White bedding can often lose its vibrancy after washing, especially when washed with darker laundry items. Over time, bed sheets can gradually turn yellow due to exposure to body oil and sweat, while lotions and cosmetics can also noticeably alter the colour.
Although chlorine bleach is a cheap option for whitening sheets, it’s not particularly effective. If the bedding has traces of body oil, the chlorine may react and cause yellow stains to appear. Moreover, bleach can damage bedding.
Elizabeth Shields, the operations manager of US-based Super Cleaning Service Louisville, cautioned: “Using bleach every time when washing is not always good.
“Yes, yellowish linens are a bit of an eyesore, but grabbing bleach every time you wash them can weaken their fibres. This makes the fabric susceptible to wear and tear, leading to gradual deterioration.”
Instead of using this harsh household item to whiten your bed sheets, Elizabeth has shared an alternative cleaning method: white vinegar.
Using bleach every time when washing is not always good
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She advised: “Instead of using bleach, try using one cup of white vinegar along with your detergent. It’ll help to brighten and soften the sheets without the need for harsh chemicals.”
White vinegar has natural whitening capabilities and is an effective fabric softener too.
Choose the right wash cycle based on the fabric type and how dirty the sheets are. After the wash cycle is complete, move the sheets to the dryer and use a low heat setting for delicate fabrics to avoid any damage.
Elizabeth also suggested that hanging the sheets outside to air dry can help whiten them, adding: “Not only will it give them a natural fresh scent, but it’ll also help to brighten them up a bit more.”
If your bed sheets still look dull after being washed and dried, it might be because “you missed removing pilling”.
Pilling occurs when loose fabric fibres get tangled and form small balls or clusters on the surface of the fabric. These pills can trap dirt, dust, and other particles, leading to a build-up of debris on the sheets, which can make them appear “duller and darker” over time.
So, before washing, gently remove any pilling using a fabric shaver or a lint roller. It’s a “small step that can make a big difference” in preventing it from getting worse during the washing and drying process.