How to Wash a White Shirt and Keep it White
By Angela Marshall, 26th Sep 2013You buy a crisp white shirt or t-shirt, but does it stay like that? Do you wash it with coloured items?
A smart white shirt is a classic item that should be in most people’s wardrobes. In my case a soft white, as I am so warm skinned, pure white makes me look pale. I recommend all cool tone skin people have a smart crisp white shirt, for us warm skin tones a winter white. Even if you are in a casual job there is always an occasion when a crisp white shirt or blouse will make you look smart and elegant.
Tips on washing a white shirt or t-shirt:
- Never mix whites with coloured items. Always keep them separate.
- Separate fabrics, especially cotton and synthetic fabrics to allow for different temperatures.
- A stain removing product (such as Grandma’s spot, Vanish or Shout) is an essential tool when trying to remove dirt, grime or make up from collars and cuffs.
- Check manufacturer’s instructions, but wash at 60- 40 degrees with a suitable detergent for whites.
- If you suffer from underarm staining from deodorants or perspiration marks then consider sewing in some garment guard patches, available from a haberdashery or Amazon.
- Ecover’s Laundry Bleach can help with white underwear or items that have gone dull after a period of time.
- Avoid dry cleaners as machine wash is better for the fabric and colour.
Ironing – a steam iron is preferable, especially for cotton. Use a pressing cloth for delicate fabrics such as lace and ensure you put the iron on the correct settings. T M Lewin has great instructions on YouTube about how to iron.
For more tips read my blog “Looking After Your Clothes & Understanding Your Fabrics.” or ” How to Look After Cashmere“