The myth that white clothes only stay white with bleach
Short answer: White clothes can be kept white without bleach. Grey and yellowish fabric is often caused by residues of sweat, detergent and dye from other clothes. The right sorting, dosing and drying does more than chlorine, and it protects the fibres at the same time.
Why white clothes turn grey
White clothes turn grey for several reasons. Small amounts of dye from other garments can settle when whites are washed with colours. Dirt and skin oils that are not fully washed out build up as a thin film. Too much detergent can leave residues that trap dirt. And hard water can leave limescale deposits that make fabric look dull. Each of these causes can be dealt with without reaching for bleach at all.
What chlorine does to fibres
Chlorine bleach removes colour powerfully, but it is harsh on fibres. It can weaken cotton, damage viscose and make elastane brittle, so the garment loses its shape. Chlorine can also turn some clothing yellowish rather than white, particularly synthetic fabrics. Many care labels therefore advise against bleaching. On garments such as bamboo underwear for women, which contain viscose and elastane, chlorine should be avoided entirely.
Sort and dose correctly
Wash whites on their own, or only with very pale colours. Use a detergent for whites, which often contains an oxygen based bleach that is milder than chlorine. Dose according to your water hardness and how dirty the laundry is, and do not overdose. Do not fill the machine completely, so the water can rinse through properly. An extra rinse can remove detergent residue, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
Sweat and yellow stains
Yellow stains under the arms come from sweat, deodorant and skin oils that have not been washed out properly. They get worse with heat, because the proteins become fixed. Pre treat the stains with a little liquid detergent and wash at the temperature the label allows. A bamboo undershirt for women worn under a white blouse absorbs much of the sweat and can be washed often, so the blouse stays brighter.
Towels and air drying
Towels often turn grey from detergent and fabric softener residue. Skip the softener and use the correct dose. Sunlight has a mild bleaching effect, so white towels and sheets can benefit from drying outdoors when the weather allows. Be careful with coloured items in the sun, though. Bamboo towels do well with a moderate temperature and thorough rinsing to keep both their colour and their ability to absorb water.
Oxygen bleach as an alternative
If your clothes have gone grey anyway, an oxygen based bleach can help. It is milder than chlorine and comes as a powder added to the wash or used for soaking. Read the care label first and test on a small area. Soaking in lukewarm water with oxygen bleach for a few hours can freshen up white clothes without damaging the fibres in the way chlorine can, which makes it the gentler option.
Frequently asked questions
Can baking soda be used on white clothes
Bicarbonate of soda can help a little with odour and soften the water, but it does not really bleach. Oxygen bleach works better.
Why do white clothes turn yellow in the wardrobe
Residues of sweat and detergent can oxidise over time. Wash clothes thoroughly before putting them away.
Can bamboo clothing be bleached
Chlorine should be avoided. Follow the label and use at most a mild oxygen based product if it is permitted.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
