How to Whiten Shirts

It might seem like a lot of work, but preventing your white shirts and other garments from turning yellow or gray doesn’t have to be a mammoth task. 

By following fabric care, including removing stains using a high-quality stain remover that contains active brighteners, such as Vanish, you can eradicate fresh and dried stains and keep your whiter whites even after 50 washes.

Learn how to whiten shirts by restoring them to their former glory after every wash while removing stains such as oil, grease, ketchup, ink, etc.

Regardless of how white your shirts used to be, it will begin to fade over time. But by following these tips, you can bring back the desired brightness and whiteness using Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder for white shirts and other garments. 

There are three methods for utilizing Vanish products to eliminate stains: Pre-treat, Soaking, and adding directly to the Wash. 

Although pre-treatment and soaking are typically reserved for tough stains, the in-wash method is the simplest and can be combined with pre-treat or soaking.

INSTRUCTIONS

[H4] Option 1: Pre Treat

1. Add ¼ scoop (15g) of Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder in the water (MAX 40°C)

2. Stir for 30 seconds.

3. Apply the mixture directly onto the stain, rub it gently, and let it sit for 10 mins (do not allow Vanish to dry on the fabric. 

4. Wash as usual. 

[H4] Option 2: Soak

1. Add 1 scoop (60g) of Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder in 4L of water.

2. Stir for 30 seconds.

3. Soak colored clothes in the solution for 1h max, and for whites, it's 4h max.

4. Wash as usual. 

[H4] Option 3: Wash

Add Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder to your machine on top of your laundry detergent. Below are the recommended stain remover dosages:

• ½  scoop (30g) for normal stains.

• 1 scoop (60g) for tough & dried stains.

These tips will help you preserve the brightness of your white shirts and other garments. 

[H3] 1. Treat stains spontaneously

Treating stains spontaneously prevents them from setting into the fabric, making them easier to remove. In addition, prompt stain removal also helps prevent compromise of the integrity of materials over time, leading to discoloration, weakening, or permanent damage. 

We suggest using Vanish Pre-Treat Oxi Action Stain Remover Spray for spontaneous stain treatment, which is safe for everyday whites and colored fabrics. 

It can be directly sprayed onto the stains, and its powerful Oxi Action formula removes all types of stains, from the ones you can see to the tougher ones that may be hidden deeper within the fabric fibers.

[H3] 2. Avoid chlorine bleach

Avoid using bleach as much as possible. It can break down the fibers in the fabric, leading to weakened areas and eventual deterioration. In addition, it can cause yellowing or discoloration, diminishing the shirt’s bright white appearance.  

[H3] 3. Additional rinse cycle 

If your washing machine offers the feature of an extra rinse cycle, use it. An extra rinse cycle is useful, especially for whiten clothes. This feature removes any lingering dirt or remnants of detergent or fabric softener, making your whites brighter.

[H3] 4. Avoid discoloration

It is advisable to wash white clothes separately from colored clothes. Washing them together may result in color bleeding, where dyes from colored fabrics transfer onto the whites, causing discoloration. Separating them helps prevent color transfer and maintains the brightness of white garments.

[H3] 5. Use products carefully

The skincare products we use on ourselves, such as makeup, sunscreen, moisturizers, deodorants, etc., often contribute to the stains and discoloration of white clothes. A way to prevent your white clothing from staining is to let the product completely dry on your body before putting your clothes on.

How often should I wash my white clothes?

While colored clothes can last longer between washes, white shirts and garments don’t. They can easily turn yellow or discolor, so wash your whites after every wear. However, a few exceptions exist, such as sweaters or dresses. 

Are white shirts hard to maintain?

It can be hard to figure out how to keep white clothes white as they attract stains and become yellowed, dingy, or worse over time. But basic fabric care knowledge, such as using stain remover and shirt whitener, like Vanish by either pre-treat, soak, or washing method, can go a long way regarding keeping the whites whiter. 

Do white shirts fade?

Yes, they do begin to fade and look more gray than white. Some of the most common reasons white items can fade include using too much detergent, chlorine bleach, and antiperspirants, and even grime and pollution can set into your fabrics and discolor your whites.