How to whiten clothes and socks without chemicals: add one product to the wash

White clothes, socks, and sheets are often more susceptible to stains, but you can whiten them with one item in the kitchen and it's not vinegar or baking soda.

Store-bought bleach is not the solution, because it is too harsh on clothes and is also not very effective because it cannot break down the compounds in certain stains to get rid of them and can actually bind them in the fabric, explains OBOZ.UA.

Natural alternatives are not only safer for washing but also more effective at breaking down difficult stains.

One of the strongest laundry bleaching agents that does an excellent job of removing stains is lemons, as they contain citric acid.

Lemons are natural bleaches and brighteners, and they also give your laundry a clean and fresh scent.

The citric acid in lemon juice is incredibly effective in removing tough, greasy stains, making it ideal for use after the holidays as it can break down most food and drink stains.

Not only does lemon juice remove dissolved stains, but it also has mild whitening properties when exposed to sunlight, helping to brighten white clothes.

How to use lemon to wash white clothes

If your white clothes are very dirty, soak them in lemon juice before throwing them in the washing machine.

Just fill a bowl or tub with hot water, then add plenty of lemon juice or lemon slices. Then add your white clothes and let them stand for one hour before washing them as usual.

Then add the lemon juice to the detergent drawer of your machine during your normal wash. Wash in warm water, unless the label says cold water.

If you can, hang your white laundry outside. Ultraviolet rays under the influence of sunlight react with citric acid, helping to whiten the fabric and break down the remaining stains.

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