Is there something you add to help your whites stay white?

By Marg on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 12:04 pm:

Clorox. However, I've notice it can really wear out underwear elastic. I've tried the Oxy and still use tide and clorox.

By Kernkate on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 12:21 pm:

Clorox here to. I have tried many other things and still go back to the old Clorox.

By Sunny on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 12:45 pm:

(hanging my head in shame)
No, nothing. I use Tide w/Bleach alternative. What usually happens around here is the socks and white underwear last for only 6 months before having to be replaced, so I don't worry too much about it. LOL

By Trina~moderator on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 12:47 pm:

We have a septic system and can't use bleach. I used to use Oxi-Clean, and loved it, but now that we have a front loader I have yet to figure out how to add the powder. LOL! So, instead I've been using Snowy liquid color safe bleach.

By Colette on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 12:58 pm:

color safe bleach or oxy.

By Melanie on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 01:02 pm:

Trina, I just did a quick search because we also have a septic but I do use bleach. I found a list of all the do use and don't use items when you have a septic and I see I shouldn't use the dishwasher detergent I use, the shampoo, the soap, all of the cleaners, the mouthwash...pretty much everything I use we shouldn't. Oops. I think it's time for us to reevaluate some of our products. (Thank goodness for the steamer Eve talked me into! I think that is the one thing we use that is okay! LOL)

In answer to the original question I use Chlorox and Biz on our whites.

By Pamt on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 01:30 pm:

I use Clorox. I used to use Oxiclean, but I never could really tell a difference.

By Renee on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 01:51 pm:

I use Oxiclean with hotwater. It does a great job.

And Trina, I have a frontload washer and I put the Oxi in the bleach tray and also a lil bit inside with the clothes.

By Babysitbarb on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 02:21 pm:

I use liquid bleach. Iv tried other things but, go back to the clorox. Iv never heard that if you have a septic you shouldn't use bleach. I used one of those new bleach sticks on my DD's favorite shirts and it ruined it. Her shirt is red, white and blue and the white part was dingy so I thought I would try it. It worked but everywhere I put it that's where it stayed and it has streaks all through the white part now.

By Sue3 on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 02:36 pm:

I use liquid bleach in hot water. I do a large load and use about 2 cups bleach and extra detergent.
When the cycle is done I wash it again with just detergent to get the bleach residue out.
Ds has very sensitive skin.
My Mother always washed her whites this way
and it really works great.
We have a septic also so I will have to check that list out.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 03:25 pm:

Liquid bleach, carefully. I always put the bleach in first and let the water come up at least a third of a tub full before adding any clothes.

By Bea on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 07:38 pm:

I don't use bleach on every load of whites. I've found it ruins any elastic in underwear especially. I run them through a bleach wash about once every third week. That keeps things white without too much wear and tear from the chemicals.

By Dawnk777 on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 08:14 pm:

I really don't add anything, just detergent.

By Feona on Saturday, February 21, 2004 - 06:37 am:

I think tide works the best...

I use mary ellens for a stain on white clothes only.

By Nelda7071360 on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 11:35 am:

Use cold water when washing whites. I've always used hot water on everything and my whites were always dingy. Someone told me to use bleach, cold water and let soak overnight. Then wash with detergent.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 04:47 pm:

Maybe I should try that, Nelda! My white nursing pants are starting to look dingy.

By Hol on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 05:18 pm:

Powdered detergent and Chlorox liquid bleach. I buy the big buckets of powdered detergent from Sam's Club. I think it's called "Windfresh". (I LOVE Tide, but won't pay the price).
I disolve the powder in HOT water, then add half cup of bleach, and swoosh the water around with a short mop handle that I have just for that purpose. Then I add my whites, and turn the water temperature to WARM.
Not only do the whites stay white, but I feel that I am killing germs better on underwear, washcloths, towels, sheets, etc.. I don't have a problem with it wearing out elastics.
I, too, have a septic system, but chlorine is an element that breaks down into an inert substance as it recycles back into the ground water.