There’s nothing quite like the look (and feel) of crisp, white bed sheets. But despite your best efforts to keep them nice and white, it’s probably inevitable that, at some point, they start to turn an unwelcome shade of yellow. At this point, it’s time to learn how to whiten your sheets.
Before reaching for the bleach to return your pillowcases to their original glory, we’ve got some tips for you to try. After all, bleach can be pretty harsh on your linen, or worse, it can make them more yellow (depending on the bleach).
Why bed linen can turn yellow
There are a variety of reasons your bed sheets may be turning yellow but don’t fret – discolouration doesn’t necessarily mean you’re dirty or unhygienic. It’s normal for sheets to become discoloured after frequent use. This can be caused by sweat, body oils or lotions and creams that build up in the material over time.
How to prevent white sheets from yellowing
Ensure you wash your sheets regularly and adequately. While this may not stop your sheets from becoming white, ever, it’ll likely slow the process down. We also recommend you avoid using bleach as it can react to any bodily liquids on the bedding and enhance the damage. Unluckily for anyone who tries, it’ll be even tougher to get the stains out (if not impossible!)
Fabric softeners can also be a cause of the discolouration of your bedsheets, especially if you’re adding too much. It’s best to avoid using it, even though it may be tempting, it’ll extend the lifetime of your sheets.
How do you get yellowed sheets white again?
Alice, a BHG reader, got in touch after trying everything to get the yellow out of her pillowcases, wanting to share how she did it.
“I soaked them overnight in dishwashing liquid and bi-carb soda. Then I put them in the washing machine with two cups of vinegar and dried them in the sun,” Alice says.
She added: “It was a bit of a process, but it worked.”
How to get yellow stains out of white sheets with 2 ingredients
What you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup dishwashing detergent (preferably clear)
- 1/2 cup bi-carb soda
Method:
- Fill a tub or bath with hot water. Add your bi-carb soda and dishwashing detergent. Once dissolved, add your pillow cases.
- Give them a good stir and a poke.
- Leave to soak overnight.
- Drain the tub or bath the following day and transfer the sheets to a washing machine.
- Wash on a regular cycle with 2 cups of vinegar and your normal detergent.
- Dry in the sun.
Here are some tips to help keep your sheets white:
- Wash them regularly.
- Try adding a small amount of washing soda to your washing cycle. Here’s how to use washing soda.
- Make sure you aren’t using too much detergent – here’s how much detergent you should use (it’s less than what it says on the packaging.)
- Make sure you are using a filler-free washing detergent. Here’s how to tell if your detergent contains fillers.
- Don’t overfill your washing machine otherwise soapy water won’t be able to run freely through and clean stains and odours
- Measure correct quanitites for your detergent – too much will leave residue and decolour your sheets quicker
- Use the extra rinse cycle to make sure you’re getting rid of as much dirt and grime as possible
- Dry sheets in the sunlight to get rid fo persistent germs and odours
How often should you wash your bed sheets?
Washing your bedsheets regularly will reduce discolouration, and it’s recommended you wash your bedsheets at least once every two weeks. Doing so will ensure that there’s less chance for a deep stain, and it also prevents excessive build up of dust mites, bacteria, and even your own dead skin! If you live in a warmer climate, or if you have pets sleeping in ned with you, we’d recommend washing your sheets much more regularly to once a week.
