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How to Keep T-Shirts White

A crisp white T-shirt is a casual stand-by that can be worn in an almost endless number of ways. When cared for properly, they add a crisp and clean feel to any outfit, and are ideal for steamy summer days. Unfortunately, every discoloration, from the tiniest stain to dingy build-up, is glaringly obvious. White T-shirts must be laundered with more care and in a different manner than colored clothing to maintain their brightness and prevent dinging.

Things You'll Need

  • Commercial laundry stain remover
  • Borax
  • White vinegar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Eliminate stains by dampening the affected area with water and spraying it with commercial laundry stain remover as quickly as possible.

    • 2

      Separate white T-shirts from colored clothing before washing.

    • 3

      Add only the recommended amount of detergent when washing white T-shirts, as residue left behind by using too much product can cause dinginess.

    • 4

      Fill the tub with the hottest water temperature recommended on the garment's care label.

    • 5

      Add 1/2 cup of borax with the recommended amount of laundry detergent to brighten white T-shirts.

    • 6

      Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the rinse water if you have hard water, which grays white T-shirts over time.

    • 7

      Hang T-shirts made of natural fibers outdoors in bright sunlight if possible, which brightens whites naturally.