Do you automatically reach for the Clorox whenever you need to get something white? While this old habit can really get sturdy whites whiter, it can also cause damage to clothing, especially synthetic fibers. I learned this the hard way when my expensive performance socks wound up not only whiter but also lighter because the fibers broke down leaving bare threads and holes behind over time.
Before you even put anything into the wash or hamper, give it a good once over. Inspect any white clothing as you take it off. This way you can either wash the items immediately or at least pre wash them. Stains that set in and harden are harder to get out.
Wash your whites in the hottest water that is recommended for the fabric. If you have to, separate items out into smaller loads or wash them by hand. For stubborn stains, you can soak the items first in an oxygen bleach. Another trick to do on sunny days is to apply lemon juice to the stain and set the piece out in the sun to bleach naturally. Wash after bleaching.
If you will be dry cleaning any whites, you’ll first want to talk to the dry cleaner. Some dry cleaning solutions can leave white laundry dull or even yellow. Your dry cleaner should have special solvents that prevent this problem. Make sure you ask, or you may be in for a surprise when you pick up your dry cleaning.
Even if you get your whites whiter in the wash, you can still ruin them when it comes time to iron. Starch build up on the iron plate or mineral build up in a steam iron can iron stains right into your clothes. Any stain that is heat pressed will be a bear to try and get out, so avoid this problem in the first place. Use the self cleaning function on your iron to remove minerals. For starch build up, you can remove it by running your iron carefull over a piece of waxed paper.