HELP!!! Can't get my whites white

asylon · 31-03-2008, 03:31 AM

Ladies, and the occasional gentleman, do any of you know why, since moving to Australia, my whites come out of the washing machine a sort of orangey brown colour?

I have a new Electriolux frontloader, I use a heavy duty biological powder, I have tried soaking in Sard Oxy action. Nothing helps. Neat bleach makes it even brownyer.
I wash just about everything including my precious M & S bras at 60 degrees and still they remain absolutely yukky.

Now I know it is sweat and proteins as it is around the neck, accross upper back and chest and right down the sleeves, anywhere things touch my skin. But why Oh Why can't I get it out?

Is it just me ? Am I a freak? Is it something I'm eating (red wine maybe, don't eat many carrots and never touch tomato soup)
Is it anything to do with the water up here being realy soft, does that mean I should use more powder?

Also, most other stains remain stubbornly in situ.

Back in Blighty I washed everything at 40 degrees on delicate and never had any problems

The only thing that helps is scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mix of orange oil stain treatment, bicarb and white wine vinegar.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

( I do know a very good way of getting diesel out of clothes and washing machines if anyone is interested)

A x

John Sydney · 31-03-2008, 06:17 AM

Try" blueing" its old fashioned but most supermarkets have it . Its a small bag of don't know - brings out the whiteness
Also how about checking your input water maybe in needs filtering to clean it

YellowGecko · 31-03-2008, 06:31 AM

Blimey asylon. What a palava to try and get your whites white, eh?
Just as well you are not being asked to do the Daz Doorstep Challenge.
I'm sorry, I have no idea, helpwise. I soak our whites overnight in Napisan, if needed. And all is good by morning.

I hope you have some success soon.

And btw, the diesel trick? (Curious now)

Jo x

Jo&Rich · 31-03-2008, 06:37 AM

My clothes won't come very clean either. My three year old daughter is pretty grubby, and she's stained most of her t-shirts now, can't get them clean. Will also watch this thread for ideas.
Jo

YellowGecko · 31-03-2008, 07:01 AM

I am intrigued, for I haven't experienced this problem with whites.

But the tap water does come out smelling odd, doesn't it? In my mind, it smells kind of mouldy.. although I know it can't be.

Think QLD's supposed to be starting to recycle the mains water supply very soon. I know this has nothing at all to do with the thread, but just thought I would babble anyway.
I know many Aussies turn their noses up at the very thought of recycled water to drink, but I suppose most of us on here are used to it, having lived in Blighty, so think nowt of it.

Anyway, I do wonder why the water always has that mouldy smell...

Jo x

ItsJo · 31-03-2008, 07:05 AM

Napisan (Vanish) works for us...Soak em overnight and they come out sparkling:)
Jo x

koala12 · 31-03-2008, 07:41 AM

Not sure why you're having this problem but if I have clothes that need a bit of extra help I soak in Vanish Napisan OxyAction which is very good and sometimes even put some in the machine with the clothes. Also, you shouldn't really put bras in the washing machine as it ruins them....always best to handwash!!!

jonseywife · 31-03-2008, 07:52 AM

Great tips there form the girlies as usual

....... The vanish/napisan things always works just like it says on the adverts !!!!
Another great tip would be NOT to buy any white clothes in the first place !!!!!

ItsJo · 31-03-2008, 08:24 AM

Or buy new everytime eh Sal:)...Now there's an idea!!
Jo x

calNgary · 31-03-2008, 09:32 AM

i had this problem for months,went through every powder on woolys shelf!!lol,,i got a good front loader ,use vanish oxy powder (put in with washin powder),extra spray stain remover before they go in and a hot wash ,,still not fantstic but ten times better,,hope it works for you
Cal x