The summer is just around the corner, which means many people will be flocking off on holiday with a number of clothes in tow. However, if you find that your lovely whites have been previously stained by sweat, dirt or sun cream, and you don’t know where to start, one professional cleaner has shared an effective method to make them ‘as good as new’.
TikToker and pro cleaner Ann Russell replied to another creator who was facing the issue ahead of her upcoming holiday. There’s one key ingredient that you should be adding to the cleaning process to help brighten any dingy whites. And it’s not vinegar or baking soda.
How to remove stains from white clothes
White coloured clothing stains particularly easily due to lack of colour in fabric. This allows dirt, grease and grime to be easily absorbed into the material, thus making the stain more visible.
Additionally, white clothes tend to show dirt, oils, and other substances more prominently. Finally, the chemical composition of some stains can react with the white fabric, leading to discoloration or yellowing, further highlighting stains.
When it comes to the likes of sweat stains, some body oils can react with the fabric, ultimately leading to a yellowish hue or discoloration under the pits. Instead of using spot treatment with baking soda, Ann recommends a sodium percarbonate product, also known as oxygen bleach.
Fortunately, this method can also be used on other stained items of different colours. However, you should never attempt to clean stains on whites with other colours.
Ann said: “Now, Vanish, OxiClean, all those powders, stain-removing powders that you see, they contain a chemical called sodium percarbonate. That’s the active ingredient.”
Ann instructed to place the stained whites into a bucket, along with half a cup of sodium percarbonate. Then add enough water – as hot as the fabric can stand – to the bucket as well, usually boiled from a kettle.
However, Ann urged people to always read the labels on their clothes, as the fabrics may alter the temperature of water needed. Next, stir the solution and whites with a wooden spoon.
Then place a plate large enough to cover the bucket, making sure all of the clothes are submerged in the solution. Leave the clothes to soak overnight.
The next day, place the clothes into the washing machine and run on a long hot cycle. Ann explained that a second hot cycle can be done if needed.
She said: “There you go, jobs a goodun. You can use that on any stain, that’s the standard stain removing what dry cleaners use, a lot of sodium percarbonate. “
You should also take care when attempting to dry your washed clothes. Once you’re happy that the stains and discoloration have been rectified, give them a gentle shake to reduce the chance of wrinkles forming.
Cleaning product brand Vanish advised that the clean clothes should be kept away from sunlight. This is because it can cause yellowing.
It explained: “Instead, find a well-ventilated area to hang the clothes, allowing them to air dry naturally.
“If you prefer using a dryer, make sure to select a low heat setting to prevent any potential damage to the fabrics. By properly drying your white clothes, you can maintain their brightness and ensure they look as good as new.”