How To Clean White Towels Without Bleach

How To Whiten Laundry Without Chlorine Bleach

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Many of us have banished chlorine bleach from our homes, as it can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs, poison fish and insects, and release carcinogenic dioxins during production. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways keep white linens, socks, and other fabrics sparkling, and you probably already have the necessary ingredients around the house.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

What You Need

Materials

Laundry detergent
Distilled white vinegar
Baking soda
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
Dishwasher detergent
Lemons
Sunlight
Water

Tools

Measuring cups
Large pot

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

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Baking soda. Baking soda whitens, freshens, and softens fabrics. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda along with your regular laundry detergent. For spot stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply directly to the fabric.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

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Hydrogen peroxide (3%). Hydrogen peroxide is a non-chlorine bleach. Add 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide along with your regular laundry detergent.

→ How To Make Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

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Dishwasher detergent. We wouldn't suggest buying dishwasher detergent solely for laundry, but if you already have it on hand, you can use it to whiten fabrics. (To be eco-friendly, be sure to choose chlorine- and phosphate-free detergent.) Add 1/4 cup of dishwasher detergent along with your regular laundry detergent.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

Distilled white vinegar. Vinegar whitens, freshens, and softens fabrics. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar along with your regular laundry detergent. Don't worry about the vinegar scent- it will dissipate after drying. Vinegar may also be sprayed on spot stains and collar and underarm stains.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

Lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens and freshens fabrics. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of lemon juice along with your regular laundry detergent.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

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Lemon pre-soak. Fill a large pot with water and a sliced lemon. Bring to a boil, turn off heat, and add clothing or linens. Let soak for an hour and then launder as usual.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

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Sunlight. Hang laundry out to dry in the sun, which not only brightens whites but also keeps laundry smelling fresh.

What are your laundry whitening secrets (that don't involve bleach!)?

Have a really great DIY project or tutorial that you want to share with others? Let us know! We love checking out what you're making these days, and learning from our readers. When you're ready, click here to submit your project and photos.

Edited from an original post published on February 24, 2010 by Emily Han

Ashley Poskin

Contributor

Ashley traded the quiet life of a small town in a big house for the hustle and bustle of the Windy City. On any given day you might find her working on a freelance photo or blogging gig, wrangling her little darling, or walking Chuck the boxer.

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