If you’ve got a favourite t-shirt or top that you can’t think about getting rid of, you’ll want to protect it at all costs from any stains and damage. While you can do your best to prevent spills and dirt from getting near your favourite top, something might be slowly damaging it—especially in warmer weather.
You might pull out your favourite top out of the wardrobe one day only to notice some unsightly yellowing or deodorant stains. This can ruin the look of your clothes.
Instead of scrubbing endlessly or replacing your clothes altogether, there’s a simple and budget-friendly solution that isn’t found in the cleaning aisle at the shops. Instead, head to the medicine section and pick up a packet of denture tablets.
Usually meant for cleaning false teeth, these tablets are packed with powerful stain-fighting ingredients that can help break down deodorant build-up and refresh white fabrics. They contain peroxide, oxidisers, baking soda and washing soda – all of which help dissolve stubborn stains while neutralising any lingering odours.
The fizzy action is the catalyst to lift the residue, making it much easier to wash away. Best of all, this method is incredibly affordable.
A tube of 30 fresh mint denture tablets costs just 89p at Morrisons. Since you only need two tablets per treatment, each cleaning session costs a mere 6p, according to the team at 888ladies.
What do I need to do?
It’s a simple process that anyone can do. Fill a bowl or sink with warm water to prepare the cleaning solution.
Next, you want to drop two denture tablets and wait for them to dissolve fully. The fizzing action activates the cleaning agents, which will help to break down stubborn deodorant and sweat stains.
Once the solution is ready, submerge the affected areas of your clothing, such as the underarms and collars, into the mixture. Let them soak for around 15 minutes, giving the solution enough time to loosen the build-up and refresh the fabric.
If any stains remain after soaking, gently scrub the area with a soft brush or sponge to help lift any stubborn residue. This extra step can be particularly useful for older or more set-in stains.
After soaking, remove the clothing from the solution and wash as usual, either by hand or in the washing machine. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any leftover cleaning agents.
Once washed, allow the clothing to air dry, ideally in the sunshine, as natural light helps further brighten white fabrics and eliminate any lingering odours. If drying indoors, ensure good airflow to prevent dampness and keep clothes feeling fresh.
For an extra cleaning boost and a refreshing citrus scent, you could add a few drops of lemon juice to the solution before soaking. The acidity of the lemon juice can help to break down stains further, while the citrus scent can leave your clothing smelling fresh and clean.
A team member from 888ladies added: “Denture tablets work best on white clothing due to their bleaching agents like peroxide and oxidisers, which break down stains and brighten fabric. However, these same ingredients can fade or discolour coloured fabrics, especially darker ones. To avoid damage, it’s best to use them only on whites or spot-test coloured clothing first.”
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