Can Bay Leaves Help Whiten Laundry? Here's What We Found

Bay leaves are not just for soups and stews; they're surprisingly versatile around the house. Beyond the kitchen, they can be used as natural pest repellents and air fresheners. The leaves could even be used to reduce stress when added to bathwater. You may have heard that putting bay leaves in your washing machine can result in fresher smelling laundry. But in some cases, adding these herbs in your wash can do more than refresh your clothes – it might actually help whiten them, too.

It might sound a bit odd, but the idea is that the natural compounds in bay leaves can lift dullness from your clothes, brightening your whites without using bleach. While the effectiveness of bay leaves in the wash has not been scientifically proven, it cannot hurt to try this hack if you're looking for a safe, no-hassle DIY trick to whiten your laundry. After all, bay leaves are inexpensive and easy to find. Plus, they're gentle, so you don't have to worry about harsh chemicals damaging your washer or clothes and irritating your skin.

To try this laundry hack that will leave your clothes smelling fresh and looking bright, place 10 bay leaves in a pot, cover them with water, and add 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about half an hour while stirring occasionally. Once you have removed the pot from the burner and allowed the mixture to cool down, place your whites in the pot and let it soak for 24 hours. Afterward, take your laundry out of the pot and place in the washing machine for its regular cycle. Thanks to bay leaves' natural oils that aid in restoring shine as well as the baking soda's stain removal abilities, your clothes may appear whiter and cleaner after this process.

For an even brighter effect, add a quarter cup of salt with your regular detergent when starting your washing cycle after you have used the bay leaves and baking soda mixture. By adding salt, it will break down dirt from your clothes, acting as another natural ingredient that will provide that extra whitening punch.