I have tried using hydrogen peroxide as a non-chlorine bleach. But my whites were not as white as I thought they would be. What else can I try?
By glenda from Arlington, TX
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There are some answers in the archives below ;-) I will also add that other things I've learned since then by reading various ThriftyFun posts is drying whites on the line in the sunshine and using Oxiclean. Hope this helps :-)
My whites were getting very dingy I was using chlorine bleach and I used 20 Mule Team Borax 1/2 cup in a large load made a huge difference and it is $3.00 for a 4lb box.
For years people have used Mrs. Stewart's bluing to make whites look whiter. I have just recently started using it & it does seem to help. BJ
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We all need to stop using bleach! Not only is it bad for our environment but also for personal health! There are plenty of bleach alternatives that are not harmful
Fabric Whitening: 1/2 cup vinegar and a 1/2 cup of baking soda for one load of wash
Disinfecting: Hydrogen Peroxide
All Purpose Cleanser: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle
Or here's a recipe for all three chores:
Pour some in a spray bottle for overall cleaning and add 2 cups for each wash load.
Source: I was recently diagnosed with Emphysema and my lungs can no longer tolerate harsh chemicals so I started doing homework on the net for alternatives.
By Deeli from Richland, WA
There are also commercial bleach alternatives, I just bought one today from Safeway, says it breaks down to water and oxygen. We'll see how it does, I rarely use bleach but sometimes it's the only thing that works, so I'm hoping this alternative will work. I'd pay more for it (though it was a good price at Safeway) if it's better for the environment. (08/16/2009)
By Michawn
I would love to stop using bleach but I'm on a budget. Wanted to use peroxide in my wash but a bottle doesn't go very far. I do use vinegar in the wash; it softens the clothes but doesn't seem to do much for whitening. My underpants get stained and seems nothing will whiten like bleach. (08/17/2009)
By Betty
I would just like to point out that mixing vinegar and baking soda neutralizes them and creates salt water. I suspect that just baking soda would whiten to a small extent, but the combo isn't going to do much. I know many people will swear by it, but chemically, it simply doesn't make sense. If you want salt water, add salt to the water! (08/18/2009)
By Louise B.
I am giggling because salt water does indeed have a bleaching effect. Ever seen a beach comber or a surfer's hair? I grew up in L.A. near the beach and hair and cotton swim suits definitely were bleached from the salt water, including mine :-) Yep, basic baking soda and vinegar might not have as big of an effect as chlorine bleach but it's a heck of a lot safer. (08/18/2009)
By Deeli
I use baking soda and white vinegar as a drain cleaner for my bathroom sink. Seeing that the combination fizzes up, I would guess that it would help to clean/whiten clothes. (08/21/2009)
By Maryeileen
