Alright, let’s talk about white clothes. Yup.. there is absolutely nothing like slipping into a fresh white shirt or getting that well-deserved sleep in some soft, crisp white sheets after a long crazy day… But looking after those whites and keeping them white is a whole different ball game. With the accidental coffee spills at work and ketchup splatters from that epic backyard BBQ, trying to keep those whites bright can seem like an impossible fight. White clothes are a wardrobe must-have here in the good old U.S. of A.
Importance of properly washing white clothes
Whether it’s your favorite white tee, that blouse you wear to all your Zoom meetings, or those comfy white socks, knowing how to wash white clothes is key. This will make sure that they keep looking fresh and save you from those “I-need-to-buy-new-clothes” blues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Whites
Let’s be honest, we have all done it — when whites and colors get mixed up together and there is a mildewed grayish stack of clothes. Or perhaps using too much detergent and noticing that your clothes have lost some of their softness and are without the pop. Oh, and don’t even get me started on overfilling the washing machine! By not making these mistakes, you can save yourself a lot of heartache in the laundry room.
So, here’s teh scoop: Washing your white clothes is a very important process as well. You need to separate and wash them correctly, pre-treat any stains, choose the right detergent, run your washing machine properly then dry. Every step is a part of the master plan to keep your whites bright and beautiful.
Sorting and Pre-Treatment
Sorting Whites from Coloreds and Delicates
Have you ever been the person who throws a red sock in with your whites and winds up when that whole load of shirts is now pink? Yeah, me too. Separate your whites from colored clothes – always, and I mean ALWAYS better safe than sorry. This will help to ensure that your delicates get the gentle care they require.
Understanding Fabric Care Labels
You know those small little tags on your clothes? They’re not here to annoy you. I like to think of fabric care labels as your laundry cheat sheet. They tell you not only how to wash them but also dry and iron your clothes. Ignoring them is like playing a game of laundry roulette, and trust me, you don’t want to lose.
Using Stain Removers and Pretreaters
Not everything in your wardrobe is going to be new and spotless. Whether it’s coffee, ketchup, or that mystery stain from your kid’s last adventure; pre-treat is your BFF. Before throwing the garment in a wash, apply a stain remover to where you spot it. Essentially, it is like a smokehouse for your clothes; giving them an opportunity to escape unscathed.
Choosing the Right Detergent and Washing Machine Settings
Selecting a Detergent for Whites
All detergents are not the same. For white clothing use detergent for whites. These cleaners contain optical brighteners to make your clothes as white a possible. And that can be hard, but try to resist the urge to bleach everything—over time it weakens fabrics.
Setting the Correct Water Temperature
Hot water is always best for anything white, as it gets rid of stains and helps the detergent do its job. Warning: certain fabrics can not take the heat. Before selecting a water tempetature always consult the care label to prevent any laundry mistakes.
Understanding Wash Cycle Options
Your washing machine is a laundry wizard. Today’s machines have all sorts of different cycles based on the type of clothes you’re washing. Normal or heavy-duty: For tough whites, a normal or heavier boat is probably best
Tips for Handwashing and Drying
Proper Techniques for Handwashing White Clothes
Hand-washing is sometimes best – especially for delicate pieces you want to avoid sending through the machine. Free a pot with lukewarm water and some washing-up liquid. Swish around clothing gently, and rinse well. Do not twist them like a wet towel, because it can stretch and damage the fabric.
Drying White Clothes: Air Drying vs. Machine Drying
For white wearables, on the other hand air drying is always a good option. Then, hang the garments in a well-ventilated area that is not too sunny (in order to avoid yellowing). If you are running late and have to throw them in the dryer, set it on low heat but don’t forget they can easily over-dry.
Ironing and Storing White Clothes Properly
Other than removing creases, ironing the white clothes will help you recover this ambiguity of neatness. Steam iron in the proper setting for the fabric. And finally, your whites should be clean and dry, and ready to go in your wardrobe. Garment bags provide an extra layer of protection.
White Clothes SOS? NimNim’s Got Your Back
Washing white clothes doesn’t have to be a Herculean task. Following these tips and tricks will allow you to maintain the brand-new look of your whites, making sure they remain wearable through many years. Time to strut your stuff in that white shirt — you know the secret of how to keep it as fresh looking as the day you opened it.
But if you’re trying to cram 34 hours a day into just 24, and your head is spinning from all the dirty socks or shirts on top of underwear, at least you know that services such as NimNim exist. NimNim: A laundromat service that offers pick up and delivery of your clothes, based in Boston and Miami. We even have same-day return options. NimNim will do the laundry and you can breathe easy the next time you have a wardrobe dilemma—so that all your outfits look shiny.
