I was taught to put bleach in all my white loads for 3 reasons.
I've always mindlessly added bleach because Mama did. While loading the whites and looking for stains, I realized that most stains can be removed better by pre-soaking or scrubbing. It says on the bleach bottle to use 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups of bleach per load. That's a lot of bleach!
I went to the thrift store and paid 59 cents for a shot glass and put it by the bleach bottle. I now use 1 shot glass of bleach in white loads. That's enough to prevent the dinginess. If something is stained, I pre-soak, scrub and or use a little more bleach. I use 2 shot glasses for underwear or anything that needs to be more sanitary.
I'm using a lot less bleach, saving money and still getting good results while also being good to the environment.
By Di from Wilsonville, OR
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Bleach tends to wear down the fibers in material and if things aren't 100% cotton, they will also yellow. I found that not using bleach and instead using Tide's product "Tide Stain Release in-wash booster" gave me better results! Whites came out bright white, stains gone first time. That product is sold in an orange package of 10 for under $4 (cheaper at dollar stores and Walmart). There are also larger, family packs. These are pre-measured and just toss one into the washing machine at start of wash and use warm water.
I also love the Gain liquid fabric softener but also Downy is excellent. Downy also has a great new product out to give laundry that extra boost of long-lasting fragrance "Unstoppables": these are beads you shake into washer at beginning of wash, too. Amazing! (Especially on linens!). Comes in 2 scents: Fresh Scent and also Lush (lavender, romantic scent).
I have found that using any of the popular "pre-wash stain removers" works well on almost any stain. The trick is to spray the stain, let it sit for about 5 minutes, scrub a little with a soft tooth brush, then put it in the washer, preferably with cold water.
I was also going to point out that bleach can wear down the fibers. I think that it is not necessary to use bleach as a routine thing, although there is nothing like it for getting white towels clean and fresh smelling. Nothing else takes that sour smell out of towels as effectively.
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
