Claims that “one ingredient will make laundry as white as milk” are usually exaggerated, but some simple laundry boosters can help brighten fabrics when used correctly.
One commonly used ingredient is baking soda.
How baking soda can help laundry:
- Helps neutralize odors
- Can soften water, allowing detergent to work more effectively
- May help remove some dullness from fabrics
How to use it:
- Add about ½ cup of baking soda to the washing machine along with your regular detergent.
- Wash according to the garment care label.
Other ways to keep whites brighter:
- Avoid overloading the washing machine (clothes need room to rinse).
- Use the correct amount of detergent.
- Treat stains before washing.
- Dry whites properly—sunlight can naturally help brighten some fabrics.
- Separate whites from colored clothing to prevent dye transfer.
For heavily yellowed or stained whites, a single kitchen ingredient may not be enough; the fabric type and cause of discoloration matter. Always check care labels before using any whitening method.
