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**Very White and Streak-Free Laundry: How I Do It Without Bleach**
While bleach is often the go-to solution for brightening whites and eliminating stains, it can be harsh on fabrics, irritate skin, and even cause yellowing over time. So, how do I achieve those ultra-white, streak-free clothes without relying on bleach? Let me share my simple but effective routine that even my neighbor asked me about!
### 1. **Start with Proper Sorting**
– **How It Works**: Sorting clothes by color ensures that whites remain untouched by darker colors, which can leave behind unwanted stains or dinginess.
– **How to Do It**: Always separate your whites from colored laundry. For best results, wash whites separately or in a smaller load to prevent colors from bleeding.
### 2. **Use the Right Detergent**
– **How It Works**: These detergents contain ingredients that help lift stains and prevent dinginess from setting in, without the need for harsh bleach.
– **How to Do It**: Choose a detergent that’s designed for whites or one that includes enzymes to tackle stains without using bleach. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the best results.
Baking soda isn’t just for baking—it’s also an incredible laundry booster. If you’re looking for a way to brighten whites without bleach, baking soda is your friend. It helps soften water, which means the detergent can work more efficiently.
### 4. **Use White Vinegar for Streak-Free Clothes**
One of my secrets for achieving streak-free laundry is white vinegar. Not only does vinegar soften fabrics, but it also helps to neutralize detergent residue that can leave streaks and watermarks on clothes.
### 5. **Boost Whitening with Hydrogen Peroxide**
If you’re looking for a natural whitening agent that doesn’t involve bleach, hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective alternative. It’s a mild disinfectant and can help whiten fabrics without the harshness of bleach.