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Laundry whiteners are a must-have for your laundry list. It is very important to note what kind of laundry whitener works for your white clothes and the color of the fabric. Remember that some types will damage your fabric over time, so research carefully before selecting a laundry whitener for your next load of colored fabrics.
The whiteners come in either liquid, powder detergent, pod form. The one you choose should be safe for your laundry, effective cleaning power, and eco-friendly. So, what are some of the whiteners that pass the test? We’re going to look at some of the best in this review. Read on!
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1. Oxiclean White Revive Laundry Whitener
If you’re looking for an eco friendly detergents whitener as an alternative to chlorine-based products, Oxiclean White Revive laundry whitener is the best addition to your laundry room. This laundry whitener is an effective stain remover that targets set-in stains and removes them. This product is safe for all colors and fabrics, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin or extra cautious about fabric types.
Plus, Oxiclean White Revive laundry whitener will brighten your white clothes without the harsh effects of chlorine bleach. It delivers effective results while retaining the color and the quality of your clothes. It is safe for septic systems, which makes it perfect for those who live in rural areas.
Pros
- Works on all fabric types
- Will brighten and freshen clothes
- Contains no chlorine-based ingredients
- Safe for the environment and laundry
- It's a multipurpose product
Cons
- Not for dry-only cleaning
- Oxiclean White Revive laundry whitener is not ideal for fabrics such as wool, leather, and silk
2. Molly's Suds Optical Whitener
For a natural whitener option, Molly’s Suds is the best laundry whitener to choose. It is a plant-based laundry whitener that brightens clothes and helps eliminate stains. In addition, it softens the fabric without causing damage to your clothes. It works for white or lightly colored clothing.
The laundry whitener is perfect for anybody, and you can even use it in kid’s clothes without any hesitation. Thanks to its gentle nature, it also works perfectly for people with sensitive skin.
Pros
- It has no scent, so you don't have to worry about perfumes
- This product won't leave chemical residue in your machine
- Removes stains effectively
- Safe for fabrics such as wool, silk, and leather
- All-natural ingredients formula
Cons
- Washes work slowly
- Leaves whites cloudy if used excessively
3. The Laundress New York Whites Detergent
For those who prefer liquid detergents, you can never go wrong if you choose this in the list of the best laundry detergent. The Laundress New York Whites Detergent is a well-known name in this industry, and they only made things better with their newest creation. The laundry detergent is highly concentrated and will whiten your clothes to remove any form of yellowing. The company uses an eco-friendly formula that is safe for use on all types of fabrics.
The laundry whitener only contained plant-based ingredients such as sugar and coconut oil which do not harm your clothing or skin. The formula is also very concentrated; just a few drops onto each load of laundry will suffice as it can clean as much as 12 gallons of water. The added scent is also the perfect balance between the bleaching agent and subtle smells that do not irritate those with sensitive noses.
Pros
- Highly effective whitening power liquid
- Added stain removal capabilities
- Eliminates odors effectively without using any perfumes or dyes
- Perfect for people suffering from allergies or asthma
- Leaves clothes soft and fluffy to the touch
Cons
- Washes work slowly, just like most cleaning powder detergents
- The bottle is too small
4. Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean
This laundry whitener comes in 5-in-1 paks that works by releasing powerful enzymes that remove stains and brighten clothes. It even has a nice scent, with its clean, fresh smell making this product stands out from the rest of the competition.
It comes in a combination of regular laundry detergent and OxiClean tablets that you only need to toss into the washer and get the work done. The primary ingredient in the whitener is baking soda which is a natural cleaner and makes your clothes smell fresh.
Pros
- It comes in a natural scent that's not too overwhelming
- Powerful enzymes effectively remove dirt and odors
- Saves time and energy by allowing you to do multiple washes in one go
Cons
- Only works on whites, not colors and dark garments
- Not available in local stores
5. Savvy Green Oxygen Brightening Powder
If you want no scent at all in your whitening detergent, go for this Savvy Green Oxygen Brightening Powder. The unscented powder can easily be used in pre-soak, regular wash, and powerful stain removal cycles.
You can add it to laundry with detergent and use it under any temperature settings. It’s safe to use on all fabrics, from blouses to table cloths. And because it’s not scented, you can comfortably use it to clean baby clothes. The household cleaner works as both an indoor and outdoor cleaner. If you’re dealing with tough stains, you can use it to soak clothes overnight.
Pros
- An excellent alternative for those with sensitive noses
- Cleans well without excessive foaming or residue
- It can be safely used on most fabrics
- The unscented powder can be used in pre-soak, regular wash, and powerful stain removal wash cycle.
- Extremely affordable
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to other brands
- It doesn't work on colors
6. Nelli's Oxygen Brightener Powder
Nellie’s Oxygen Brightener Powder works well for different people, including those with sensitive skin and children. You can rely on this powdered whitener to brighten the stained or disclosed whites.
This is a chlorine-free formula that’s color-safe, septic safe, and hypoallergic. It works well to restore the original colors of your clothes. You can use it for all sorts of laundry, including the whites, lights, pastels, and even delicates.
Nelli’s Oxygen Brightener Powder is made from 100 percent renewable resources making it a sustainable product that doesn’t harm the environment. It will work on machines that are high-efficiency or standard types. It’s very affordable and is another great alternative for those on a budget.
Pros
- It can be used in combination with other laundry products safely
- Safe to use even on colored clothes
- Also works well on new or old stains
- Very good chemically-free whitener
Cons
- It may be too powerful and may damage fabrics
- It may not be strong enough for tough stains
- May turn colors a shade lighter
7. Tide Plus Bleach Alternative Laundry Detergent
If your ideal laundry whitener is made of bleach, Tide Plus is a good choice for you. It will effectively remove tough stains, dirt and grime from your clothes. Plus, it has a little bit of bleach that can sanitize your laundry as well. It’s also safe to use colors because it won’t fade them away.
Thanks to its effectiveness, this laundry detergent will help you eliminate regular bleach from your laundry work. The fresh smell is all you need to keep your clothes smelling great all day long. What’s even good is the price because it’s cheaper than most laundry whiteners.
Unfortunately, Tide Plus can be too powerful for some fabrics, so use this product with caution. Also, don’t expect it to work on really greasy stains or very old ones because they can still remain visible after washing. If you are sensitive to chemicals or have allergies, this is not for you since it contains chemicals.
Pros
- Safe to use on colors
- Kills odor-causing bacteria
- Effective for tough stains
Cons
- Sensitive skin may be irritated by the chemicals it contains
- It may not be strong enough for tough stains
- May turn colors a shade lighter
8. Summit Brands White Brite
Are your clothes affected by stains and yellowing? You don’t have to worry if you have Summit Brands White Brite, as it offers the effective solution you need to restore the color of your clothes. It is a specially formulated and safe laundry whitener that removes tough stains and yellowing through the activated oxygen bleach. It does not contain any bleaching agent, chlorine bleach, or laundry detergent.
It comes with special enzymes that work fast to remove tough stains such as grass, blood, red wine and other stubborn spots while preventing further discoloration or yellowing. If you’re dealing with a lot of dingy whites, this is the whitening solution that you should go for.
Pros
- Works well on delicate clothes
- Helps with rust, color bleed stains, and red clay stains.
- Long-lasting freshness that works well on both whites and colors.
- It's environmentally friendly as it is phosphate-free.
- It can be used safely on colorfast fabrics, including cotton and synthetics.
Cons
- Has a strong smell
- Too strong for silk, wool, and wool blend clothes
9. Sun Oxygen Bleach Laundry Whitener
Here is another laundry whitener you’ll surely love. Introducing Sun Oxygen Bleach Laundry Whitener can combat stubborn stains and restore your clothes to their original color – especially those yellowed items – using the effective oxygen bleach action. It’s not just safe to use on garments of all colors, but it’s gentle for your skin too.
This is one of the most powerful laundry whiteners made with the best ingredients on the market. It contains oxygen bleach that is strong against dirt, stains and yellowing. It can whiten clothes made from all materials like wool, cotton, silk, denim jeans and nylon without causing any damage to its color.
Pros
- Powerful oxygen bleach action is hypoallergenic
- Can whiten yellowed clothes and restore them to their original color
- Destroys tough stains like sweat, dirt, food spills or drinks without scrubbing.
Cons
- Has a strong odor that can be overpowering to some
- You will need to follow the directions very precisely for this product
10. Grab Green Natural Bleach Alternative Pods
Another good laundry whitener we cannot leave out of this list is this Grab Green Natural Bleach Alternative. You don’t have to deal with the harsh chemicals of bleach if you can get an effective alternative at a very cost-friendly price.
The fragrance bleach-free pods are made from natural ingredients, making them safe for your laundry and skin. The detergent pods are quick and easy to use, and all you have to do is drop them in your washer. It can remove stains, brighten colors, and get rid of funky odors that were trapped in your laundry.
Pros
- Very effective at removing tough stains
- It can be used for both fabric and hard-surface laundering
- Features plant and mineral-based ingredients that are safe for clothes and the environment
- Does not leave any chemical residue on clothes after washing
Cons
- Lacks chlorine bleach that could remove tough stains from clothes.
- The pods can dissolve in water if not handled carefully, resulting in an incomplete washing cycle.
What to Look For When Buying Laundry Whiteners
Ingredients
Laundry whiteners are either made of chemicals such as bleach or organic ingredients. Some organic ingredients can be harmful to those with allergies and sensitive skin, so always look for safety labels before buying. If your laundry whitener contains bleach, you should also be cautious when using them as it can impact the colour of your clothes.
If you want whiteners that deliver effective cleaning power, you need to check for enzymes in their ingredients. Enzymes help in whitening, and they also make a difference when it comes to knowing how to do laundry well since they dissolve stubborn stains in water.
Powder Vs Liquid Vs Pods
Whiteners come in powdered form (which you need to mix), liquid detergent form (which you just pour into the washing machine), and pods (that dissolve as they clean). If your machine has a “whitening” cycle, you can use whichever form of whitener you desire. If it doesn’t, powdered forms might be the most favourable as they are more flexible. Powders will also help prevent bleaching, which is very important with coloured clothes.
Number of Loads
Manufacturers will indicate how many loads a single product will last. Each load has 4-5 ounces of liquid or powder whitener, so you can expect a single box to last for about 18-25 loads. If you have a large family, consider buying in bulk as it’ll save you money and time.
In the United States, the only product that comes in a powdered form is Purex Crystals. This means it’ll last for 50-75 loads, so if you have a large family, buy this one. If you only do about 10 loads, then powdered forms aren’t the best idea, and liquid forms will be more efficient.
Temperature
You should also check the temperature ideal for the laundry whitener. Most commercial laundry whiteners are designed for standard temperature washing machines, but some of the commercial ones might be for high temperatures. If you have a large family and do a lot of laundries, it’s a good idea to check the temperature of your water heater and buy something that fits it.
FAQs on Best Laundry Whiteners
Are laundry whiteners safe for all washing machine brands?
It is best to check with the washing machine’s manufacturer before using whiteners. Some machines may be incompatible with laundry whiteners due to their design. Make sure you know the washing machine brands to avoid if you’re going to use laundry whiteners for your laundry.
What are some of the ingredients in laundry whitener?
The ingredients can vary depending on the brand and formulation of the product, but common ingredients include enzymes, optical brighteners, phosphate or percarbonate, and enzymes. The ingredients are designed to remove dirt and stains from clothes while leaving them looking clean and smelling fresh.
Can you make laundry whitener detergent at home?
Some people make homemade laundry whitener detergent at home. Those who need laundry whitener for personal or other household purposes can make their own with recipes found on the internet. You can learn how to make DIY laundry detergents of your choice and do your laundry with ease.
Final Verdict on Laundry Whiteners
Laundry whiteners help restore the color of your clothes by removing stains and dirt. They help remove yellowing and dingy whites on clothes. They also help to remove odors. They’re easy to use and can be found at any grocery store or pharmacy.
The best laundry whiteners will have enzymes, optical brighteners, phosphate or percarbonate, and enzymes. You should avoid ingredients that you cannot pronounce or that don’t seem familiar. With the list of the best laundry whiteners of 2022 above, you can never go wrong with any choice that you make.
Kristina Perrin
Kristina is a stay-at-home-mom and an expert chef. When she's not cooking or experimenting with new recipes, you can find her writing about her favorite kitchen appliances on Kitchen Infinity blog.
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