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"We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.

– E. B. White

Introduction:

In the sweltering heat of summer, battling against the relentless sun becomes a daily challenge. To combat the soaring temperatures, I instinctively lean towards wearing light-colored attire, especially white, in an effort to stay cool and refreshed under the scorching rays.

Laundry day often comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to keeping our whites as bright as the day we bought them. No one wants dingy, yellowed whites, but fear not! With the right techniques and a little help from a secret weapon I learned from my grandmother, you can master the art of washing whites and keep them looking pristine wash after wash.

Understanding the Challenge:

The phenomenon of why blue-white appears more radiant than yellow-white, often referred to as dingy, lies in the science of color perception. Yellowing of white fabrics is typically caused by a combination of factors such as exposure to sunlight, oils from the skin, and residue from detergents. These factors lead to a gradual breakdown of the fabric's optical properties, resulting in a shift towards yellow hues.

Our Secret Weapon: Blueing Liquid

Blueing agents, such as those found in Ms. Stewart's Blueing Liquid, counteract this effect by adding a subtle blue tint to the fabric. This tint visually contrasts with any remaining yellow tones, neutralizing them and making the white appear brighter and more radiant. Essentially, the addition of blue enhances the perceived whiteness, creating a cleaner and fresher appearance compared to the dullness of yellowing. Thus, blue-white fabrics stand out as visually striking and radiant choices, elevating the aesthetic appeal of garments and linens.

Sorting Whites:

Before beginning your laundry routine, it's essential to sort your white garments meticulously to prevent any potential color bleeding mishaps. Separate them into four distinct categories: whites, lights, brights, and darks. For example, a predominantly white shirt with navy stripes should be categorized under "lights." The goal is to ensure that items designated as "whites" maintain their pure, pristine appearance throughout the washing process.

How To Wash Whites:

Stain Treatment

Prior to washing, carefully examine each white garment for stains and treat them using a stain remover or a mixture of water and detergent. Allow the pre-treatment to penetrate the fabric for a few minutes before moving forward.

Washing Process

Utilize a high-quality detergent, preferably one specifically formulated for whites or a natural, fragrance-free option, to launder your white garments effectively.

Incorporating Blueing Liquid

Enhance the whiteness of your whites by incorporating Ms. Stewart's Blueing liquid during the rinse cycle. Dilute the concentrate beforehand to prevent any potential staining. Add 3-5 drops to a bottle of water and shake well. The solution color should be light blue.

For Top-Loading Machines: Pause the wash cycle when the rinse cycle is filled with water. Add the diluted blueing to the middle of the machine, ensuring it doesn't come into direct contact with the fabric. Then, resume the cycle as usual.

For Front-Loading Machines: Pause the cycle during the rinse phase. If the tray is accessible and not locked, add the blueing to the "bleach" compartment. Otherwise, initiate a new rinse cycle and add the blueing to the bleach compartment without any bleach. This may take a little trial and error depending on your machine.

Proper Drying

After washing, opt for a low heat setting on your dryer or air dry your whites. Alternatively, take advantage of the natural bleaching and sanitizing power of the sun by drying your whites outdoors on a clothesline, if feasible.

Once dried, store your whites appropriately by either hanging or folding them. Iron or steam garments as needed to maintain their crisp appearance.

With a little care and attention, your whites can remain bright and fresh, allowing you to step out confidently even on the hottest of summer days.