For a lot of Filipinos, white garments are a staple in their closets.
In the hot and humid climate such as in the Philippines, a white outfit is a popular choice for its clean, crisp, and stylish look.
Additionally, white symbolizes purity, simplicity, and elegance.
However, keeping white clothes bright and fresh can be challenging, especially with everyday wear and tear.
Whites can quickly turn dirty white or yellow with too much heat and constant usage, while the humidity can lead to mildew and musty odors.
Given these challenges, our ancestors had discovered effective ways of keeping white clothes and garments as white as possible that have been passed on to generations.
These tips have also been listed down and explained in the article, "How To Wash White Clothes" published in Tide Cleaners website.
But first, here's a beginner's guide to washing whites with a washing machine.
THE BASICS of washing white clothes
Separate Your Whites from colored clothes.
To keep whites from becoming discolored, do not wash them with colored clothes.
Bleach or whitening solutions specifically made for white clothes can be safely used without a worry.
Pre-treat Stains
Pre-treating stains is crucial in the laundry process, especially for tough stains that may not fully come out during a regular wash cycle.
Pre-treating stains can help break down the stain and lift it from the fabric before washing, increasing the chances of its complete removal.
To pre-treat a stain, apply the stain remover directly on the stained area and gently dab or rub the fabric to work the solution into the stain.
Allow the pre-treatment to sit for a few minutes and let the solution penetrate the stain before washing.
Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
Do not overload the washing machine—this is essential to cleaning the clothes thoroughly and effectively.
An overloaded washing machine does not give clothes much space to move around freely, preventing the detergent and water from reaching all areas of the fabric.
This can result in poorly cleaned clothes, dingy whites, and lingering odors.
Dry Clothes in the Sun
When white clothes are hanged in direct sunlight, the UV rays break down any residual dirt or grime on the fabric.
Since it doesn't use electricity, drying clothing in the sun is another eco-friendly option compared to using a dryer.
The sun's mild heat and soft breeze are gentler to clothes than a dryer.
PRODUCTS THAT KEEP white clothes white
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile household ingredient known for its cleaning and deodorizing properties.
When added to laundry detergent, baking soda can help whiten and brighten white clothes in several ways.
First, its mild abrasiveness makes it effective for removing stains from fabrics, leaving clothes cleaner and brighter.
Second, baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer, leaving clothes smelling fresher.
Finally, baking soda can act as a natural brightening agent for the dulling residue from detergent and hard water, and restoring the brightness of whites.
To use baking soda in laundry, simply add about a cup to the washing machine along with the regular detergent.
Or, dissolve baking soda in water and pre-soak heavily soiled or stained white clothes before washing.
Calamansi Juice
When used in laundry, calamansi juice can whiten clothes, thanks to its natural bleaching effect.
The acidity of calamansi juice breaks down stains and dirt particles, making it easier for the detergent to lift them away from the fabric.
To use calamansi juice in the laundry, just add a few tablespoons to the detergent when washing white clothes.
Calamansi juice can also be applied to stubborn stains on clothes before washing to help break them down.
The fresh scent of calamansi juice can leave clothes smelling fresh after washing.
Vinegar
White clothing can lose some of its luster with time, but a cup of vinegar can help remove hard water minerals and soap residue.
Vinegar is great for cleaning but has additional uses, such as softening fabrics, reducing static cling, and preventing lint.
It can help the whites last longer than store-bought fabric softeners and is both natural and environmentally safe.
To use vinegar for laundry, just add a cup to the washing machine's rinse cycle.
Vinegar can also be applied directly to stains as a pre-treatment.
Bluing Powder
Bluing powder, commonly known as “tina” in the Philippines, is a famous laundry product that makes white clothes appear whiter and brighter.
It works by adding a hint of blue dye to the fabric, which counteracts the yellowish or grayish tinge that white fabrics can develop overtime.
Bluing powder is added to the final rinse cycle of laundry. The blue dye is faint and not intended to be noticeable on the fabric.
Instead, it helps to enhance the white appearance of the clothes by creating a subtle optical illusion that counteracts the yellowing effect.
A bluing powder can be purchased online for as low as PHP15.
WHERE TO FIND THE WHITENING PRODUCTS
White Shirts (Price: PHP65 - PHP137)
White shirts are classic garments known for their timeless elegance and versatility. Made from various materials such as cotton, linen, or polyester, they offer a clean appearance suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
It's available on Shopee.
Stain Remover (Price: PHP99)
A stain remover is a cleaning product designed to eliminate stains from various surfaces, such as fabrics and carpets. It contains enzymes or chemicals that break down and lift stains, restoring the appearance of the affected area
It's available on Lazada.
Baking Soda (Price: PHP50)
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile compound used in baking, cleaning, deodorizing, and more. It acts as a leavening agent in baking and a gentle cleaner and deodorizer in household applications.
It's available on Shopee and Lazada..
Bluing Powder (Price: PHP16 - PHP79)
Tina or bluing powder is a household product used to improve the appearance of textiles, especially white fabrics. It improves the brightness of whites by adding blue pigments that counteract the natural yellowing that occurs during regular laundering.