How to Get Clothes Really White Without Using Bleach

Written By
Chris Anzalone
Chris Anzalone
Published: Sep 24, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Lemons
  • Bucket
  • White vinegar
  • Clothespins
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Lemon juice
  • Baking soda
  1. Pour hot water into a large bowl or bucket, and add several lemon slices. Soak your white garments in the bowl or bucket for one to two hours. The combination of hot water and citric acid will help dissolve stains and restore whiteness to the garments.

  2. Let your washing machine fill with water. Add 1 cup of your regular laundry detergent, and 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar. Add your white clothing to the washer, and wash the garments as normal. The acetic acid in the vinegar will help whiten and soften your fabrics.

  3. Hang your white garments to dry in the sun. Sunlight can further whiten fabrics.

The Drip Cap

  • Chlorine bleach can keep white clothes looking their whitest, but it is also harsh on skin, eyes, lungs and the environment.
  • Add your white clothing to the washer, and wash the garments as normal.
  • The acetic acid in the vinegar will help whiten and soften your fabrics.
Chris Anzalone

Chris Anzalone has been writing professionally since 2001. He is a former staff writer and associate editor for Opposing Views, a popular news media website that tackles issues of the day from multiple perspectives. Anzalone holds a…

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