How do you get white washcloths really white after they've turned grungy?

Question

I've laundered the white washcloths many times, using lots of Clorox and it doesn't seem to help. The formerly all white washcloth is more beige than white, especially in the center. Can anything be done?

Answer 1

Soak them in oxyclean over night and add a few drops of Mrs Stewarts bluing for extra whiteness.  I usually use 2-3 scoops of oxyclean powder for a full load and then use an oxygen powered detergent as well.  They will come out eye popping white.

Answer 2

I too, use oxiclean, but have found that it also helps to give them an extra rinse to make sure they don't have soap residue.  If the center has ground in dirt, you might not be able to get them completely clean.

Answer 3

Grandma has given you a good answer.  I too use washcloths until they're dingy, then put them in my ragbag to use as dust cloths.

Clorox tends to make some white fabrics turn beige or yellow.  Past a certain point, even nonchlorine bleaches don't keep fabrics white.  Many nonchlorine bleaches contain hydrogen peroxide, which can be helpful up to a point.

There is a liquid called "bluing" that will turn fabrics white http://www.mrsstewart.com/, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_(fab...  It was used in the "olden" days; my great-grandmother used it a lot.  Bluing can sometimes be found in the laundry aisle, and sometimes even at a veterinarian's as some people wash their horses' manes and tails in it to keep them white.  If you're interested in bright bright whites, you may want to see if you can find this stuff!

Downy used to make a fabric softener called "Downy With Whitening" that worked great on yellowing fabrics, but they seem to have discontinued it.  You may want to look on a laundry aisle for it.

Answer 4

I used to worry about this same problem...then I realized that Walmart sells a dozen snow white wash cloths for under $5! Now when they don't seem to come clean any more I toss them in the rag bag for cleaning rags and go buy some new!

Answer 5

You can also try Borax.  Add 1/4 cup to your water with your soap.