Gray or yellow instead of bright white laundry after washing?
It doesn't have to be.
The right washing program makes your light colored laundry shine.
Whether shirts, wool sweaters, satin blouses, towels or bed linen: white laundry can be made from a wide variety of materials.
That's why there is no such thing as "the" washing program for white laundry.
Rather, it is important to pay attention to the right washing temperature and detergent so that stains, gray haze and yellowing don't stand a chance.
What you should consider before washing white laundry
Before you put your white laundry in the washing machine, you should make sure that any stains or discolouration on the laundry items are removed.
Use a stain remover such as gall soap for this.
Also, make sure to always wash white garments separately from colored garments to avoid discoloration.
Sorting by materials and washing programs is also important to prevent damage and achieve the best possible result.
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White laundry does not need a special washing program to stay sparkling clean.
The main thing that matters is the detergent.
© Zoonar/Imago
Which washing program for white laundry?
Which washing program you choose for your white laundry depends primarily on the material.
After all, a white silk blouse is more delicate than a white fitted sheet and must therefore be washed more gently.
Our recommendations:
Cottons / Whites:
This program is suitable for hard-wearing, white cotton textiles such as sheets, bed linen or towels.
Here hot washing temperatures of 60 or even 90 degrees are possible and a higher spin speed to remove stubborn stains and discolouration.
Easy-care / Delicates:
If your white laundry consists of blended fabrics or synthetic fibers, the easy-care program is the right choice.
It uses lower temperatures of 30 or 40 degrees and a low spin speed to gently wash clothes.
Hygiene:
If you want to wash your white laundry particularly hygienically (e.g. in the case of contagious viral diseases), choose the hygiene program.
It uses high temperature and longer washing time to kill bacteria and germs.
Wool program/hand wash:
We recommend using the hand wash program or the wool wash cycle for particularly delicate white laundry made of wool or silk.
It washes clothes gently and prevents damage.
Before washing, pay attention to the washing temperature and the care instructions given on the washing label.
This way you avoid damaging your favorite jumper or delicate silk blouse.
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Detergent for white laundry
Use a detergent that is specifically designed for white laundry, such as a heavy-duty detergent or heavy-duty detergent.
This detergent contains bleach that removes stains and whitens laundry.
Bleach is activated from a washing temperature of 40 degrees, but only has the best bleaching effect from 60 degrees.
However, this detergent is not suitable for delicate textiles such as wool.
Use wool or delicates detergent instead.
Treat yellowed laundry or laundry with a gray cast
White laundry can take on an unsightly gray haze or yellow tinge over time.
This is due to soiling such as sweat or collar fat that is deposited on the light-colored textiles.
However, natural home remedies such as vinegar, baking soda or even milk help against yellowing in white laundry.
These washing tips from grandma are a thing of the past
These washing tips from grandma are a thing of the past
Conclusion
Proper care of your whites can help them last longer and stay sparkling clean.
Use an appropriate washing program according to the material, detergent for white laundry and avoid mixing colored and white laundry items.
With these simple tips, your whites will always look new.
This article was created with the help of machines and carefully reviewed by editor Andrea Stettner before publication.
List of rubrics: © Zoonar/Imago
