Keeping your white clothing and linens looking bright can be a challenge, even when you have plenty of experience doing laundry. However, keeping a few basic tips in mind whenever you toss a load of whites into the washing machine can go a long way toward keeping them clean. 

Do:

Sort clothes.

Whites should always be washed separately from dark-colored items to prevent dye transfer. Even when you wash clothing items with cold water, dye transfer can take place as the fabrics rub against each other. 

Sorting prevents discoloration. If it helps you remember, set up two laundry bins: one for dark clothes, and one for whites. 

Wash with warm water. 

Although conventional laundry advice is to wash whites with hot water, a warm wash and cold rinse are actually better for keeping your clothes pristine. 

Although hot water can remove stains, and may be necessary if laundry needs to be sanitized, it can cause shrinkage. Using warm water instead protects your clothes and uses less energy. 

Don't:

Automatically use bleach. 

Adding chlorine bleach to your white laundry loads isn't always the best way to get them bright white. When bleach reacts with proteins like sweat it can cause yellow stains. 

Yellowing can also occur if the bleach isn't completely rinsed, or you use too much. Bleach can also damage delicate fabrics. Instead, use a chlorine-free bleach or oxygen-based laundry booster to brighten your garments and remove stains. 

Use fabric softener. 

Fabric softener can leave your whites with a gray tinge, and when you use it with towels, it creates a residue that can make them scratchy and less absorbent. Instead of adding fabric softener to your white loads, use baking soda or white vinegar instead. 

Pouring a cup of baking soda into the machine's drum will help remove odors, brighten whites, and soften fabrics. Alternatively, a cup of distilled white vinegar added to the fabric softener dispenser can soften fabrics. Avoid using both at once, though, as they will cancel each other out. 

Get your laundry done in a clean, well-maintained laundromat when you choose  Park Avenue Coin Laundry in Dothan, AL. Whether you choose to wash and dry yourself or opt for drop-off laundry services, you can count on efficient service in a pleasant atmosphere. They even have an onsite ATM for your convenience.  Get more details on their website or call (334) 678-0800 with questions.