White is the colour you need to get set for the summer.
We all love whites, but when it comes to looking after them, we know the task is difficult. Just how does one maintain whites?
How do you keep that white shirt looking fresh and clean, the way it was when you bought it?
Manoj Mehra, designer, Manoj & Ayush, a design store that’s brought out its white collection for the season, says, “It is better to wash white shirts in lukewarm water by hand with specially formulated detergents, rather than getting it drycleaned — unless the manufacturer’s label specifically mentions so in its washing instructions.” Actually, step one of looking after clothes — and not just whites — is just that; to read the washing instructions very carefully
As a rule, you should never mix whites with coloured clothes. Not only should white clothes be washed separately, on the clothes line, too, they should be dried away from coloureds. In fact, drying white shirts on hangers ensures fewer creases.
While a lot of people like to use starch to make white shirts look crisper, experts say it’s a bad idea. Vandy Mehra, designer, Study by Janak, a Delhi-based design store that regularly brings out a range of white kurtas, formal and informal shirts for men, explains, “White is one colour that needs to be washed every time after you wear it.” She adds that bleaching pure whites, in fact, weakens the fabric and causes it to lose colour.
As far as ironing whites goes, opt for steam-ironing (unless specified otherwise), because it helps in reducing creases and lines on the shirt faster. Once ironed, white shirts should be slipped onto a hanger and left to air instead of being immediately stacked in the wardrobe.
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Since stains on whites are so common, and hard to manage, as far as possible have a stain remover handy at all times. If, however, a stain remover is not available, make sure that you gently remove the stain with plain water immediately, and wash the shirt later.
An effective home remedy for stains on whites is to dilute a quarter cup of baking soda in your washing water before washing whites.
This will ensure that your whites stay, well, whiter for longer.