Bleaching clothes in the sun is a method that has been used for generations. The use of natural products such as lemon and the advantage of ultraviolet rays makes this process both ecological and effective. In this article, we show you the steps, tips and solutions to bleach your clothes naturally without resorting to harsh chemicals, taking advantage of the natural power of the sun.
How to bleach clothes naturally in the sun?
The first step to whiten your clothing naturally is to prepare a suitable solution. To do this, you must put water in a container large enough to submerge the clothes you want whiten. Then add hand washing detergent and the juice of two lemons, since citric acid will help remove yellow stains and improve the white color.
Then, soak the clothes in the mixture and let it sit. 30 minutes. If you prefer, you can leave it for longer if the stains are very persistent. After this time, rinse the White clothes and wash it as usual in the washing machine, using the appropriate program for the type of fabric.
One of the biggest fears when using natural products is that they leave odors. Don't worry, lemon scent It will disappear during washing and will not impregnate the rest of the clothes.
Sun drying: Natural bleaching
Once the clothes are washed, it is important lay it out in a sunny place so that the sun's UV rays can actively work on the bleaching process. You can hang your clothes in the garden, on the terrace or anywhere where the sun shines directly on the garments.
The sun is a very powerful natural bleaching agent, but it requires patience. For best results, leave clothes in the sun during the warmest hours of the day, usually between 8:00 and 12:00. 12:00 and 16:00. This is the time when solar radiation is most powerful, allowing the yellowish spots fade away.
Hanging clothes in the sun not only whitens them, but also helps to dry them without having to use a dryer, which means significant energy savings.
Additional natural whiteners
Lemon is not the only option for whitening clothes naturally. Other products such as lemon sodium bicarbonate and the White vinegar They are also very effective.
- Sodium bicarbonate: This product helps neutralize odors and enhance whitening. To use, add a tablespoon of baking soda together with the detergent in the wash cycle.
- White vinegar: Add a splash of vinegar to the final rinse cycle to help soften clothes and improve bleaching. This method is completely safe and environmentally friendly.
- Sodium percarbonate: If you need a more powerful bleach, you can opt for sodium percarbonate. This product breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and is less aggressive than bleach, making it ideal for delicate garments.
Important tip: Never dry black clothes in the sun
Contrary to what is done with white clothes, You are never you must tend black or dark colored clothing in the sun. The sun's rays can discolor dark garments and make them look faded or aged. Instead, choose to dry them in the shade in a cool, airy place.
Drying in the shade will also protect brightly colored garments, preventing the sun from damaging the pigment in the fabrics and thus prolonging the life of the clothing.
How to whiten delicate fabrics
Delicate fabrics such as silk, linen and fine cotton require gentler bleaching methods. Here are the best tips to keep your delicate garments bright and white:
- silk clothing: For this type of fabric, it is ideal to immerse the garments in cold water with a tablespoon of peroxide and two tablespoons of milk. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then rinse and let it dry in a place protected from the sun.
- Wool clothing: Wool can turn yellow if not properly cared for. To prevent this, use a mixture of cold water and hydrogen peroxide. Soak the garment for a few hours and then rinse well.
Other natural methods to whiten clothes
In addition to sun and lemon, there are other ways to restore your clothes to their original whiteness using homemade and accessible products:
- Lemon and baking soda: Mix half a cup of baking soda with the juice of one lemon and warm water in a basin. Let your clothes soak for 30 minutes and then rinse.
- White vinegar: If you prefer a milder bleach, you can use white vinegar. Add half a cup to the wash cycle or pre-soak the clothes with water and vinegar before washing.
- Sodium percarbonate: This natural bleach is more powerful than baking soda and does not affect fabrics like bleach would. Dissolve two tablespoons in hot water and soak the clothes for 30 minutes before washing.
Finally, if you follow these natural methods, you will not only be bleaching your clothes effectively, but you will be using options that are respectful with the environment and less aggressive for the fibers of your clothes. Keeping your t-shirts, sheets and pants white has never been easier than with these home remedies.