How to wash whites and remove stains from white clothes

Nothing looks smarter than brilliant whites, but you need to care for them to keep them looking their best. Luckily this doesn’t mean bleaching your white clothes or using any additives because Ariel has got you covered. Whether you’re caring for delicates, towels or everyday whites, this guide will help you take care of removing stains and show you how to wash white clothes.

5 steps on how to get stains out of your white clothes

Getting stains out of white clothes can seem like a real pain, especially since some stains can contrast with the brightness of your whites. So, how do you get blood out of your white clothes, or how do you remove stains from your white shirts? Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll find out.

  • 1

    Soak

    Fill a sink with warm water and create a soaking solution by adding ½ a scoop of Ariel Original Washing Powder. When washing white clothes, allow the garments to soak for up to 30 minutes.

  • 2

    Load

    Wring out the excess water and place the garment into the washing machine along with similar items.

  • 3

    Dose

    Your pre-treat cap is a dosing device, too. Just fill it with the correct dose of washing powder for white clothes and place it directly into your washing machine’s drum, on top of your dirty laundry.

  • 4

    Wash

    Wash on the usual cycle, on the hottest wash temperature indicated. Always check the instructions on the garment’s fabric care label.

  • 5

    Unload

    When the cycle is complete, unload the garments immediately or within maximum 2 hours for great results.

How to wash delicate white clothes

  • Gather delicate white items, such as sheer blouses, shirts or undergarments.

  • Review the fabric care labels to make sure the items are washable. Note whether machine or hand washing is recommended, as well as the recommended wash temperature and drying method.

  • Machine wash most delicate whites in cold water. Adjust the water level and set the machine for gentle or delicate. When using Ariel, you shouldn’t have any problems getting the perfect results even at 30 degrees.

  • Hand wash delicate undergarments or items specifically labelled "hand-wash only." Dilute a small amount of Ariel in a tub or bucket of cold water, and then submerge and rinse your clothes under running water.

  • If you have a dryer, dry delicates on a low setting or hang them to dry. Check the fabric care labels.

How to make white clothes white again

  • Gather white towels, sheets, socks, and shirts that can tolerate hot washing. Check the labels if you're not sure.

  • Wash items that are prone to mould stains, fungus and mites in hot water. Adjust your water level for the correct volume and set the machine for the hottest temperature the fabric care label allows.

  • Add Ariel Original Washing Powder, it’s a powerful tool in your arsenal when making whites white again or when you’re wondering how to keep your whites white. In case of stains, soak in a solution of warm water and Ariel Original Washing Powder.

  • If you have a dryer, dry all of these items on high heat, or dry the sheets separately if you don't want excess towel lint on them.

Try Ariel Original Washing Powder, Ariel Washing Gel Original or Ariel All-in-1 PODS® Washing Capsules Original on your whites for bright results at all temperatures.

How to get pink out of white clothes

  • Fill up a bowl or your sink with the hottest water your fabric care label allows and mix in some Ariel Original Washing Powder.

  • Soak the clothes in this solution for at least 30 minutes.

  • Rinse them in warm water.

  • Wash them in your washer as usual.

How to whiten clothes that have greyed

  • Take a bowl or plug your sink and fill it up with a solution of hot water and Ariel Original Washing Powder. Alternatively, you could try using white vinegar too.

  • Let your garments soak in the solution for at least 30 minutes.

  • Rinse them in warm water.

  • Wash them in your washer as usual.

What temperature to wash whites at? Hot or cold?

When washing your favourite white clothes, the most important thing is that they come out of the machine bright and clean. When it comes to stain removal, the end result depends on whether you wash your whites in hot or cold water. But what’s the best temperature to wash whites?

For the most part, in the case of heavily soiled clothes, towels and bedding, whites should be washed in warm or hot water, but there are some exceptions: Sheer or delicate fabrics, such as lingerie and swimwear, require lower temperatures, while stains like blood, wine, and coffee might set if washed in warm or hot water, so you’re safer using a cold wash, coupled with Ariel Gel, our powerful cold water detergent! Another advantage of a cold water wash is your clothes will live longer, plus you’ll have a smaller utility bill, since it requires less energy per cycle.

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