To whiten a cotton blanket, you can use natural solutions like lemon juice, borax, baking soda, and vinegar following specific methods.
Keeping cotton blankets bright and white can be a challenge over time due to dirt, body oils, and detergent residue. Fortunately, several natural approaches can help restore their pristine color without harsh chemicals.
Here are two effective methods based on common household items:
Method 1: Soaking Method
This method involves a pre-soak using a natural whitening agent before a standard wash cycle.
- Prepare the Solution: Mix half a cup of lemon juice or half a cup of borax with one gallon of hot water in a large container or bathtub.
- Soak the Blanket: Submerge the cotton blanket completely in the solution.
- Let it Sit: Allow the blanket to soak overnight. This extended contact time helps lift stains and brighten the fabric fibers.
- Machine Wash: After soaking, remove the blanket and machine wash as usual according to the blanket's care instructions.
Method 2: Washing Machine Boost
This method integrates whitening boosters directly into the washing machine cycle.
- Add Baking Soda: Add half a cup of baking soda directly to the drum of the washing machine with your detergent and the cotton blanket.
- Add Vinegar: Pour some vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser. The vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and helps boost the whitening action of the baking soda.
- Run Wash Cycle: Wash the blanket on a suitable cycle, preferably with warm or hot water if the blanket's care tag allows.
Always check your cotton blanket's care label for specific washing instructions before using hot water or soaking methods to ensure the fabric is suitable for these treatments.
