When it comes to being more eco-friendly in our everyday lives, we really have to do our homework. When thinking about our laundry we have to take a hard look at the harsh detergents, chemical filled fabric softeners. And, most importantly the chlorine bleach used in prior generations to keep whites really clean and bright. All of us can remember that smell of bleach on laundry day that signaled our socks, underwear, and linens were as clean and white as Mom’s could get them. All while using chlorine bleach, of course.
Brighten Your Whites! | Laundry Raleigh NC
Chlorine bleach can irritate our eyes, skin, and lungs. It releases cancer causing dioxins into the air and if we are striving to be as proactive as possible in our efforts to be as eco-friendly as possible we must banish it from our homes.
So what then can we do to make sure we keep our whites, white and that our laundry is as clean and bright as we would like? Fortunately there are many other things we can use that are much gentler but yet clean just as well. The great news is that you more than likely already have most of them in your home already!
Baking Soda | Laundry Raleigh NC
One of the most versatile products we can use in our home is Baking Soda. Baking soda can be used in laundry to soften, freshen, and most importantly to whiten your clothing. Simply add 1/2 of a cup of baking soda to you regular laundry detergent an wash as normal. If you need a stain remover, a paste of baking soda and water can be used. Make a paste that is thick enough to apply directly to the stained fabric. Launder as usual.
Another great laundry brighter that you probably already have in your home is Hydrogen peroxide 3%. Hydrogen peroxide is actually a non-chlorine bleach!. To use it to replace regular chlorine bleach you will want to add 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide 3% to your laundry along with your regular laundry detergent.
Dishwash Detergent | Laundry Raleigh NC
Did you know that your dishwasher detergent is able to multi-task? To stay within the eco-friendly realm make certain first that your dishwasher detergent is chlorine free and phosphate free. You will want to add 1/4 of a cup of your dishwasher detergent to your regular laundry detergent for a whiter wash.
Check your pantry for distilled white vinegar. Using 1/2 cup to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar will soften, freshen, and help whiten your clothing along with your regular detergent. You can also use it to dispel collar and underarm stains on shirts. Simply spray it directly on the spots needed to be treated. If you are worried about the vinegar smell, don’t. The smell will dissipate once the garments are dry.
Plain lemon juice is also a great way to freshen, and brighten your clothing. Adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of lemon juice to your regular laundry detergent will ensure you have clean, bright clothes. If you want you can fill your sink with hot water and a sliced lemon and allow clothing to soak for about an hour then launder as usual.
One of the easiest most natural ways to brighten your whites and linens is free! Hang your newly washed laundry out in the bright sunlight to dry! If you have items that have yellowed this is a really great tip to help restore your favorite article of clothing. The sun will naturally whiten, brighten and leave all your laundry smelling so clean and fresh!
Laundry Express | Laundry Raleigh NC
Laundry Express knows you care about your clothing and the environment. Come by and let us talk with you about all of the great laundry services we provide! We are here to answer all your laundry questions!
