solution! By familiarizing yourself with the right fabric care and employing effective laundry techniques, you can successfully rejuvenate and uphold the vibrancy of your beloved white clothing. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll uncover the secrets of how to restore the pristine whiteness of your shirts, keep them fresh and vibrant for longer. 

Why do white shirts turn yellow?

White garments can develop a yellowish tint due to various factors, including the excessive detergent and fabric softener use, oxidation, deodorant stains, washing with hard water, or extended storage periods. 

However, with the right approach to cleaning and laundering, you can not only mitigate but also prevent your beloved white garments from yellowing. 

How to restore the whiteness of white shirts that have turned yellow 

Is your white clothing looking less than brilliant? Here are some methods you can employ to restore their radiance: 

1. Whitening solutions

Laundry whiteners are specially formulated to rejuvenate the appearance of fabrics. They excel in brightening whites and even removing color bleed from vibrant textiles.  

When using a whitening product, it's essential to carefully adhere to the instructions provided on the packaging, as dosages might differ between brands. You have the option to use these solutions as a pre-treatment or alongside your usual detergent while running a wash cycle. 

2. Oxygen-based bleach

Choosing oxygen-based bleach might take a bit more time, but it's an effective approach. Typically, white garments should soak in an oxygen bleach and water solution, following the instructions provided by the bleach manufacturer. After this soaking period, you can wash the clothes with standard detergent in a regular wash cycle.  

Keep in mind that delicate fabrics such as wool, silk, or suede can be sensitive to oxygen-based bleach and might get damaged. It's a good idea to refer to your clothing's care label before proceeding, ensuring you make the right choice for proper care. 

3. Baking soda

Baking soda presents an excellent bleach-free alternative. You can utilise it in two ways: 

• Add baking soda directly into the washing machine before selecting a wash cycle. Avoid putting it in the detergent dispenser to prevent clogging. 
• Create a solution of baking soda and water to soak your white garments in for approximately an hour. Then proceed to wash them using a dedicated "whites" wash cycle. 

>>> Discover more ways to use baking soda for home cleaning: 

• How to clean an electric oven 
• How to clean a cooker hood 
• How to clean a microwave oven  

4. Distilled white vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is another remarkable option for whitening whites . Not only does it have brightening properties, but it also neutralizes odors in fabrics. You can use it as a bleach-free pretreatment or as an additive in a standard wash cycle.  

To pre-treat, mix hot water and white vinegar and allow your garments to soak. For an in-wash solution, simply add vinegar and detergent to your washing machine and select your desired setting. 

StainCare is a complete washing solution by Electrolux, combining advanced washing machine technologies to remove 40 different visible stains* without the need for pre-treatment. First, UltraMix dissolves and activates detergent before it enters the drum. Then, the StainCare cycle tackles tough stains, followed by powerful high-pressure dual jets for a thorough rinse and excellent washing results. 

Below is our range of Electrolux washing machines that offer StainCare and UltraMix feature: 

*Tested on 4kg load with 5cm2 stains from food, household and personal products using Stain Cycle. Results may vary depending on factors such as load size, type and duration of soiling, detergent type and water pressure. 

>>> More clothes washing tips: 

• How to wash a jacket in a washing machine 
• How to remove tough stains from clothes 

Maintaining whiteness: Tips for the future of your whites 

Preventing the yellowing of white clothes involves a combination of smart choices and effective techniques. Here's how you can maintain the brilliance of your whites : 

• Separate loads: Wash white clothes separately from colored or dark fabrics to prevent color transfer. <
• Temperature matters: Use warm or hot water when washing whites to maximize cleaning power. Just be cautious with delicate fabrics prone to shrinkage. 
• Incorporate baking soda: In addition to removing bad smells from refrigerators and cleaning microwave ovens, adding baking soda to your detergent can boost the cleaning effectiveness and help preserve whiteness. 
• Air dry: Opt for air drying to avoid exposing whites to heat that might contribute to yellowing. 
• Follow care labels: Always follow the instructions on clothing care labels and the provided usage and care guides to ensure you're using the best practices. 

>>> Check out our video tutorials for Electrolux washer owners 

Electrolux washing machines: Your sustainable solution for clothing care

By efficiently erasing stains and ensuring a gentle touch, Electrolux single tub washing machines offer a reliable cleaning process and tender care – a perfect blend for reviving your cherished white shirts . But our concern extends beyond just laundry; we're committed to the environment's well-being too. At Electrolux, sustainability takes center stage in our design philosophy. 

Our laundry products are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating functions that help reduce energy consumption and clothing waste. By using an Electrolux washing machine, you're making a positive contribution to the planet while enjoying the benefits of advanced laundry technology. 

Discover our top-rated top load and front load automatic washers designed to pamper your delicate fabrics: 

Verdict

With a combination of effective cleaning agents, careful laundering, and Electrolux's sustainable washing machines, you can achieve whiter whites that stand the test of time.  

Embrace these techniques, and let your wardrobe radiate freshness and vitality once again. Remember, when you care for your clothes, you're embracing a lifestyle that's both stylish and environmentally conscious.