Thursday, July 17, 2008

Trends Report: White Out

One of the things I love about summer is being able to unapologetically wear white – there’s just something so refreshing about a white ensemble – a cleansing of the color palette – that I look forward to each season. The problem, of course, is how to keep your whites white.

Here are some tips and tricks that will prevent a “right case of the dingies.”

Commercial chlorine bleach is an obvious choice, but it’s just so…ugh…toxic. Search for greener alternatives at your local health food store that use hydrogen peroxide, which sanitizes without a harsh odor and is much gentler on your clothes.

Soften your water – hard water can give clothes a grayish appearance; add a half cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle, it not only softens water but softens your clothes. Additionally, adding a ¼ cup of borax to your washing machine before adding clothes will ensure sparkly whites.

When it comes to drying, hanging clothes outside – particularly those made of cotton – is a great choice because sunlight has a bleaching effect. Portable drying racks are a good substitute for apartment dwellers, and both of these options are preferable to the dryer where high temperatures set stains permanently.

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