How to Get Grubby Whites Clean

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I've just bought 5 white cotton school uniform shirts from my DD's new school's second hand sale and have saved myself a fortune
However, they are all a bit grubby - not as white as they should be and smattered in paint marks
I'd normally spray with Vanish and boil wash but I don't think that will work
Any tips ?

Bleach?

I recently discovered Napisan.
It doesn't work miracles, but helps to brighten whites.
I usually soak in a bucket over night, then wash as usual in machine.
hth :)

I second Napisan.

I think it says to soak for a couple of hours but ignore that, like Yani says stick them in over night, then wash

Vanish optical whitener - first following the instructions on the tub and if that not works then soak overnight.

if it's emusion paint, meths will soften it. Wrap in plastic bag so it doesn't evaporate.

Thanks for the tips. I have no experience with bleach at all other than some distant memory of reading that if you don't deactivate it with milk or something like that the bleach continues to work away and will eventually rot the fabric. Is this true or utter nonsense

Another Napisan fan, much nicer to work with than chlorine bleach. Simple instructions, doesn't damage the actual textiles.
Meths will leave the clothes stinky, wouldn't go there.

With whites if you dont use enought powder in the wash it doesnt carry the dirt off and it settles back into the fabric. I assume this happens with colours too but you notice with white more.

I use whitner from homebargains (think it's a Dylon one for a £1) plus I use 6 dessert spoons of sains bio smartprice powder and 3 spoons of soda crystals.

I only use smartprice bleach sprayed directly onto stains and washing up liquid for stains.