How to keep your child’s white clothes looking fresh
It’s no secret that every child is messy, and keeping white clothes looking clean and fresh can prove to be a nightmare.
As the season transitions into spring, we imagine you’ll be swapping out the darker colours for whites and pastels, which will inevitably be ruined with ice cream stains and mud.
But you don’t have to fear marks and stains when dressing your child in white outfits anymore! With our guide, you’ll be able to keep your child’s clothes looking as white as when you first bought them.
This is especially important when buying designer clothes, as you’ll want to keep them looking in pristine condition to get the most out of your money. At Village Kids, we sell a large selection of kids' designers, so you can find exactly what you need at great prices.
The challenges of white fabrics
White is a versatile and relaxing colour. It works best in the spring and summer, when lighter palettes are in style.
However, we all know how messy children can be, especially babies and toddlers. Dressing them in white can feel like signing yourself up for hours spent washing the stains out or replacing the pieces as quickly as you bought them.
Unlike darker colours, white fabrics are more susceptible to showing every small stain and imperfection. Dirt and food stand out like sore thumbs, ruining the outfit's fresh, crisp look.
However, one of the most common challenges is the clothes becoming yellow. This happens due to prolonged exposure with perspiration, body oils, air, and sunlight. UV exposure can also weaken the fibres in the fabric, causing them to become brittle.
Accept that stains are unavoidable!
While we want to believe in a dream world where stains don’t exist, it’s just not possible. To save yourself the stress, accept that stains are a part of life!
You don’t have to stop dressing your child in white just because they may stain their clothes. It can always be cleaned up as long as you take the appropriate steps to keep them looking fresh.
Pre-wash strategies: the first line of defence
You won’t be surprised to learn that the quicker you deal with stains and marks, the more luck you have at getting them out.
Whether your child has coloured in their white top with spaghetti or decided to take a marker to their brand new t-shirt (it happens), you’ll want to blot (not rub) it straight away with a clean cloth.
Use a stain remover designed for white fabrics. Apply it directly to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. This will break down the stain particles, making it easier to remove. The fingernail trick always comes in handy for tough stains—gently scratch the stain away with your fingernail.
Soaking methods
Depending on the type of stain you’re dealing with, there are several options for soaking white clothes.
- Baking soda or lemon—Breaks down grease and grime easily.
- Oxygen-based bleach—Great for lifting tough stains like mud, grass, or food.
- Vinegar— Breaks down stains and acts as a fabric softener.
Dealing with specific stains
The most common stains are grass, food and drink stains, sweat marks, and ink or markers. While you may think the same method works for each stain, there are actually a few expert-approved methods that will ensure your white clothes stay white.
- Grass: Mix a paste of baking soda and water, and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting with a damp cloth. If the stain persists, try soaking the fabric in vinegar and water for about 30 minutes before washing.
- Food and drink: Use a stain remover or liquid dish soap when dealing with tomato sauce, juice, or chocolate. Apply it directly to the stain, rub it in gently, and let it sit before rinsing.
- Ink and marker: Ink stains can be tricky, but a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water can work wonders. Dab the stain with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol, and gently blot the area. Rinse the area thoroughly before washing.
- Sweat stains: Sweat stains, particularly around the armpits, can cause yellowing over time. Pre-treat these stains by soaking the clothing in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, water, and a bit of dish soap. Allow it to soak for a while before washing.
Washing techniques: preserving fabric integrity
Once you’ve worked on the stains, you’ll want to take the correct approach to washing to ensure that your child’s clothes remain in great condition.
If not, you may end up dealing with weakened fabric, dull clothing, shrinkage, or fading. I think it’s safe to say we want to avoid that disaster at all costs!
1. Separate whites from colours
First, you’ll want to separate your white clothes from any colours to avoid the colour transferring in the wash.
Even the slightest amount of dye can leave white clothes looking discoloured! We suggest using a laundry bag for washing machines when cleaning delicate white items. This will prevent them from getting caught or rubbing against other fabrics.
2. Wash with cold water
Washing your whites with cold water can help to prevent shrinking and fading and quickly get rid of stains.
This is especially important for designer clothes, which need to be cared for more delicately. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, try using lukewarm water instead.
3. Choose a gentle or delicate cycle
Children's clothing is mostly made from cotton, linen, and polyester. High-quality fabrics, commonly used for designer clothing, are more sensitive to damage when being washed on a quicker cycle.
Instead, a gentle or delicate wash cycle to prevent the risk of wear and tear. Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can cause friction and clean the clothes less effectively.
4. Use mild and gentle detergents
Look for detergents free of bleach, artificial colouring, and strong fragrances for children's clothing, especially designer clothing.
Use enzyme-based detergents that are more effective at removing food stains, grass stains, and other common messes.
5. Avoid fabric softeners on white clothes
When fabric softeners are used on white clothes, they can leave behind a waxy residue that makes the white fabric appear duller.
Some fabric softeners can also include chemicals that damage the fabric over time. Instead, try adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This works as a mild deodoriser and can help brighten whites over time.
Drying methods: maintaining shape and brightness
We’ll keep this one short and simple. Air drying is one of the most gentle methods of drying, especially for white clothing.
This doesn’t cause heat damage to the garments and can help them to retain their natural shape. When drying delicates, it’s best to lay them flat on a clean towel or drying rack to prevent stretching.
Hanging everyday white clothing like t-shirts, dresses, or jeans to dry on a clothesline or drying rack is a great option. To reduce the risk of wrinkles, hang them up by the seams or shoulders or use padded hangers.
While sunlight can help clothes dry faster, too much sun exposure can cause yellowing. Therefore, drying them slowly in the shade will ensure they look better for longer. If you can’t escape the dryer, always wash your white clothes on a low-heat or delicate setting.
Top tip: Use dryer balls to prevent fabric from becoming too stiff!
Storing your child’s white clothes
Who knew that the way you store your child’s clothes can affect their quality? Too much UV exposure, humidity, and temperature fluctuations can all cause fabric degradation, yellowing, and even the growth of mildew.
Always store your child's clothes in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. While clothing racks are becoming increasingly popular in interior design, a closed-door wardrobe is best for keeping white clothes bright and soft.
If you care a lot about the quality of your child's clothes, invest in breathable garment bags. This will protect your clothes from dust, moths, and discolouration, which is especially beneficial for cotton or linen clothes.
Invest in longer-lasting designer items with Village Kids
Are you sick and tired of buying clothes for your child, only for them to collect one stain or hole after a few wears, rendering it useless?
If this sounds like you, here’s why investing in designer items may just be the change you need:
- Great quality fabrics that won’t crumble after a few uses
- A wider variety of beautiful designs and trending items
- Softer and better-feeling clothes that won’t irritate your child
With our wide collection of designer children’s clothing, your little ones will not only be dressed in the latest fashion, but they'll also be able to enjoy their clothes for years to come (or serve as great hand-me-downs).
So what are you waiting for? Browse our children's designer clothing today—where fashion meets fun!