How to Get Cottons White

Getting cottons white is a matter of washing them correctly every time you do the laundry. Cotton fibers are discolored to a dingy gray or dull yellow as a result of washing in hard water, improper washing procedures or ineffective attempts at stain removal. White cotton fiber naturally responds well to proper treatment, releases soils readily and remains white when properly handled. Hard water embeds minerals such as magnesium and calcium into the fiber, which discolors the material while attracting and holding soiling agents. Washing cottons incorrectly or attempting to remove stains improperly contributes to the buildup of soil that discolors the material.

Pre-treatment spray
Liquid detergent
Liquid enzyme detergent
Bleach

Instructions

- 1
  Pre-treat protein stains such as dairy, food or blood on cotton clothes by soaking the garments in cold water before washing. Spray oil stains such as those around collars with pre-treatment spray or rub them with liquid detergent.
- 2
  Sort the cotton clothing into piles of light and dark and wash them separately. Heavily soiled garments are washed separate from lightly soiled garments.
- 3
  Load the washer with the recommended quantity of cotton clothes. Do not load the washer to the point where clothing cannot move freely during the agitator cycle.
- 4
  Set the correct washer cycle as shown on the washer dial for cotton material.
- 5
  Determine the correct water level based on the amount of cotton laundry being washed and set the washer accordingly.
- 6
  Adjust the temperature dial to the "Hot" setting for cottons of 120 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 7
  Add the amount directed on the package of liquid enzyme detergent to the washer to clean cottons.
- 8
  Measure the amount of bleach, as recommended on the package, and dilute it with water. Add the diluted bleach to the washer load of cottons after the washer has filled with water.

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Laundry