Thursday, June 3, 2010

Natural Clothes Whitener

I stopped using bleach a while ago. The fumes are extremely dangerous if inhaled. Bleach is not only toxic to humans, but to the environment as well. I used to pour a little in my washer when I washed my whites and socks.

I have since switched over to vinegar. The mild acid brightens clothes and gives them a crisp, fresh smell. I pour about 1/2 - 3/4 cup into my washer along with my detergent. When the clothes are done, they don't have any of the vinegar odor on them. It's a natural way to get my clothes clean, bright and smelling fresh.

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tip, and no more bleach spots.

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  2. I do this, too, but I fill the fabric softener dispenser with vinegar. I read that it helps to remove soap residue, so it seemed logical to add it to the rinse water. Occasionally it'll leave the laundry smelling like vinegar, but usually the smell disappears as the clothes dry.

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  3. I use vinegar in my clothes washer also. It not only brightens but softens clothes too.

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  4. I use vinegar all over my house but never tried in the laundry because my SO hates the house 'smelling like a pickle' and would probably mutiny if his clothes smelled like that too, I'll try this on a load of my socks first! Thanks for the courage!

    ~Kelli @ Smidgens

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  5. I love doing this. Works great on baby clothes and cloth diapers.

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  6. Is this just for whites or colors too - to make them brighter?

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