Yellow armpits on white shirts. Grey-looking sheets. Dingy towels. We’ve all been there. But before you reach for the bleach, try these gentler methods that we use at 19 on Bloekom to keep our linens brilliantly white.
Why Whites Turn Grey or Yellow
Understanding the problem helps solve it:
- Body oils and sweat: Build up over time, especially in armpits
- Hard water: Mineral deposits cling to fabric
- Too much detergent: Residue attracts dirt
- Wrong water temperature: Some stains set in hot water
- Mixing with colours: Dye transfer, even from “colourfast” items
The Natural Whitening Arsenal
1. Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda)
Our go-to whitening agent.
How to use:
- Add 1/2 cup to your regular wash cycle
- For tough stains: make a paste, apply directly, wait 30 minutes
- Bonus: also softens water and removes odours
2. White Vinegar
Don’t worry — the smell disappears completely!
How to use:
- Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle (fabric softener compartment)
- Breaks down detergent residue
- Naturally softens fabric
3. Lemon Juice
Nature’s bleach alternative.
How to use:
- Add 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice to wash cycle
- For stubborn stains: apply directly and dry in sunlight
- The sun activates the whitening properties
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Gentler than chlorine bleach but still effective.
How to use:
- Add 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to wash
- Safe for most fabrics
- Breaks down into water and oxygen — eco-friendly!
The Ultimate White Wash Method
Here’s our professional laundry routine at 19 on Bloekom:
Step 1: Pre-Soak
Fill a basin with warm water. Add:
- 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
Soak whites for 1-2 hours (or overnight for very dingy items).
Step 2: Wash
- Use HALF the recommended detergent
- Add 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda to the drum
- Wash at 60°C for cotton, 40°C for synthetics
Step 3: Rinse Boost
- Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle
Step 4: Dry in Sunlight
- UV rays naturally bleach and disinfect
- Hang whites in direct sun when possible
- Turn dark items inside out (to prevent fading)
Targeting Specific Stains
Yellow Armpit Stains
Mix equal parts bicarbonate of soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water. Apply paste to stains, wait 30 minutes, then wash.
Collar Grime
Rub with dish soap before washing. The grease-cutting agents work on body oils.
Blood Stains
COLD water only (hot sets protein stains). Soak in cold salt water, then wash.
Coffee/Tea Stains
Pour boiling water through the stain from a height. The force helps push the stain out.
Prevention Tips
- Wash whites separately: Always. No exceptions.
- Don’t overload: Items need room to move
- Clean your machine: Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar monthly
- Use less detergent: More isn’t better
- Treat stains immediately: The longer they sit, the harder to remove
When to Use Bleach
Sometimes only bleach will do. If you must:
- Use oxygen-based bleach (gentler than chlorine)
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar (toxic fumes!)
- Dilute properly
- Rinse thoroughly
Experience Our Perfectly White Linens
Book a stay at 19 on Bloekom and experience the difference proper laundry care makes. Our crisp white sheets are guest favourites!