Keeping your white undergarments and seamless socks bright white and scent-free can be a challenge. Over time, whites tend to gray and take on odors from the body and laundry products. However, with the right washing methods and materials, you can keep your intimate apparel looking and smelling fresh. Follow these tips to maintain the whiteness and clean scent of your underwear and socks after you purchase them from a company such as SmartKnitKids.

Check Labels for Washing Instructions

Before doing anything, check the care labels on your undergarments and socks. Look for details on water temperature, whether bleach can be used, and if the items should be washed by hand or machine. Following the recommendations will help prevent damage or shrinking. If there are no labels, it’s best to err on the gentle side with cool water and no bleach.

Wash Whites Separately

One of the biggest reasons whites lose their brightness is washing them with colored clothing. The dye from darker fabrics can transfer onto your lighter garments. Always wash your white underwear, bras, tanks, tees, and socks separately from any colored items. This prevents colors from bleeding into your whites.

Use a Detergent for Sensitive Skin

Harsh laundry detergents can be abrasive on delicate undergarments and socks. They can also leave behind perfumes and dyes that discolor fabric. Choose a gentle liquid detergent made for sensitive skin to clean your intimates without fading or irritation. Avoid scented and colored products.

Add Bleach Alternative or White Vinegar

For extra whitening power, add an oxygen-based bleach alternative or white vinegar to your wash cycle. Check labels first to ensure bleaching is allowed. Soak whites in a vinegar solution before washing. Vinegar helps break down residues that make whites dingy. Oxygen bleaches brighten without the harshness of chlorine bleach.

Wash in Hot Water

Heat helps lift stains and odors from fabric. For white cotton underwear and socks without spandex or delicate features, wash in the hottest water allowed. Set your machine to the “whites” or “sanitary” cycle if possible. Avoid hot water on silks, lace, spandex blends, or any heat-sensitive fabrics. Check labels for recommended temperatures first.

Use an Extra Rinse Cycle

After washing intimates in hot water with detergent, bleach, and vinegar, you need to rinse the items thoroughly. Detergent and bleach residues will make the fabric dingy or yellow. Set your machine to run an extra rinse cycle to remove any lingering soap, brighteners, or chemicals. This leaves underwear and socks fresh and residue-free.

Air Dry Undergarments and Socks

The heat of machine drying can cause white fabrics to yellow over time. It can also bake in any lingering odors. Always air dry your white underwear and socks to maintain their fresh scent and bright white shade. Hang items or lay flat to dry. Direct sunlight will further help whites stay white as you air dry.

Hand Wash Expensive or Delicate Items

Silks, satins, and lacy undergarments may require hand washing to prevent damage or shrinking in the machine. Use a wash basin filled with cool water and a gentle soap. Let pieces soak before gently scrubbing and rinsing by hand. Always lay flat or hang delicates to air dry. Handwashing preserves fabrics and allows you to spot-treat stains.

Use Stain Treatments Before Washing

Apply pre-wash stain removers or enzyme-based treatments to undergarments and socks before washing day. Spray or rub it directly on stained, yellowed, or dingy areas. This helps lift discoloration or odors before clothes even go in the machine. Oxy-based boosters also help whiten fabrics before washing.

Keeping whites bright and clean takes some extra steps, but it ensures your most delicate apparel lasts. By washing them carefully and avoiding discoloration, you can maintain your underwear and socks’ fresh scent and appearance. Follow these tips and your intimates will look and smell like new.

Annerie Maxwell