How to Get Bright White Clothes

Let’s talk about how to get bright white clothes. Whites that are not bright white is actually one of my personal pet peeves! If you want your white clothes brighter too, then keep reading.

I hate when my whites look either yellowing or grayish, so I love when I can keep them bright. How to get bright white clothes? Stick around and I’ll show you my tried and true method! For whiter pillows, see our post on How to Whiten Yellow Pillows {In Only 3 Steps!}.

How To Get Bright White Clothes {Without Bleach}

Before you drag out the bleach {which is amazing but can also damage your whites} try one of the following ways to whiten your clothes and laundry. They all help whiten your whites without using bleach.

Whiten Clothes With Vinegar

Sometimes your whites are dull because of excess minerals in your water. If you already know you have hard water, then start with this method. Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle to whiten your laundry and also soften the fabrics. The vinegar removes hard water deposits from clothing & towel fibers and from your washing machine. This is something you should do at least monthly if you have hard water.

Don’t worry–the vinegar scent rinses away. Your laundry will not smell like you used it!

How To Get Bright White Clothes Naturally

If your whites are looking a little dull, skip the dryer and hang them out in the sun to dry. The sun has lots of natural bleaching power. Plus, it leaves all your laundry with the best fresh scent!

To whiten up some yellowing laundry, give it a lemon bath. Cut up a few lemons and add them to a pot of boiling water. Add your whites, stir to cover, and remove from the heat. Allow your whites to soak in the hot lemon water for an hour.

Now remove your whites from the pot and wring them out. Toss them in the washer for a regular wash cycle.

How To Get Bright White Clothes With Baking Soda

Yes, it’s true. Baking soda works wonders on dull white clothes. Simply add some to your wash cycle to get instantly brighter whites.

Another trick is to add a little powdered dishwashing detergent in the wash with your regular laundry detergent. The extra stain fighters in dishwashing powder will help to get those whites bright.

Borax is also a great laundry additive. It boosts the power of your regular detergent and makes it more effective on whites.

Do you have another method you love to whiten clothes and laundry? Tell us in the comments!