Even with careful care of your laundry, whites can sometimes become dull or yellow. Perspiration and sebum are often responsible for yellow stains, especially under the arms or on the collar of shirts. Humidity or storage in a poorly ventilated area can also cause this yellowing. Poorly rinsed detergent residue and limescale in the water dull the fibers over time. Finally, the natural aging of textiles (cotton, linen, synthetics) eventually alters their original shine.

No need for harsh chemicals: a few simple, natural ingredients are all you need to restore shine and whiteness to your textiles.

• Baking soda: added to laundry detergent or soaked in water, baking soda restores shine to laundry and neutralizes odors.
• Sodium percarbonate : in contact with hot water, percarbonate releases active oxygen which effectively bleaches textiles.
• Marseille soap : ideal for removing yellow stains, Marseille soap cleans deeply without damaging the fibers.
• White vinegar or lemon: A glass of white vinegar or lemon juice added to the wash cycle helps dissolve limescale and brighten whites.

• Soaking before washing
  To restore the shine to yellowed laundry, pre-soaking is very effective. In a basin of lukewarm water (40°C), dilute 2 to 3 tablespoons of bicarbonate or percarbonate. Completely immerse the laundry and leave it to work for 2 to 6 hours depending on its condition, then run a standard cycle in the washing machine.

• The right washing temperature
  Cotton: 40 to 60°C, ideal for sheets and towels.
  Linen: 30 to 40°C to preserve the fibers.
  Synthetics: 30 to 40°C to avoid deformation.
  * A long cycle promotes deep action and better rinsing, especially for yellowed laundry.
  

• Maintaining whiteness on a daily basis
  To prevent your laundry from fading, use a homemade detergent made with soap flakes and baking soda. [Discover our homemade detergent recipe]