Bluing Agent for Laundry

Bluing agent is known by many names, like washing blue and laundry blue have been in use since the Victorian era. Earlier, a bag containing the agent, was dipped in water, during the final rinse cycle of the laundry. With modern technology and commercial manufacturing processes, the quality of bluing agents is much better than before. The following FAQs will answer all the queries you have regarding this product..

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the frequently asked questions on bluing agents used for laundry. These FAQs will help you choose and tell you how to use it when doing laundry.

What is Bluing Agent?
It is a product used in most households to enhance the appearance of clothes, especially white ones. It consists of a blue color pigment, which can be either Prussian blue or ultramarine. Earlier, bluing agent was available in solid powder form, but now it is available as a liquid. This liquid is stored in bottles which are convenient to use, as their small nozzles prevent the spilling of excess liquid.

How Does a It Work?
After a while, white clothes turn slightly yellow or gray. This discoloration can be distinctly seen at the collar and the underarms of the shirt. By adding a little amount of the agent white clothes become brighter. Sometimes bluing agents are added to swimming pool water, to make the pool visually more appealing.

How to Use It?
The best way to use a laundry bluing agent, is to follow the instructions given on the label. Wash your clothing, as you would normally in the washing machine. Then add a few drops of the agent, in the final rinse cycle. This will make your whites brighter and remove the yellow tinge. If you prefer hand washes, soak your clothes in normal detergent. Rinse your clothes thoroughly. Again soak your clothes in water and add a few drops of bluing agent, followed by thorough rinsing.

What is the Right Amount of the Agent?
4 - 5 drops of the agent, for a quart of water, is the appropriate amount required for laundry. Be careful with the amount of bluing agent you use, because overuse can cause the dyeing of your whites to a light blue.

Is It Safe on Delicate Clothes?
Yes, bluing for laundry, is safe on delicate clothes. You can use bluing agent on different fabrics like shirts, towels, table cloths, undergarments, etc.

Which are the Best Bluing Agents?
There are many commercial agents for laundry available in liquid and solid forms. Some of these are even environment-friendly products. The liquid ones are more suitable for laundry, as they easily dissolve in water and permeate the laundry thoroughly. Some popular bluing agents are Mrs. Stewart, Bluette, and Reckitt's blue.

Is Combining Bluing Agent with Other Products Safe?
It is not advisable to combine it with other products as this might lead to undesirable coloration of the laundry. Always, use it in the last rinse cycle of the wash load. There are detergents which contain bluing agent. So, instead of buying bluing agent separately, you can directly use such detergents. However, using it separately in the last rinse cycle gives a better result.

Are Bluing Agents Expensive?
They are very affordable. You can buy bluing agents for laundry for around USD 12. They are also long-lasting, as you don't need to add the agent for every wash load.

Now that you are equipped with all the information about these cleaning products, use bluing agent to restore the whiteness of your apparels, and to prevent the discoloration of your new white clothes.