How to Make Your Whites Bright Again

Posted by Eleanor Turner

Do you have white clothes that have lost their brightness and are starting to look a little dingy? Don't worry, you're not alone. Aluminum and alcohol found in many deodorants can stain, or using too much bleach, residue buildup from detergent or fabric softener, and being left in the wash too long are other factors that can lead to less-than-white whites. Over time, even the best-quality clothes, like our Relaxed Crewneck or Bikini Briefs can start to fade and lose their whiteness. One of our favorite customers wrote in and told us her secrets for how to make our whites bright again and honestly, we were shocked at the results. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to whitening using Borax, Arm & Hammer laundry booster, and Tide Original powder:

Step 1: Determine the Load Size

Depending on how big or small the load is, you will need a 2 tablespoons or up to 1/2 cup of the following: Borax, Arm & Hammer laundry booster, and Tide Original powder.

Step 2: Soak the Clothes

Fill a tub or bin with very hot water and keep like colors together. Add the borax, Arm & Hammer laundry booster, and Tide Original powder to the water and stir until the powders are completely dissolved. Add the clothes to the water and soak for up to 6 hours, stirring every once in a while to make sure the clothes are evenly soaked. If you have deep stains, you may need to use a laundry brush to gently brush out the stain.

Step 3: Transfer to Washer

When the soaking is done, transfer the clothes to the washing machine. Do not add any more soap, as the soap from the soaking will be in the clothes. Run the washing machine on the hottest cycle possible.

Step 4: Check for Stains

Before transferring the clothes to the dryer, check for any remaining stains. If there are still stains, repeat the soaking process until they are removed.

Step 5: Dry the Clothes

Once the clothes are stain-free, transfer them to the dryer and dry as usual.

If you can, always separate your laundry loads by color - whites should go with whites, colors with colors. This will keep whites whiter for longer, but by following the above steps, you can restore the brightness of your clothes and keep them looking like new. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself

Amazon.com: OUT White Brite Laundry Whitener, 1 lb. 12 oz. Bottle : Health  & Household