How to whiten laundry without using bleach? Discover some effective, alternative methods
The brilliant white of perfect laundry is a result we would like to achieve every time we load the washing machine, but there are several times where it becomes a challenge to achieve this. Usually, the effective solution is bleach, which however is also a very aggressive substance on fabrics and not at all environmentally friendly. So what can we do when we have to wash delicate fabrics with stubborn or old stains?
We can resort to alternative solutions, which are more eco-friendly, and which help us to obtain the desired results even without using chlorine. Read on to find out more:
Laundry bleach
Bleach, or sodium hypochlorite, is excellent for whitening and disinfecting fabrics. Thanks to its composition, it breaks the chemical bonds of stains and pigments in the fabric, so that they come out easily in the wash. In fact, bleach can even remove colors from garments. Furthermore, bleach is capable of killing bacteria and molds, which is why it is used for the deep cleaning of many different garments.
However, bleach must always be used diluted and never come into contact with the skin and mucous membranes or inhaled. Furthermore, it must always be used by itself, as the reaction with ammonia-based products or other household cleaning products can release toxic fumes that are harmful to one's health.
Considering these risks, why not consider other options?
The alternatives to bleach
Creativo
Check out these alternatives to using commercial bleach!
- "Bluing liquid": is a product based on Prussian blue and water, which is added in small quantities to white laundry just before rinsing to prevent it from turning yellow.
- White vinegar: add 60 ml during the rinse phase, and be sure to rinse thoroughly. However, it is good not to use vinegar too often, for the correct maintenance of the washing machine and not to stress the fabrics themselves too much. It also cannot be used on silks, acetates, or fabrics with rayons.
- Lemon juice: Simply strain the juice and add 230ml to your laundry along with your detergent. Never use on colored garments.
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): 6 tablespoons of bicarbonate can be added to the liquid detergent at the beginning of the wash, or directly into the drum before rinsing when using powder detergents.
- Borax: This can also be used like baking soda (above).
- Sodium carbonate: 90 grams, added to the drum or to the detergent in the dispenser. However, remember to always rinse the garments thoroughly, because the carbonate can irritate the skin.
