Question for bluing users

[zipdang]

I've been toying with trying out bluing, as I've never used it before. Seems there are a few club members who have mentioned they use it (Laundress comes to mind), so I was hoping someone might be able to answer a few questions I have.

1. Is it better to use it in the wash cycle or the rinse cycle?
2. If I begin using it regularly do I need to skip it every so often so that over time my whites don't turn blue? I really do wish to avoid excessive Smurfiness.
3. My KitchenAid washer has a triple dispenser system much like the Lady K's did. For those familiar with that system, do you think I could add the bluing to the bleach or fabric softener dispenser, or does it really need to be diluted with copious amounts of water before adding it to the wash/rinse water?

David

 

[bingwsguy]

I used it once, and man did I make a mess...haha. I used too much and everything was a robbins egg blue color. Of all things, oxy clean made them white again. Have been afraid to use it since. Would like to know the proper "how to" also.

 

[launderess]

There are bluings one uses in the wash and some are used in the rinse. "Bluette" works in both the wash and rinse baths, while "Mrs. Stewart's" is sold for use in the rinse bath.

In general it is NOT a good idea to dispense bluing from a dispenser, spotting can result and bluing can difficult to impossible to remove.

Dilute the bluing according to the maker's directions. It is best to use only small amounts especially of "Mrs.Stewarts which is very concentrated. I use large 4 cup Pyrex measuring cup filled with water, then add the proper bluing dose and stir, stir, stir. As the rinse water is filling pour the water/bluing solution at the botton of the washer drum (assuming you are using a top loading washer). You NEVER want undiluted bluing coming in contact with your laundry. Let washer finish the rinse/spin cycles.

If using bluing in the wash cycle: start the washer, add diluted bluing/water solution as above, then add your detergent and laundry. If using LCB better to bleach in the rinse cycle, IMHO.

Either in the wash or rinse bath, water containing bluing should be a light sky blue. The cloth will take up enough colour to make "whiten and brighten". Remember one is merely applying a light blue tint to laundry, not trying to dye it blue. The latter will happen if one uses too much bluing, so again, less bluing is better.

One blues laundry when it seems "dull" and in need of whitening/brighting. New items do not require bluing, nor should one blue item(s) after each wash load. Properly done the light blue tint should last several washings. Of course it is difficult to sort laundry so only non-blued items are in each load. Therefore if bluing each wash load, use very small dosages of bluing to prevent build up.

Do NOT use bluing in the same bath as vinegar, it produces a "rotten egg" smell. One can use vinegar in the first rinse, drain/spin then use bluing in a second rinse. This method allows one to remove items that do not require bluing, thus preventing the aforementioned "over bluing"

If one has used any sort of soap, it must be totally removed before using any sort of bluing containing Prussian Blue, otherwise it will spot.

L.

 

[launderess]

If one over blues, do not allow the item to dry/place in a dryer. Relaunder in the hottest water safe for the textile, possible with some oxygen based bleaching product. Do NOT use chlorine bleaches as they will set the bluing making it difficult if not impossible to remove.

Bluing stains or over blued items can also be soaked in an tightly closed bucket containing a solution of ammonina and water. Soak over night, then launder as usual.

L.

 

[brettsomers]

simply follow the directions on the bottle. ive used it many times. i only used it in the wash cycle. important: bluing is meant to counteract YELLOWING of WHITE laundry. never allow undiluted bluing to touch the clothes directly. i suspect most fabric softener dispensers dont allow you to dilute the bluing enough. to avoid staining clothes, you can dilute the bluing (several cups of water) and add in the bleach dispenser. btw, if you are using clorine bleach, dont bother with the bluing. important: dilution is important, if you dont dilute properly you run the risk of staining your clothes. this is only my experience. ive only had success with it, used it on a white cotton work uniform that was not-bleachable. can work WONDERS if you follow the label instructions.

 

[zipdang]

Thank you for the helpful information, Laundress and Brett. I'm glad I put those questions out there; I most certainly would have practiced some bluing no-nos.

I avoid using chlorine bleach except when really necessary, but I was thinking regular use of bluing would keep whites white. Now I know that bluing is only needed once whites take on a yellow tint.

On a related note, how does bluing work on synthetic items that are not bleach-safe? I have some white nylon/lycra athletic apparel that has lots its sparkling whiteness with time; would bluing help that or is it most effective on cottons and other natural fibers?

 

[polkanut]

Mrs. Stewarts can be used in the wash cycle too. Just make sure to follow directions. I prefer Bluette because it has a pleasant fragrance. Remember, your wash or rinse water should only be a light sky blue color.

 

[chestermikeuk]

A Quick Dip

I use the Reckitts "Bag Blue"blueing, just a quick swirl of the bag and away we go, I`ve also swished a bag into a jar of water for use with the FL. Gotta love those bluey white towels.

 

[bingwsguy]

Thanks everyone for the input...maybe now I can give it a shot again.

 

[bobbyderegis]

Haven't seen blueing in years!

Where can it be bought today? My grandmother used it for years.
Bobby in Boston

 

[polkanut]

Check at your local grocers as most chain stores don't seem to carry it. Go to www.mrsstewart.com to find out where it is available in your area.

 

[rayjay]

La France Bluing

Does anyone remember powdered La France bluing? Or little round cakes of bluing, called Bluette?

I have used Mrs. Stewarts from time to time.

 

[peterh770]

Is Bluette only available in the NYC vicinity?

La France disappeared from the market about 2 years ago. It was distributed by Dial Corp (Purex) and the source stopped making it. Right? I still have about a half box of La France on the shelf.

 

[rayjay]

Bluette/La France

Peter, I have not seen LaFrance in many many years. Bluette was always available in Jersey (joisey)LOL, however, I have not seen this in many years also. When I was much much younger, I also remember another bluing product that was out the same time that LaFrance was, and it was called BLU-WHITE. It was kind of nice in that instead of it being powder, it was blue flakes, sort of like Ivory Flakes.

Does anyone remember Blu-White??

 

[polkanut]

Yes, I remeber them both. Both my Mom and both grandmothers used Blu-White. After Blu-White became unavailable they all switched to LaFrance. My wife sure misses it too. I sure would like to know where I could get a hold of some today. It wasn't as messy to use as liquid bluing is.

 

[launderess]

La France

Is harder to find than a virgin at a prision rodeo.

Dial has no plans to bring the product back, and they were caught off guard as with everyone else when the company that made La France suddenly ceased production. This meant stores/people had no chance to stockpile extra stock. Once Dial ran out, that was that. Every now and then small 1940's or so boxes show up on eBay, but large full boxes from the 1960's on are hard to find.

La France along with Whitex were the first "bluings" to begin to use OBAs. Bluing is really only effective on cotton,linen and wool fibers, and only works just so well. OBAs OTHO are great for nylon which after WWII became a widespread textile.

La France called their brighteners "Luminess", and eventually the product would switch from being a true bluing to mostly OBAs. This was a boon to those still laundering with soap as it meant one could "blue" in the wash water without risk of spotting occuring from the reaction between soap and bluing.

Think what did La France in was the fact detergents and most fabric softeners by the 1970's or so contained lots of OBAs themselves, thus the need for a separate "brightening" agent was minimal. Even pre-soaks like Biz and Axion contained OBAs.

IIRC La France did go from being just a bluing to containing oxygen bleaches towards the end.

Next to Wisk tablets, my longest hunt has been for La France old stock. One would think with all and sundry vintage laundry products popping up on eBay, someone would come across a case or two of "old store stock". So far, nada.

L.

 

[angus]

The little blue cloth bags were originally called "Bleachette" and that was long before the liquid bluing became popular.

Peter, I do think Bluette is only available here in the NYC metro area. You could call the manufacturer, Walco-Linck in Valley Cottage, NY. The toll free number is 800-338-2329. Perhaps you can order some direct from the company. I have used LaFrance and liked it, but Bluette is really all I will use. I have tried Mrs Stewart's and didn't like it all that well. Bluette also has a nice fresh (almost lavender) fragrance. When mixed properly and used in the rinse, there is only the slighest bluish cast that goes away after drying. The difference in your whites will be amazing.

 

[polkanut]

I ordered a case of Bluette and had it shipped to my home. I too prefer this to Mrs. Stewart's. Nice fragrance, and more precise measuring instructions to suit me.