How to wash white clothes and other white fabrics

How to wash white clothes and other white fabrics

Whites have many faces – delicate, regular and special whites, but they have one thing in common: they all need to look impeccably bright in order to impress. Read our comprehensive guide on how to remove tough stains from white clothes and keep your whites white! What you'll find in this article:

How to remove stains from white shirts and other delicate items

It’s time to wash your favourite white shirt or white silk dress, but you’re afraid your washer is going to ruin them? Worry not, the below guide will help you end up with delicates that are stainless, bright, and undamaged.

1. Prepare for wash

Gather all your delicate whites, such as sheer blouses, shirts, and undergarments.

2. Check care label

Check the fabric care label of your clothing to make sure the items are washable. Note whether washing machine or hand washing is suggested, as well as the recommended wash temperature and drying method.

3. Load clothes

Load most of your garments into the washing machine, ensuring that there’s still enough room for your palm to fit in between your clothes and the wall of the drum.

Caring for hand-wash only items

To clean your delicate undergarments and other items labelled “hand-wash only”, follow these steps:

  1. Dilute a small amount of Ariel in a tub or bucket of cold water

  2. Soak your garments in the mixture

  3. Take your items out and rinse them under running water.

4. Dose detergent

For great laundry results, add a high-quality detergent such as Ariel Matic Liquid Detergent to your wash.

5. Wash

Use the machine’s gentle or delicate setting, adjust the water level, and make sure the water temperature is set to a cold temperature, then press start.

6. Unload

Immediately unload your garments after the cycle has finished.

How to wash white linens, towels, sheets and socks

Discover how to get the rest of your white laundry items bright and clean with Ariel.

1. Prepare for wash

Gather white towels, sheets and socks that can tolerate hot washing temperatures – these will also be items that are prone to mildew, fungus, and mites. Check the labels if you're not sure. To prevent laundry accidents from happening, make sure you read our guide on how to sort clothing items.

2. Dose detergent

Add a detergent specifically designed to give you bright results at all temperatures, such as Ariel Complete. In case of stains, soak garments in a solution of warm water and Ariel Washing Powder.

3. Wash

Adjust your water level for the correct volume and set the machine for normal operation.

4. Dry

If you have a dryer, dry all of these items on high heat, or dry the sheets separately if you don't want excess towel lint on them. Alternatively, you can hang the clothes outside to let them dry naturally.

How to wash regular whites

When it comes to the question of how do you clean regular dirty white clothes, simply follow these four steps below!

1. Load clothes

Place white clothes labelled for warm-water washing in your machine. For instance, a cotton shirt and linen blouse can be washed at the same time. Set the machine on a warm temperature and on a normal or gentle operation.

2. Add detergent

Add your choice of Ariel detergent. In case of stains, pre-treat the stained area with Ariel Washing Powder: Fill a sink or bucket with warm water, then add half a scoop of washing powder. Mix the solution by hand until the detergent is completely dissolved.

3. Wash

Wash on your usual cycle, at the highest temperature shown on the care labels.

4. Dry

Hang the clothes outside to dry naturally. In case you have a dryer, dry cotton garments on high and synthetics on medium or low heat setting. You can place them all together in the dryer and take the synthetics out as soon as they are done.

Are you more of a visual type? Then watch our video guide to learn how to keep your white fabrics white!

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FAQs about washing whites

Learn how to remove yellow stains from white clothes and find out how to wash white clothes with baking soda with our FAQ section!