Laundry bluing, also known as laundry blue, is a liquid added to white clothes during laundering to make them appear whiter and brighter. It counteracts the yellowing effects that can occur over time from regular washing, environmental pollutants, and contact with human sweat and oils. While today’s modern detergents contain whitening agents and brighteners, laundry bluing still has its dedicated followers who swear by its superior whitening power for getting clothes their brightest. But what exactly is in this storied laundry aid that gives it its whitening prowess? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients used to make laundry bluing and how they work.
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Primary Ingredients
There are two primary ingredients used to make laundry bluing:
Ultramarine blue pigment
Ultramarine blue is an inorganic compound that provides the distinctive blue color of laundry bluing. Chemically known as sodium aluminum sulfosilicate, ultramarine blue consists of a complex arrangement of aluminum, sodium, sulfur, silicon, and oxygen atoms. The ultramarine blue used in laundry applications is synthetic, not the natural version made from the rare mineral lapis lazuli that painters used to get the prized, expensive pigment. The synthetic version has the same vivid blue tone but at a much lower cost. When dissolved in water, ultramarine blue ions attach to the white clothing fibers and counteract the yellow discoloration.
Water
Water serves as the solvent for dissolving the ultramarine blue pigment. Laundry bluing uses deionized water, which has had its mineral ions removed to prevent any discoloration or reactions with the pigment. The ultramarine blue pigment is finely milled to a powder to maximize solubility in the water. The resulting aqueous solution of blue pigment is what gets added to the laundry.
Additional Minor Ingredients
While ultramarine blue pigment and water make up the majority of laundry bluing, some additional minor ingredients may be included:
Surfactants
Surfactants are wetting agents that allow the bluing to spread evenly throughout the wash water and penetrate the fabric. Common surfactants used include linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and alcohol ethoxylates.
Preservatives
Preservatives prevent microorganism growth and allow the product to be stored long-term. Common preservatives include methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone.
Defoamers
Defoamers reduce foaming that can occur when the bluing is added to wash water. Common defoamers include silicone oils and polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymers.
pH buffers
Buffering agents adjust the pH to maintain optimum conditions for the ultramarine blue pigment to work effectively. Commonly used buffers include phosphates and carbonates.
Dye transfer inhibitors
These chemical agents prevent fugitive dyes from bleeding out of fabrics and redepositing during the wash cycle. Common examples are polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyvinyloxazolidone.
Fragrances
Masking fragrances helps give laundry bluing a pleasant smell. Common fragrances consist of synthetic aromatic oils.
Chelating agents
Chelators such as EDTA prevent metal ions from interfering with the bluing agents.
How Does Laundry Bluing Work?
Now that we know the key ingredients that go into laundry bluing, how do they actually make your whites whiter? The bluing works through two main mechanisms:
Optical brightening
The ultramarine blue pigment adheres to the positively charged surface of fabric fibers. Since blue and yellow are complementary colors, the blue pigment optically cancels out any yellowing on the clothing. This neutralizes discoloration and makes the fabric appear clean white again.
Fluorescence
In addition to its blue color, ultramarine blue also fluoresces under ultraviolet light. The fluorescent blue light that gets emitted combines with the normal reflected light to enhance the brightening effect.
Between these two mechanisms, laundry bluing can make faded, yellowed laundry look like new again! The bluing effect is temporary so subsequent washes will require reapplication of the bluing agent.
Types of Laundry Bluings
There are a few different types and formats of laundry bluings available:
Liquid
This is the most common type found in grocery and department stores. The ultramarine blue pigment is dissolved in a water solution for easy mixing into the wash load.
Powder
A powdered format that requires mixing with water before adding to the laundry. Powders are more concentrated but less convenient than liquids.
Embedded bars
Laundry soap bars that have blueing powder embedded in them to automatically dispense color during washing. No separate bluing step required.
Sheets
Single use sheets that are tossed directly in the washer drum along with clothes. Provide pre-measured bluing for convenience.
Natural Alternatives
While traditional laundry bluing contains synthetic ingredients, some homemade and natural options exist:
Blueing wash made from anthocyanin plant pigments
Soaking certain blue or purple flowers in water can extract anthocyanin pigments. Common sources include blueberries, red cabbage, violets.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide bleaching action can whiten fabrics and remove stains. However, it is harsher than bluing on fabric over time.
Baking soda
Baking soda helps remove yellow staining and is non-toxic. Must be mixed with water before using.
White vinegar
Helps brighten laundry by removing residues that cause dulling. Has a mild bleaching effect.
Lemon juice
Natural acidity cuts through detergent residue and acts as a mild bleach.
Sunlight
The UV rays in sunlight give a natural optical brightening effect on fabrics. Works best for line dried laundry.
How is Laundry Bluing Used?
Using laundry bluing effectively takes some trial and error but following some basic guidelines can help:
– Shake bottle before use to disperse pigment
– Add bluing during final rinse cycle after detergent has run
– Start with a small amount (1/4 cup liquid or 1 tbsp powder)
– Increase amount if needed for greater whitening effect
– Add bluing every 1-3 washes for maintenance
– Works best on natural fibers like cotton and linen vs synthetics
– Overuse can give a bluish tint; bluing is difficult to remove if over-applied
– Keep bluing away from aluminum washers/dryers to avoid staining
Laundry Bluing Safety Precautions
When used correctly, laundry bluing is generally safe for you and your clothes. However, be aware of these precautions:
– Keep out of reach of children and pets
– Avoid contact with skin and eyes as liquid bluing can be irritating
– Check clothing labels first; bluing may not be suitable for certain fabrics
– Test bluing on an inconspicuous area first to check for discoloration or damage
– Ensure good ventilation in laundry area to reduce risk of inhaling pigment dust
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laundry bluing really make clothes whiter?
Yes, laundry bluing contains blue pigments that optically brighten fabrics by counteracting yellowing. This can restore dingy clothes back to a bright white appearance.
Is laundry bluing safe for septic systems?
In normal household quantities, laundry bluing is generally considered safe for septic systems. The small amount of pigment travels through the system and does not accumulate. But excessive use could contribute to blockages.
Does laundry bluing stain clothes blue?
Overuse of bluing can give clothes a bluish tint. Start with a small amount and increase gradually as needed. Test bluing out on old rags first to find the optimal dosage for your wash load.
Can you mix laundry bluing with bleach?
It’s not recommended to mix bluing with bleach or detergents containing bleach. The oxidation from the bleach chemicals can destroy the blue pigments. Use bluing separately in the final rinse.
Does laundry bluing work on all fabric colors?
Laundry bluing is only intended to be used on white fabrics. The blue dye can discolor other colors. An exception is adding bluing to brighten up faded black clothing.
Conclusion
While laundry habits and products have certainly modernized over the decades, laundry bluing continues to have a niche following of loyal users that swear by its whitening superpowers. This old-fashioned laundry aid still has a place next to modern detergents when it comes to getting whites their brightest. The secret is in the blue pigments that optically brighten clothing by counteracting yellowing discoloration. When used properly, laundry bluing can refresh dingy clothes and linens and make them look good as new again. Give this classic laundry booster a try next time your whites need a pick-me-up!