This Is How Martha Keeps Her Whites So Bright—Without Using Bleach

Keeping your whites from looking dingy and discolored can seem like a futile chore. But it doesn't have to be.

In a recent blog post, Martha shared her tips for washing whites. Using stained white towels as an example, Martha and her team demonstrated how to launder the items to restore their brightness.

"Many of you often ask what products I use to clean my laundry," Martha wrote. Her go-to products are Shout stain remover and Tide Free & Gentle laundry detergent.

She starts by spraying Shout directly onto the stain and rubbing the fabric gently together. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing.

The towels are then placed into her Miele washer. "It’s always a good idea to separate colored items from whites to prevent any chance of dye transfer," Martha explains. She also recommends checking an item’s care label before treating or washing and following its instructions. "I also don’t fill the machine to capacity. Overloading can prevent proper cleaning," she says.

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While some people prefer to wash their towels in hot water, Martha prefers warm water. "This works just fine for everyday laundry or slightly stained pieces," she says. She also doesn't use fabric softeners or bleach. "For me, a high-quality detergent alone works best." The Tide Free & Gentle is added to the detergent dispenser, and the towels are washed for a full cycle, which Martha notes is 58 minutes for her washer.

The items are then retrieved from the washer and put into the dryer, which is run on a normal drying cycle. Like the washer, Martha advises against overloading the dryer. The towels come out clean, dry, and free of any marks.

Several loads of laundry are done daily in her home, Martha explains. She credits the right appliances and cleaning products for getting the job done.