The Secret Soak That Makes Your Summer Whites Shine Again

Because nothing says “summer” like a crisp white shirt that actually looks white

You know how it goes. The sun’s out, the air’s warm, and suddenly it’s white linen season again. There’s just something about white clothes in the summer—easy, breezy, and oh-so-fresh. But let’s be honest… pulling last year’s white tee out of the closet only to find it looking more “eggshell sadness” than “brilliant white”? Yeah, not the vibe.

And don’t even get me started on the risk of wearing white around, well, anything. Coffee drips. Popsicle splashes. A rogue splash of salad dressing. One moment you’re glowing like a beachside goddess, the next you’re Googling “how to remove turmeric stains from cotton.” We’ve all been there.

Luckily, thanks to a little household magic from a clever TikToker, we’ve got ourselves a summer-saving trick. And honey, it works. Like, really works.

A Hack Straight From the Internet’s Favorite Cleaning Guru

The internet is full of questionable advice—like that time someone suggested using mayonnaise as a hair mask (never again). But this gem comes from someone who knows what she’s doing.

@mama_mila_, a TikTok creator whose videos are like a warm cup of coffee for your cleaning soul, shared this very doable recipe for brightening up whites without harsh bleach or pricey specialty detergents. If you like your home clean but your wallet happy, this is for you.

Let me walk you through it, step by step.

What You’ll Need (You Probably Already Have It All)

• A bowl (big enough for your shirt, but not a soup pot—use your judgment)

• Water – enough to cover your clothing, about 3/4 full

• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide – you know, that brown bottle in the bathroom you never touch?

• 1 cup baking soda – old faithful

• 1 tablespoon dish soap – Dawn gets a lot of love, and for good reason

No, this isn’t a science experiment (though it kinda feels like one), and yes, it’s safe for your clothes—especially those whites that have seen better days.

How to Mix the Magic

1. Start with water – Fill your bowl about three-quarters full. Use warm water, but not piping hot. Think bathwater, not boiling spaghetti.

2. Add hydrogen peroxide – Just a quarter cup. This acts as a gentle bleach alternative. It brightens without the eye-watering harshness.

3. Toss in the baking soda – A whole cup. This helps scrub out stains, neutralizes odors, and softens the water a bit. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cleaning ingredients.

4. Dish soap comes last – Just a tablespoon. It helps cut through oils and grease. If your T-shirt has mystery spots on it (don’t we all?), this is your friend.

5. Stir gently and soak – Give it a soft swirl with your hand or a spoon—just enough to mix it all. Then dunk your item of clothing in, making sure it’s submerged. Let it soak for at least an hour. Two if you’ve got the time and the stains to justify it.

After the Soak? Wash Like Normal

Once the soak’s done its thing, pull out your clothing and toss it in the laundry. Wash it like you normally would—no need for anything fancy. When it comes out of the dryer, you’ll probably do a double take. Is that really the same shirt? Yep. And it smells fresh too.

If you want to line-dry it in the sun, even better. Sunshine is nature’s bleach. (Just keep that in mind if you’re working with delicate fabrics—it can also cause fading if you’re not careful.)

Why It Works (Without Getting Too Science-y)

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild oxidizer—it breaks down the gunk that dulls your whites. Baking soda helps scrub and deodorize, and dish soap lifts out oils and food-based stains. Together, they’re a little cleaning power trio. Like The Supremes for your laundry.

And honestly, it’s satisfying in a way that’s hard to explain. Watching a dingy tank top come back to life feels like some sort of laundry resurrection.

But Will It Work on…?

Good question. This method’s great for cotton tees, socks, pillowcases, and even white shorts. I’ve even used it on a white canvas tote bag I was just about ready to toss. But I wouldn’t use it on anything super delicate, like silk or wool. Stick to durable fabrics, and always test a tiny area first if you’re unsure.

Also? Skip this if your white garment has colored embroidery or trim—you don’t want the peroxide lightening what it shouldn’t.

A Few More Summer Laundry Tips, While We’re Here

I can’t help myself—once we’re talking summer whites, I have to share a couple more tidbits:

• Treat stains fast – That ketchup blob won’t wait. Blot it (don’t rub), then rinse in cold water before tossing it in the soak.

• Avoid fabric softener on whites – It can leave residue that makes them look dingier over time.

• Rotate your whites – Don’t wear the same tee every third day. Give ’em a break so they stay brighter longer.

So… Ready to Bring Back the Bright?

White clothes should make you feel fresh, clean, and just a little bit fabulous—not nervous about drips and dribbles. With a soak like this in your back pocket, you can welcome summer with open arms—and a very white wardrobe.

Now go ahead, wear the white jeans. Have the iced coffee. Life’s too short to fear a stain.

Watch the full video by click the link here!