White bedding can turn dingy after a few washes, losing that crisp, white feeling it once had. This can be incredibly annoying, but according to an expert, reviving them is easy. Richard Edwards, owner of White House Hideaway, a luxury cabin retreat in Herefordshire, said: “In the hospitality business, white sheets are our calling card.
“Guests notice immediately if bedding looks anything less than pristine, so we’ve learned the professional tricks that keep whites looking fresh and bright, wash after wash.” The expert has shared the industry secrets that can transform your home laundry routine to help maintain that “hotel-fresh” look for your own white bedding.
1. Water temperature
One of the biggest mistakes people make when washing white sheets is in water that’s either too hot or too cold.
The expert said: “We always use warm water, around 40C. Hot water can set stains and cause yellowing, while cold water won’t activate your detergent properly.”
2. Choose your detergent wisely
Not all detergents are created equal when it comes to maintaining white bedding.
The expert recommended using a power specifically designed for whites rather than liquid alternatives.
The expert said: “Powder detergents contain bleaching agents that are activated by warm water, which helps maintain that crisp white appearance.”
3. Oxygen bleach
While chlorine bleach is too harsh, oxygen bleach can help to provide that whitening boost whilst being gentle.
It works by releasing oxygen molecules that break down stains and brighten whites without harsh chemicals.
4. Don’t overload your machine
Richard continued: “Sheets need room to move around in the water. When they’re packed too tightly, the detergent can’t circulate properly, and you end up with uneven cleaning.”
A good rule of thumb is to wash no more than one full bed set at a time to ensure proper water circulation and cleaning.
5. Drying
Where possible, use natural sunlight to dry bedding as it also provides natural bleaching.
The expert noted: “There’s nothing quite like the fresh smell and appearance of sheets in natural sunlight.”
If you have to use a tumble dryer, avoid over-drying the sheets as this may cause yellowing and a rough feel.