White bedding and how to keep it white
Short answer: White bedding turns grey from dye in other laundry and yellowish from cream and sweat. Wash it on its own at 40 degrees and avoid chlorine bleach.
Wash white on its own
A grey cast comes from dye in the machine, not from dirt. Gather the whites and wash them together.
Yellowish marks
Cream, hair products and sweat cause yellowish marks, especially at the pillow. Soak them before washing if they have set.
No chlorine
Chlorine bleach breaks down bamboo viscose and eventually gives a yellowish cast. Use an ordinary detergent.
Sun on the line
Sun has a mild bleaching effect, which is an advantage on white. See how white clothes stay white.
Change the pillowcase more often
The pillow gets dirty fastest. See bamboo bedding.
No fabric softener
Fabric softener binds residue and makes white go dull over time. See how to wash bamboo bedding.
See also
The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use chlorine bleach on white bedding?
No. Chlorine breaks down bamboo viscose and gives a yellowish cast over time.
Why does white bedding turn grey?
From dye out of other laundry in the machine. Wash white on its own.
What do I do about yellowish marks at the pillow?
Soak the cover in lukewarm water with a little detergent, then wash at 40 degrees.
