Grandma's Secrets: 10 Foolproof Tips for Whitening Clothes Naturally (and Without Chemicals!)
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Time to read 3 min
Tired of stubborn stains dulling your favorite clothes? Look no further! Our grandmother's secrets reveal 10 foolproof tips for whitening clothes naturally , without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Passed down from generation to generation, these simple, eco-friendly methods use ingredients you probably already have at home: baking soda, lemon, white vinegar, and more. Not only are they effective, but they're also kind to your health and the planet. Ready to restore shine and freshness to your wardrobe? Follow us to discover how to transform your laundry routine into a moment of well-being and creativity—all while preserving your textiles... and the environment.
Psssttt... Don't forget to separate your clothes by color... White and pastel colors don't mix well with dark colors!
Baking soda: the essential for reviving whites
Commonly called the "Little Cow" , this essential product is as economical as it is effective! Easy to spot thanks to its iconic box, it can be found in almost every grocery store or convenience store in the area. Versatile and natural, it fully deserves its place in your grandmother's tips... and in your laundry room!
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda directly to the washing machine drum or diluted in the soaking water. It deodorizes, removes stains, and brightens the whiteness of fabrics.
Sodium percarbonate: the eco-friendly alternative to bleach for naturally whitening clothes
Sodium percarbonate is undoubtedly one of our favorite products ! Versatile, economical, and environmentally friendly, it's at the heart of many of our homemade household product recipes . This small white powder ingredient contains real stain-removing and whitening power... without the drawbacks of traditional chemical products.
When dissolved in hot water, percarbonate releases active oxygen (also called nascent oxygen), transforming into soda crystals and hydrogen peroxide (the equivalent of very soft hydrogen peroxide). This process allows you to remove stains, disinfect and revive whites in depth, while respecting textile fibers and the environment.
We love it as much for removing stains from clothes as it does for cleaning bathroom grout, bleaching dishcloths, or deodorizing reusable towels. It's a must-have in any eco-friendly laundry routine—and a valuable ally for saying goodbye to tough stains naturally and responsibly.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate (not to be confused with baking soda!) to your laundry. It releases active oxygen, which whitens, deodorizes, and removes stains.
White vinegar: natural fabric softener and stain remover
Pour half a cup of white vinegar into the rinse compartment. It removes soap residue, softens laundry, and helps whiten without damaging the fibers.
Lemon juice: gentle lightener and disinfectant
Soak clothes in warm water with the juice of 1 to 2 lemons. Citric acid acts as a natural bleaching agent , especially in combination with sunlight.
The lemon + sun combination: a winning duo for dull laundry
Rub half a lemon directly onto the yellowed or dull areas, then let the garment dry in the sun. An old grandmother's trick that works wonders!
It is also possible to hang your white clothes outside in direct sunlight after regular washing. UV rays have a natural whitening effect without damaging the fabrics.
Marseille soap: for stubborn stains
Marseille soap is a true classic in natural household care. Authentic, versatile, and gentle, it is particularly appreciated for its stain-removing power on textiles . Made from vegetable oils (usually olive or coconut) and without synthetic additives, it respects fibers and is even suitable for delicate fabrics.
To remove stubborn stains, simply dampen the garment slightly, then rub it with a bar of pure Marseille soap (without added glycerin). Leave it to act for a few minutes—or even a few hours for old stains—then wash as usual. It is formidable against traces of grease, makeup, mud or blood , while remaining gentle on the skin and the environment.
It's a great ally for a zero-waste laundry routine, and it also finds its place in many recipes for homemade stain removers or natural laundry detergents. In short, a must-have... approved by today's grandmothers and eco-conscious people!
Dampen the fabric, rub it with pure Marseille soap (no added glycerin) , leave to act for a few minutes or hours, then wash normally. Ideal for collars, armpits or greasy stains.
Warm milk: surprising but effective on delicate fabrics
Few people know this, but it's very effective for naturally whitening clothes ! Want to know more?
Soak delicate fabrics (such as white cotton or lingerie) in warm milk for one hour before washing. It helps to gently lighten the fibers.
Sea salt: against yellowing of white clothes
Add a handful of fine sea salt to the soaking water or directly to the drum. You can add a little baking soda to the mixture. Add yellowed clothes, grayish stockings, etc., and boil everything for 1 hour. Rinse in cold water and, if possible, dry on the clothesline in the sun.
Baking powder: laundry booster
The properties of baking powder , used in cooking, are similar to those of baking soda. With it, you can remove stains and restore the original whiteness of your laundry . To do this, simply pour the contents of one sachet into the detergent drawer before starting your machine. Pour one sachet of baking powder into the detergent drawer with your detergent.
Kristel Audet
Founder and creator of natural care products concocted with passion 💖