White bed sheets are a pain to maintain as their pristine appearance can be quite a challenge.
Over time, they tend to become discoloured and stain yellow due to the natural oils and sweat that our bodies release during sleep.
This unsightly tinge can be stubborn and hard to remove with just regular washing.
But don’t fret, laundry experts at Sleep Foundation have shared some tips on how to restore your sheets back to their crisp white state.
Wash them at the right time
Keeping your white sheets and pillowcases spotless is a delicate balancing act. You want to wash these items regularly to keep them fresh, but washing them too often “will lead to increased wear and tear” as the materials break down.
The experts advised: “We recommend washing your white sheets at least once per week. Purchasing multiple sheet sets will allow you to swap out sheets and pillowcases easily when laundry day arrives.”
Avoid bleach where possible
Chlorine bleach may seem like a cheap solution for whitening sheets and pillowcases, but “it is not particularly effective”.
The bedding gurus warned: “If the bedding items have traces of body oil on them, the chlorine may react with these substances and cause yellow stains to appear.”
They claimed: “Many rely on chlorine bleach to brighten their sheets, but there are actually more effective ways than bleach to keep your sheets looking white and fresh.”
For those looking to keep their sheets sparkling white, experts have shared a top tip that doesn’t involve bleach. They recommend washing your bedding first without bleach to remove oil, sweat, and other contaminants.
If the sheets still aren’t bright enough, they suggest a second wash using a natural alternative like lemon juice.
Give lemon juice a go
Lemon juice is a natural alternative that’s great for keeping your sheets white and smelling fresh, thanks to its “whitening and odour-controlling properties”.
It’s “very effective for cleaning sheets” and pillowcases. The experts recommended: “Use one to two cups of lemon juice for the best results.
“Either pour the lemon juice directly into your washing machine at the beginning of the cycle or soak your linens overnight in hot water with half a cup of lemon juice.”
Instead of using a tumble dryer to dry your sheets, hang them on a clothesline if you can. A good one to two hours outdoors can “whiten and freshen bedding items” and may even do the job “more effectively than a household dryer”.
