After several go-rounds (each with "You're absolutely right..."), Claude.ai came up with these steps using oxygen bleach, enzyme detergent, baking soda, and vinegar. Claude previously suggested borax and chlorine bleach, but then changed its tiny mind. I bought OxiClean White Revive powder (supposedly enzymes, borax, and oxygen bleach) Consumer Reports' recommended Tide + Ultra Clean blah blah liquid detergent.
- Make OxiClean paste (powder + small amount of water)
- Rub into stains, let sit 1 hour
- Hot water (hottest safe for fabric)
- Regular enzyme detergent (full amount)
- 1 scoop OxiClean powder
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- Add 1 cup white vinegar to rinse dispenser
- Check stains before drying
- If stains remain, repeat the process (don't put in dryer)
- OxiClean paste pre-treatment: oxygen bleaching + enzymes directly on stains
- Enzyme detergent: breaks down proteins
- Baking soda: boosts alkalinity for better cleaning
- Vinegar rinse: removes soap residue and brightens
- Hot water: activates everything
This is the "nuclear option" - use all the safe products together for maximum stain removal. The only thing you're avoiding is chlorine bleach (which could make yellowing worse).
Try this on your worst items first.