If you are looking for a green alternative to chlorine bleach, here are five tips to get you started. They will not replace chlorine bleach as a disinfectant but will keep your white clothes white and are easier on the environment.
Add Baking Soda
Adding 1/2 cup baking soda to your laundry detergent- regular or eco-friendly, will boost its cleaning power and leave your clothes whiter and brighter. If you need to use Chlorine bleach, you can use less by adding baking soda. It also helps bleach clean more effectively.
Soak in distilled White Vinegar
Pre-soak whites in a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 6 parts warm water. Let it sit overnight and then wash your clothes as normal. Any vinegar odour will disappear and the environment will appreciate your efforts.
Use Oxygen-Based Bleach
An oxygen based bleach is gentler on the environment and your clothes. It works a bit more slowly than chlorine bleach and you will get the best results if you allow the clothing to soak overnight in the water/oxygen bleach solution before washing as usual.
Raid the medicine cabinet for Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is a mild bleaching agent for more than summer blondes and has less impact on the environment than chlorine bleach. For whites, add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your full load. Do NOT use on coloured clothing.
Use Solar Power
Using the sun to whiten your clothes is the perfect green laundry solution. It’s free! You’re saving energy by not using a clothes dryer and the carbon footprint is nearly zero. The ultra-violet rays bleach and disinfect whites while they dry. Remember, however, it can fade colours.
This environmentally friendly household hint was sourced at www.about.com written and compiled by Marlowe Leverette, Laundry and Laundry rooms expert!
