Discolored white t-shirts

[daylily]

DH wears a back brace and has to wear these moisture-wicking, skin-tight undershirts under the brace. They are a funny kind of fabric. I don't have the name right in my head at the moment. When I wash them, they turn an ugly gray color and get kind of an oily feel. I know for sure it's not my washer doing it because my underwear is still nice and white after hundreds of washings.

I've tried soaking the shirts in Oxy-clean and it helps a tiny, tiny bit but not enough to make it worthwhile. I've also tried a homemade one with baking soda and vinegar.

Does anyone have any idea how I can make these look and smell better?

Thanks!
Daylily

[lisaflex]

soak them in BIZ or Borax. should help.

[daylily]

Thanks! I have Borax so I'll try that and see what happens.

[Judi Dial]

Here is a discussion on cleaning antique linens:
Laundry Tips

Old linens are prone to browning, graying and/or spots so it's something that comes up a lot. I found this site because I have acquired some really nice linen that has brown spots on it, and I want to change that!

What I would recommend from the article is the sunshine part perhaps?

Anyway, it's an idea. Try the borax, etc. first, but sunlight's free so it's certainlly frugal!

IHTH--

Judi

[CrazyHomemaker]

I switched my detergent to Tide and my whites are white again. For me, it's worth the money because I use it only for whites. BTW, I have well water with loads of nasty stuff in it.

Borax is my new best friend. I agree. Try that.