Ordinary bleaching can cause the iron contained in the water to penetrate the fabric of the laundry and cause discolouration or decolouration of the garments.

 

 

For a mild bleach, soak your laundry in a lye of fresh lemon juice and baking soda for an hour before washing.

 

You can apply the lemon juice directly and specifically to stains and then wash the laundry, or pour a capful into the detergent compartment of the washing machine. The laundry retains a fresh lemon scent afterwards.

 

Yellowish stains on shirts and T-shirts can often be removed by rubbing a 1:1 solution of water and lemon juice onto the stains.