We all know the struggle: you toss your whites into the wash, only to pull them out looking a little less bright than you’d hoped. Whether you’re washing towels, sheets, or your favorite white shirt, keeping your whites looking fresh and crisp can feel tricky—especially when you’re using a laundromat. But don’t worry! With a few simple tricks, you can make sure your whites stay ultra-bright every time you do laundry.
Choose the Right Detergent
One of the easiest ways to keep your whites looking their best is to use the right detergent. When you’re at the laundromat, you usually have a variety of detergents to choose from. Look for one that’s specifically made for whites or light-colored clothing. These detergents often contain optical brighteners that help keep your whites looking fresh and vibrant. If you’re not sure which one to choose, ask the laundromat staff for a recommendation. And remember: don’t overuse the detergent. Too much soap can leave residue on your clothes, which can make them appear dull.
Sort Your Laundry Carefully
When you’re doing laundry at a laundromat, it’s easy to toss everything into one load to save time. However, sorting your laundry is key to keeping your whites bright. Always separate whites from colors to avoid any accidental dye transfer. Even if your colored clothes look clean, they can still bleed a little and cause your whites to take on a dingy hue. So, to keep your whites looking their brightest, it’s best to wash them by themselves. You may also want to consider separating heavier fabrics like towels from lighter fabrics to prevent friction that can cause wear and tear on your whites.
Pick the Right Water Temperature
When you’re using a laundromat, you’re at the mercy of the machines and water settings, but it’s worth checking the temperature options. For most whites, hot or warm water works best for getting rid of dirt, oils, and stains that can cause yellowing or dullness. If the laundromat machines let you choose the water temperature, opt for hot or warm water to help keep your whites looking crisp. If the care labels on your clothes suggest cold water, that’s fine too—just know that cold water isn’t as effective at removing stubborn stains or brightening whites.
Use a Whitening Booster
If your whites are looking a little less bright than usual, consider adding a whitening booster to your wash. Many laundromats sell laundry additives that can help brighten clothes, or you can bring your own. Oxygen bleach is a popular choice, as it’s gentler than chlorine bleach but still effective at keeping whites bright. Adding a booster to your load will help lift stubborn stains, keep your whites looking fresh, and prevent the yellowing that can happen over time.
Don’t Overload the Machine
While it’s tempting to stuff the washing machine to save time and quarters, overloading the machine can leave your clothes less clean. When you pack the washer too full, your whites won’t get enough space to move around, which means they won’t be cleaned thoroughly. This can result in detergent or dirt residue left behind, leaving your whites looking dingy. To get the best results, try not to overload the machine, especially when you’re washing a load of whites. A smaller load ensures that your clothes are properly washed and have a better chance of staying bright.
Baking Soda Works Wonders
You may not have thought of it, but baking soda is a great laundry helper—and it’s often available at the laundromat for a small price. Adding half a cup of baking soda to your load can help boost the effectiveness of your detergent, neutralize odors, and brighten up whites. Baking soda is a natural and affordable way to keep your whites looking fresh, and it’s a simple addition to your laundry routine that can make a big difference.
Dry Carefully in the Laundromat Dryer
Once your whites are washed, it’s time to dry them. In a laundromat, you’ll likely be using large commercial dryers, which are efficient but can get pretty hot. Be sure to use a low to medium heat setting to avoid damaging your whites or causing shrinkage. While you may not have the option to air dry your clothes, you can still control the drying process by checking your whites periodically. Overdrying your clothes can cause them to become stiff or discolored, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the dryer once they’re dry to the touch.
Regular Maintenance for Long-Lasting Brightness
To keep your whites looking their best, regular maintenance is key. If you spot a stain, try to treat it before you head to the laundromat. Bring a stain remover with you or apply a little detergent directly to the stain before washing. The sooner you treat a stain, the better chance you have of removing it. And don’t be afraid to wash your whites more than once if necessary. If your whites still don’t look as bright after the first wash, try again with a little extra detergent or a whitening booster.
Staying Fresh
Keeping your whites bright and fresh at the laundromat doesn’t have to be a challenge. By choosing the right detergent, sorting your laundry, using the proper water temperature, and adding a whitening booster, you can maintain those ultra-bright whites with ease. Remember not to overload the washer, and always keep an eye on the dryer settings. With a little extra care, your whites will come out looking clean, bright, and fresh every time you wash them.
