A checklist for when your clothes have turned grey
Short answer: White and light clothes become greyish over time, even when they are washed regularly. Here is a list of the most common causes and the things you can change in the wash.
Look for the cause in your washing routine
Grey clothes are often the result of dirt and dye from other pieces settling into the fabric in the wash. That happens if clothes are washed at too low a temperature, with too little detergent or in an overfilled machine. Check how many kilos the machine can take and how much you put in. When the laundry cannot move freely, the dirt is not rinsed away. Start by looking at what you usually wash together.
Sort better
Wash whites and lights separately, so dark colours do not bleed onto light fabrics. Even new pieces can release dye the first few times, so wash them alone at first or with similar colours. Sort by care as well, so heavy laundry such as towels does not rub against delicate fabrics. See bamboo envelope sheets if you wash white bedding, which is often the first thing to turn grey. Keep whites together and light pastels together.
Detergent, temperature and rinsing
Too little detergent leaves dirt behind, while too much leaves residue that traps dirt. Use the amount the pack recommends for the hardness of your water. Hard water can cause a grey veil, so consider a descaler. The temperature must suit the label, but do not always wash on the lowest setting. An extra rinse helps remove residue. Fabric softener can also leave a film, so try cutting down.
Socks and feet
White socks quickly become greyish, because they come into contact with shoes, floors and sweat. Wash them inside out and preferably at the temperature the label allows. See bamboo socks for women. Clothes that come into contact with sweat and skin oils pick up a grey tinge more easily. Pretreat stubborn stains and change your socks daily. Footies are short and often pick up more dirt around the heel. See bamboo footies for women.
Drying and light
Drying in poor air can give grey tones, especially if clothes hang close together or stay damp. Hang them with plenty of space and let them dry completely before putting them away. A little daylight can freshen light fabrics, but long direct sun can also give a yellow cast on some fibres. Check the label and use your judgement. Avoid drying on a radiator, as heat can set stains.
What to do when the grey has set
Do an extra wash with only the grey clothes, with a suitable amount of detergent and an extra rinse. A soak in lukewarm water with detergent can help for half an hour to an hour. Use bleach or colour revivers only if the label allows it, as they can damage fibres and elastic. If it gives no result, accept that light clothes age. A grey tone is not harmful, but it can feel worn.
Frequently asked questions
Why do white clothes turn grey
Often because of dirt, detergent residue and dye released by other clothes. Hard water can also give a grey veil.
Should I wash at a higher temperature
Only if the label allows it. Often it helps more to wash in a less full machine and rinse an extra time.
Can I use bleach
Check the label first. Many fabrics and elastics tolerate it badly, so use it only if the care instructions allow it.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
