A washing expert has explained why you should also be using table salt and white vinegar
A laundry expert has urged people to put five tablespoons of salt into their washing to solve a common problem. Laundryheap laundry expert Deyan Dimitrov said salt is the ultimate solution to keeping white clothes looking vibrant – with three other tricks you can also try.
Deyan said: “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 has natural abrasive properties which make it great for scouring out stubborn stains. Mix salt water into a paste and work into stained or discoloured areas. The gentle scrubbing action helps to lift dirt and stains from fabric fibres. Leave this to sit after scrubbing 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.”
You can also add one kitchen ingredient directly to the machine. Deyan said: “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 that you’re trying to brighten.
You can add half a cup of lemon juice into your regular wash cycle to give it a boost (and give your laundry a nice citrus scent). For stubborn stains, create a solution of lemon juice and water in a 1:2 ratio. Soak for 10 minutes before wringing your garment out and washing with a good bio detergent.”
And if you don’t have lemons, a 35p kitchen staple will help. Deyan said: “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 in most supermarkets, it’s incredibly cost effective. White wine vinegar can be a good substitute if you’re in a pinch, but it is generally more expensive.
“Mix 250ml of white vinegar with 3 litres of water and soak your whites in this solution. The acetic acid in vinegar is a natural whitener, stripping residue from fabric fibres whilst eliminating bacteria and removing musty mould and mildew odours.
“For more targeted stain removal, you can combine 180g of baking soda and 100ml of vinegar to make a fizzing paste then work this mixture into stubborn stains with a sponge. Rinse clothes thoroughly before machine washing, as the acetic acid in vinegar can damage rubber seals in washing machines over time. “
The simplest solution will cost you nothing. Deyan said: “After washing, hang your whites in direct sunlight to air dry. The sun’s UV rays are a natural bleaching agent (as the UV reacts to colour pigment and strips them of their colour), providing an extra whitening boost that is completely free.
“This method obviously works best on bright, sunny days and is most effective when paired with other solutions.”
