Whiter than Snow

This helpful tip for getting those white church clothes white again comes from Mary Hunt's everyday cheapskate column. My yellowed clipping is taped inside the door to my laundry room cupboard, (Where else would you keep a laundry "recipe"?) and I've used it many times; almost always with a visible difference in whiteness.

For dingy items, add one cup of Cascade automatic dishwashing powder (not gel), 1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda and a heaping measure of your normal laundry detergent to the wash cycle. Allow the agitation to begin, then turn the machine off. With the lid closed, allow the load to soak overnight. In the morning, turn the machine on and complete the cycles.

NOTES: I've used store brand dishwashing powder for this and the Washing Soda is available at grocery or discount stores. It works best with a small load.

On a related topic, this recipe for homemade laundry detergent from the Complete Woman site looks interesting.