A laundry expert has urged people to use five tablespoons of salt in their washing to solve a common problem of dull white clothes. Deyan Dimitrov from Laundryheap says salt is the ultimate solution, along with three other natural tricks.
Salt Soak for Whites
Deyan advises: “Soaking should always be your first step. Pop dulled white clothes in a tub of cold water with five tablespoons of salt, leaving it submerged for at least an hour. The salt works to break down the buildup of dirt in the fabric that has caused it to appear faded.” Salt’s natural abrasive properties make it great for scouring out stubborn stains. Mix salt water into a paste and work into stained or discoloured areas. Leave this to sit for thirty minutes before washing on a normal cycle.
“Salt will be your wonder weapon in your battle against discoloured whites. Not only is fine table salt incredibly cheap (as little as 2p per tablespoon), but it can also be used safely in combination with other natural remedies like lemon juice and white vinegar.”
Lemon Juice Brightening
You can also add lemon juice directly to the machine. Deyan explains: “Lemon juice naturally contains citric acid, which brightens fabrics and kills bacteria. This weak acid has mild bleaching qualities that can strip away unwanted yellows and greys that are common on white clothes without damaging the fabric.” Add half a cup of lemon juice into your regular wash cycle for a boost and a citrus scent. For stubborn stains, create a solution of lemon juice and water in a 1:2 ratio. Soak for 10 minutes before wringing and washing with a good bio detergent.
White Vinegar Alternative
If you don't have lemons, a 35p kitchen staple will help. Deyan says: “Distilled white vinegar is a natural alternative to harsh chemical bleaches and works well on clothes that have gotten a lot of wear. At just 35p per bottle, it’s incredibly cost effective. White wine vinegar can be a substitute, but it is generally more expensive.” Mix 250ml of white vinegar with 3 litres of water and soak whites in this solution. The acetic acid in vinegar is a natural whitener, stripping residue from fabric fibres while eliminating bacteria and removing musty odours. For targeted stain removal, combine 180g of baking soda and 100ml of vinegar to make a fizzing paste, work into stains, then rinse thoroughly before machine washing, as vinegar can damage rubber seals over time.
Free Sunlight Method
The simplest solution costs nothing. Deyan advises: “After washing, hang your whites in direct sunlight to air dry. The sun’s UV rays are a natural bleaching agent, providing an extra whitening boost that is completely free.” This method works best on sunny days and is most effective when paired with other solutions.
