how to whiten white towels

ktj

Hi, My white towels are past their best and are becoming rather grey. Anyone got any suggestions as to how to brighten them up again? Thanks in advance to anyone who can help. kje.

Jonesya

You can get whitening sachets that you add to a wash. I tried some with some towels and they worked well - I think they were Dr Beckmann.

nickcc

Vanish powder works for us.

RaspberryRipple

Soda chrystals on a boil wash....they're very cheap too.

kwatt

Hi ktj,

They are turning grey for one of two or three reasons normally, I would give you links to the info but that's been stopped so I can only give you a quick run down on why this happens.

The grey you see is effectively dirt left on the towels in most cases.

Most common reason: The use of non-bleach containing powder, usually liquids or colour formulations being used.

Next most common: Washing at too low temperatures. All towelling should be washed at a temperature greater than 60˚C with bleach containing detergent for white or lights, colour for coloured or dark items. No conditioner should be used on towels, ever.

Other possible causes are chemicals such as skin cremes, hair products a and so on that get on the towels and stuck in the fabric. These attract dirt in a way but usually when that happens it will be in patches, not all over the towel.

If detergents (decent ones) are used correctly and of course the cycle/temperature then there should be no need for any of the other add on things which will save a fortune if you're using them. The extra time to do it right saves the need of them and, they're very expensive.

HTH

K.

AnnieO1234

Not necessarily dirt. Cotton is not white and for many applications is dyed white to appeal to the consumer. Bleaching, vanish etc will not restore a faded dye. If they're a good quality towel get yourself some white, waterproof, dye and give it a go. Xxx

ktj

Hi, Thanks everyone. Lots of suggestions for me to try! Much appreciated. A further query regarding towels and conditioner. Why are you not supposed to use conditioner when washing towels? Does it really make any difference? Sometimes I use it and sometimes I don't and I've never noticed any difference. kje.

nickcc

Conditioner used to make my Children itch.

AnnieO1234

Lenor professional (from makro et al) is okay for towels as it doesn't reduce the absorbency which is the problem with most conditioners.

Xx