Caring for Whites

Summer is all about whites—linen dresses, cool bed sheets and favorite T-shirts, shorts and pants. These carefree days are also marked by outdoor activities, picnics and barbecues. And, don’t forget, the dreaded stains that come along with all that fun.

To care for your laundry properly, read on for keeping your clothing and bedding white and bright.

Natural Linens

Nothing feels more lightweight on the skin than linen. It’s timeless and durable, comfortable and fashionable for any occasion. Linen also requires special care before, during and after laundering to keep the fabric intact. Prior to washing, separate whites from darks and color fabrics and with like items. Read the manufacturer’s label for specific instructions such as hand wash or dry clean only. Linen should be washed in lukewarm water on the gentle cycle using a mild detergent to prevent shrinkage. When washing delicate items, turn them inside out and place in a mesh bag.

Linen wrinkles easily so it’s best to air dry on padded hangers away from direct sunlight, which can yellow fabric. To avoid creases, lay flat on a drying rack to dry. Iron using medium heat while pieces are slightly damp. The steam option will help smooth out those stubborn wrinkles. If you’re short on time, select the low heat setting on your dryer and toss in a few LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls to reduce wrinkles; remove while items are slightly damp and avoid overdrying.

Spot treat stains with our SoulShine Soap Co. Laundry Stain Stick. For tougher stains, mix baking soda and vinegar, apply to the stain and let sit about 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse then wash with similarly weighted fabrics.

Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners and harsh chemicals to keep linen fabrics lasting longer.

Breathable Cottons

White clothes can be challenging to keep white. Fabric can become dull or discolored as we wear out our favorite pieces. Sweat, body oils and deodorant are common culprits that transform bright whites into yellowish hues, while washing whites with dark colors can lead to a grayish tone. The good news is these unwanted color transformations can be mitigated.

Prior to washing, which should be done after each time an item is worn, read the manufacturer’s label for specific instructions. Separate whites from bright colors, which can “bleed” dye. Pour a cup of natural brightener such as borax or baking soda to the drum before beginning the wash cycle to boost brightness.

Skip bleach and instead pretreat stains with our SoulShine Soap Co. Laundry Stain Stick then wash in warm or lukewarm water. For harsher stains, treat immediately with vinegar and baking soda. At least that’s what the experts say, but does the mixture really work?

Just the other day I tossed a favorite white dress shirt still left with a red mark after washing. Thinking back, was I quick to judge? Could I have saved that shirt? I retrieved the shirt and practiced what I preach. And guess what? The vinegar-baking soda mix worked. Stain gone.

Though hot water will set a stain, experts recommend washing white cottons in hot or warm water; warm water is preferred for cotton delicates or blends to help retain the item’s shape. Avoid overloading the washer to ensure an effective, residue-free clean. Rinse with cold water to completely wash away detergent.

Line dry away from the UV rays of direct sun or, if using a dryer, select low heat and avoid overdrying to prevent yellowing and fabric wear and tear.

Heavy Towels

Towels should be pretreated just like other whites when it comes to stains—water and white vinegar for makeup, food or blood and a stain remover like our stain stick for perspiration spots. Follow the recommended amount of detergent to prevent buildup and absorbency and wash in hot water. If you’re a fan of soft towels, keep them cozy by skipping the fabric softener and adding a cup of white vinegar instead prior to loading the machine. Then wash on hot cycle.

Dry towels alone on the medium to high setting to prevent overdrying other items and add three to four LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls to speed up dry time and soften towels naturally. To prevent mildew and unwanted musty smells, dry towels completely. Experts recommend washing towels every three to four uses to keep them clean and fresh and neatly folding towels to avoid wrinkles.