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Whites not coming out *white*

  • 30-10-2012 11:49AM
    #1
    Pippy1976
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭


    Hi

    my laundry is driving me bananas. I really try to separate whites, colours, delicates, hand wash only etc into reasonably sized piles for the machine.

    However, my whites never come out gleaming. They're consistently a little bit grey afterwards. I'm following the wash instructions, using the correct detergents (including whitening ones and Vanish etc). My flatmate has really bright white towels after her wash and I'm very envious!

    I recently washed a white chemise from Ann Summers and it's now off-white. Any help or suggestions? Also, if I have white towels, white clothing, white underwear - don't they all go in separate washes? The fact that you can't throw them all in together (towels get washed at a high temp, right?) is starting to bug me and Mother Earth!

    Thanks guys, pips!


Comments

  • #2
    Meangadh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,963 ✭✭✭Meangadh


    I use that Vanish oxi-action stuff and find it really good. Something else you could add are those colour catcher sheets, so that if there is any off-whiteness in the water it'll soak into that rather than into your clothes.

    Now can't promise that those things will definitely work, but they're worth a try!


  • #3
    muckisluck
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 318 ✭✭muckisluck


    Vinegar instead of fabric conditioner for whites is the way to go.


  • #4
    Pippy1976
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭Pippy1976


    muckisluck wrote: »
    Vinegar instead of fabric conditioner for whites is the way to go.

    Really? This sound amazing. How much would you recommend to use? Is it safe on delicates like lingerie / underwear or is it to be used on towels etc?

    Also, I should reply to Meangadh, I have used colour catchers and Vanish but none seem to do a great job to be honest. I would ask my housemate what her secret is but she's moved out!!


  • #5
    muckisluck
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 318 ✭✭muckisluck


    I use a cap from a old bottle of comfort and just use that much. Not sure if it will restore already grey items but great when starting from scratch


  • #6
    deelite
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,876 ✭✭✭deelite


    muckisluck wrote: »
    I use a cap from a old bottle of comfort and just use that much. Not sure if it will restore already grey items but great when starting from scratch

    White vinegar?


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  • #7
    muckisluck
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 318 ✭✭muckisluck


    I usually buy the biggest bottle of clear dstilled vinegar I can find in the supermarket. I still am waiting to find a catering sized carton somewhere. What I like most about the vinegar is actually the lack of smell off the clothes which all my family hate from comfort etc.


  • #8
    shopaholic01
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,916 ✭✭✭shopaholic01


    Use Vanish oxi-action for whites and Comfort fabric conditioner for whites. I use any biological powder/liquid, although you can get ones specifically for whites. Always wash at the recommended temperature and never wash towels with other laundry - it stains it for some reason (I was told this when buying underwear). I always end up doing small white loads, but I think synthetic materials are more prone to turning grey.

    I've never had a problem with whites but am going to try vinegar. I assume clothes don't come out smelling of vinegar?


  • #9
    muckisluck
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 318 ✭✭muckisluck


    No just chips!!


  • #10
    Pippy1976
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭Pippy1976


    I like this alot! I always struggle with my 'green' conscience when putting on small washes with only lingerie in them ... but I guess they deserve their own wash.

    I also hate washing towels with other things but always end up throwing them in with my white delicates... as my towels are white.

    But, you're right, I should keep EVERYTHING separate regardless. Thanks heaps.
    shopaholic01 wrote: »
    Use Vanish oxi-action for whites and Comfort fabric conditioner for whites. I use any biological powder/liquid, although you can get ones specifically for whites. Always wash at the recommended temperature and never wash towels with other laundry - it stains it for some reason (I was told this when buying underwear). I always end up doing small white loads, but I think synthetic materials are more prone to turning grey.

    I've never had a problem with whites but am going to try vinegar. I assume clothes don't come out smelling of vinegar?


  • #11
    Neyite
    Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,948 Mod ✭✭✭✭Neyite


    Napisan found in the baby aisle in tesco is another good whitening option. You would steep items beforehand and then you can add some to the wash as well.


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  • #12
    Pippy1976
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭Pippy1976


    Neyite wrote: »
    Napisan found in the baby aisle in tesco is another good whitening option. You would steep items beforehand and then you can add some to the wash as well.

    Totally forgot about Napisan. We used to use it by the bucket load in Australia - the machines there wash with COLD water so things never come out they way they went in.

    Brilliant, thank you!


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