As the warmer months approach, many people will turn to white shirts and lighter clothing to stay cool and embrace the warm weather. However, keeping them bright can be a challenge, as they’re prone to discolouration, yellowing, and stains.
This also includes socks, which can end up looking dingy after a few wears. One expert has shared a simple, cost-effective solution to bring back their brightness. Thomas Bird, textiles expert and owner of Fabric Online, said: “Lemon juice is a natural and affordable solution to making your whites even whiter.
“Lemons contain citric acid, a natural bleaching agent that effectively breaks down even the toughest stains.
“Unlike chemical whiteners, such as bleach, it lifts stains from your clothes without the risk of damage, making it the perfect alternative for brightening your whites.”
Whilst lemon juice “works wonders” on whites, its bleaching effects can fade coloured fabrics, so stay away from this.
To start with, squeeze three lemons into a glass, which should equal about half a cup of lemon juice.
Add the lemon juice directly to your washing machine along with the regular detergent you use.
Then, set your washing machine to the normal spin cycle and let the magic happen.
After the wash, let your clothes dry as usual, and watch the “noticeable difference” appear as they dry.
If you dry your clothes outside, the UV rays can also help to further whiten fabrics, perfect if your garment is extra stained.
Take advantage of the UK’s mini heatwave and dry your clothing outside as it’ll be brighter and dry within just a couple of hours.
