If you’re like me, you probably have a few sets of white sheets in your linen closet. Maybe they didn’t get the attention they should have when you bought them or maybe they just don’t get the use that other colors do. Either way, it can be frustrating to find that your expensive new set of sheets has yellowed after just a few washes. The good news is that there are ways to keep white sheets as white as possible! Below you will find tips on how to keep your whites looking their best:
TIPS for How to Keep White Sheets White
Separate your whites from other colors. While it's tempting to throw all of your clothes in one hamper, this isn't a good idea for keeping your whites bright. The dyes and pigments from colored garments will rub off onto the fibers of your white items, which can cause them to become dingy over time. To keep them looking clean and bright, separate them into two piles or containers—one for whites and one for everything else.
Separate Your Whites
To keep your socks, sheets, and other clothing white and bright, it's important to separate them from colored items. Mixing whites with coloreds in the washer can cause colors to bleed into the fabric and make them dingy.
Pretreat Stains
If you have a stain that's already set in, don't toss the sheets just yet! There are some ways you can get out that stain without having to wash them again.
Use a stain remover
If you have a liquid-based stain like blood or red wine, dab it with liquid detergent and then soak the sheet in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
Soak Your Whites
Soak your whites in a mixture of water and bleach. Wash them with detergent and rinse thoroughly, then soak the clothes for at least 30 minutes in a solution of one part commercial bleach to 10 parts water. Rinse thoroughly again and dry your white sheets outside on a sunny day; this helps to prevent yellowing.
Don’t Eating in Bed
Avoid eating or drinking in bed.
Never eat or drink on your bed (or on the bedroom floor).
Avoid getting food or drink on your sheets, even if it is only a little bit and only for a second. If you are eating or drinking, use a plate/cup or glass instead of putting it down on the bed.
Take Off Your Makeup before Bed
Remove makeup from your face.
- If you wear a lot of makeup, it can be difficult to remove all traces of it at night. However, if you want white sheets that stay white and don't get yellow over time, you should try taking off all your makeup before bed.
Don’t Use Poor-Quality Detergent
Using poor-quality detergent is one of the biggest reasons for yellowing. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Use a high-quality detergent. Look for one with a low pH level of 7 or below, which means it won’t be harsh on your laundry or your skin. It should also have an optical brightener in it to make whites look brighter and whiter.
Don’t Use too much Fabric Softener
The key to keeping white sheets white is to not use too much fabric softener. Fabric softener can leave a film on your sheets and cause build-up in the fabric, which causes skin irritation and makes the sheet less absorbent. If you must use fabric softener, opt for an extra-gentle formula that comes with fewer chemicals, such as Downy's Baby Care line or Gain's Ultra Infusions with Oat Milk & Honey scent.
How Often to Wash White Sheets
How often you should wash your white sheets will depend on how often you use them. If you have a lot of people in your house, or if you have a pet that sheds hair, then it's recommended that you wash them every week or two. If not, though, then it's safe to go longer between washes—just stay aware of any stains and be sure not to wait too long before washing again if they do appear!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean white cotton sheets?
Keeping your neatly made bed is one of the best ways to start each day feeling energized, organized, and motivated. It's also something that can be done in only five minutes! The first step is making sure that your bedding is clean. If you have pets or kids who sleep with you regularly, then it’s likely that you will need to wash them frequently throughout the week. Here are some helpful tips for keeping those beds as fresh as possible:
- Wash Sheets Once Per Week - Some people prefer washing their sheets every other week rather than once per week because it prevents build-up from occurring over time; however, this could cause issues if someone gets sick or doesn't change their clothes right away after sleeping (i.e., sweat stains).
How do i get my white sheets white again?
To keep your sheets as white as day, try the following:
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice (not for silk)
- Hydrogen peroxide (not for silk)
- Oxygen bleach
Can you make yellowed sheets white again?
Yes, you can make yellowed sheets white again. And the great news is that you don’t have to replace your bed linens when they start to look dingy. Several simple household products can help whiten sheets:
- Bleach
- This highly effective stain remover works well with most stains and is easy to use. However, it may be damaging if used too often with sensitive fabrics such as silk or wool. It’s also important not to mix bleach with other cleaning products because it could create toxic gases when mixed in a closed room (for example, ammonia from window cleaner).
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed how to keep white sheets white. We talked about how to keep them clean and stain-free by following some of these tips and tricks! If you have any other questions or co
