Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

This One Trick Will Keep Your White Clothes Bright Forever (It’s So Easy!)

There’s a sneaky little hack that’s been hiding in plain sight, and it’s about to blow your mind. You know that sinking feeling you get when your white clothes start looking more off white than sparkling?

One minute they’re the stuff of laundry dreams, and the next, they’re looking like they’ve lived through a mudslide. Like, how did we go from snow white to dishwater grey? Well, no need to panic.

The answer isn’t some fancy, overpriced product or dodgy chemical cocktail. Nope, this trick is so simple you’ll kick yourself for not knowing it sooner.

And the best part? You probably already have it in your cupboard. Intrigued? Good, keep reading, and prepare to become the laundry legend your mates will envy.

Table of Contents

How To Whiten Your Clothes Like a Pro (No Bleach Needed!)

The magical ingredient which takes your whites from grey to brilliant white is…Baking soda. It turns out you can use baking soda in a few ways to restore your whites, and they’re all ridiculously easy:

The Overnight Soak (That’s Pure Magic)

Feeling a bit lazy? This one’s for you. Soaking your clothes overnight in a baking soda solution is the ultimate lazy hack that actually works. Here’s what you do:

Grab a big bucket and mix 1 cup of baking soda with hot water.
Chuck in your whites (make sure they’re fully dunked).
Leave them to soak overnight. Seriously, go to bed, it’s doing the work for you.
Next morning, shove them in the washing machine, add your usual detergent, and boom…Whites whiter than a Love Island smile.

The Pour It In The Wash Hack

No time for soaking? No worries. This one’s the easiest trick in the book:

Bung your dirty whites in the washing machine.
Sprinkle ½ a cup of baking soda on top of the clothes.
Add your regular detergent.
Hit start, make a cuppa, and let the machine do its thing.

Busting Stains With Baking Soda (Spot Removal)

Got a pesky stain ruining your favourite white tee? Baking soda’s got you covered. Here’s how to get that stain gone;

Make a paste (2 parts baking soda, 1 part water).
slap it on the stain, and let it sit for at least an hour.
Then, toss it in the wash. Stain? What stain?

The Superpowered Stain Slayer

For the stains that just won’t quit (we’re looking at you, red wine), it’s time to bring in the big guns:

Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water into a paste.
Smother the stain with it.
Let it dry and then gently brush it off.
Wash as usual. Your whites will be white as snow

How To Keep Those Whites Bright

Once your clothes are back to their brilliant best, you’ll want to keep them that way. Here’s how:

Don’t mix whites with colours
Soak your whites in baking soda every now and then for a little maintenance.
Dry them in the sun whenever you can. Mother Nature’s got some serious bleaching skills.
Use detergents designed for whites.
Spot treat stains as soon as you see them. Don’t let them settle in like they’ve paid rent.

A Quick Word To The Wise

Baking soda is amazing, but it’s not a one size fits all miracle. Don’t use it on delicate fabrics like wool, cashmere, or silk, it’s just too harsh and can mess them up.

The pH of baking soda can be too much for the delicate fibres and cause them to break down. Your favourite cashmere sweater could become more hole-y than righteous.

Plus baking soda could cling to the material after it’s been washed which wouldn’t look too good would it?

As with all cleaning products, it’s best to test a little spot first. Spread some baking soda on an inside seam or under the collar to check it doesn’t cause any damage. Better safe than sorry, yeah?

Is Baking Soda The GOAT Of Whitening Clothes?

Honestly? It’s pretty darn close. Sure, bleach might be the ultimate stain assassin, but it’s not exactly gentle on fabrics, or the environment.

If you decide that bleach is the way to go, we would suggest using an oxygen bleach as it’s safer and better for the environment as well as your clothes. But if you’re after something kinder, baking soda is your best bet.