How to Keep White Clothes White

Short answer: White clothing stays white when you wash it separately from anything coloured, use the right amount of detergent and avoid overfilling the machine. A grey tint rarely comes from dirt, but from dye and detergent residue. The same applies to white bamboo clothing, just without chlorine.

Why white turns grey

The grey or yellowish tint that slowly creeps into white clothing is rarely because the clothes are dirty. Usually it is tiny amounts of dye from other garments, detergent residue and limescale from the water that build up layer by layer. The good news is that most of it can be prevented.

Always wash whites separately

Even pale pastel colours release small amounts of dye into the water, and white clothing absorbs it. Keep a pure white pile, and never add a single dark sock. It sounds strict, but it is the most important habit if your whites are to stay white for years.

Whites for men

A white undershirt for men and white T-shirts for men are often worn daily and washed frequently. Put them in the white pile with white socks and white underwear. That way you can wash a full load without compromising on colour.

Whites for women

White bamboo underwear for women is especially exposed, because it sits close to the skin and takes up sweat and skincare products. Wash it in the white pile, ideally in a wash bag if there is lace or thin straps. That way it keeps both its colour and shape longer.

The right dose

Too little detergent leaves dirt behind, too much leaves a greyish film that attracts new dirt. Dose according to the pack and your water hardness, and find out whether you live in a hard water area. Hard water needs a little more detergent, soft water a little less.

Fill the machine three quarters full

Only fill the machine three quarters full, so the clothes are rinsed properly. In an overfilled drum the water cannot move freely, and dirt and detergent residue stay in the fabric. It is one of the most overlooked causes of grey laundry, and it is easy to fix.

Whitening detergent in moderation

A detergent with optical brighteners can be used for whites, but on bamboo it should be used in moderation. A mild detergent for everyday washing and a whitening detergent now and then is a good balance. Chlorine is completely ruled out, because it weakens bamboo fibres and can cause yellow patches.

White bedding

White bamboo bedding is best washed on its own at 40 degrees, because it is bulky and needs room in the drum. Wash it regularly, so sweat and skin oils do not have time to settle. Dry it outdoors if you can, where sun and air give it a fresh finish.

Dry wisely

Sunlight bleaches naturally, so white clothing can happily dry outside in the sun. This only applies to whites, though; coloured clothing should dry in the shade. Avoid the tumble dryer, which can cause yellowing at high heat and wears on bamboo fibres. A drying rack or washing line is the best choice.

Treat yellow marks early

Yellow deodorant marks under the arms build up slowly, but they are easiest to remove while they are new. Soak the garment in cold water with a tablespoon of vinegar for half an hour before washing. Repeat if the mark does not disappear the first time, and avoid heat until it has gone. See also complete washing guide for bamboo clothing.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my white clothing turning grey?

Usually because of dye from other clothes, too much or too little detergent and an overfilled machine. Wash whites separately, dose correctly, and only fill the drum three quarters full.

Can I use chlorine on white bamboo clothing?

No, chlorine weakens bamboo fibres and can cause yellow patches. Instead, use a mild whitening detergent now and then, and let the clothes dry in the sun where possible.