getting whites brighter

deespoohbear · Mar 26, 2003

Your water content definitely makes a big difference. I live in the country and have a well and a very high iron content. We actually have two iron filters and a softener for our water. Before adding the second iron filter, Iron Out was my best friend. I have had pretty good success with Oxyclean for the most part. I am not a fan of Amway, but they use to make an awesome enzymatic based cleaner that would whiten anything. Can't recall the name of it now, but I used it to soak some vintage white linens and it really took the yellow out. Not sure if there is anything comparable in the stores today.

Hydrogen peroxide is great for getting blood out. The sooner you can get it the peroxide on the blood stain, the better. Dawn dishwashing detergent is great for spot treating greasy spots on clothes before tossing them in the washer.

Can't think of any other laundry tips right now. Best wishes.

NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2003

Okay, here's a question. If you wear white tops, what do you do if you get something on it and need/want to take it off at work? For instance, if you come on shift, wash your hands for the first time, and immediately get a huge Betadine stain on it, what is the best method of attack? What about greasier things, like Vaseline or KY? Tricks? Tips? Assume changing into another shirt is not an option.

ThirdWorldGirl · Mar 26, 2003

Originally posted by howie122832
I use Oxyclean all the time!! I LOVE IT!

"Don't just get it clean, get it Oxyclean!!!" I use it in all my laundry and love it too.

Damn I need that avatar howie for MY name

delirium · Mar 26, 2003

I use Clorox, or the off-brand bleach at the grocery store. It works fine, but it seems harsh... the scrubs I bought 2 years ago are looking very thin these days.

Glad2behere · Mar 26, 2003

Originally posted by majrn
Try hydrogen peroxide to remove blood stains. Use it full strength and spot clean then launder the article of clothing as you normally would.

This works great! Dissolves the blood in about 20 seconds.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 26, 2003

If the OR won't lend you a shirt you're pretty much going to have to go topless or walk around with a betadine stain.

Peroxide will take out SOME betadine but of course you would need to take the shirt off. A big stain will take a LOT of peroxide.

I guess keeping a spare in your locker or tote bag would be best, then scrub the stained one asap.

cokie · Mar 26, 2003

your main problem is going to be the blue stripe. bleach will cause the stripe to fade. all bodily fluids can be spot treated with real bleach if the clothing is pure white. do your best to not ever get betadine on your whites. nothing gets it out. it turns to a purple and will not come out. good luck in school. keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth closed and you will do great. remember, as my dear uncle once told me "when one is talking, one is not learning anything new".....