How to Keep
White Sheets White
We love the clean, elegant appeal of an all-white bedding aesthetic. Whether you opt for cotton or linen, TENCEL™ Lyocell or a rayon made from bamboo blend, white sheets, duvets, comforters, and other bedding items create a blank canvas to complement nearly any decor. But that same white background also makes it easier to spot stains, smudges, and discoloration, all of which can ruin that clean look. Learn the best way to clean white sheets and bedding, plus other tips for keeping your white bed spot-free.
Tips for Washing White Sheets and Bedding
Simply put, the best way to keep white sheets white is to care for them properly. Always check the care label and follow manufacturer’s instructions, but for most bed sheets and other bedding from The Company Store, that means washing in cold water and tumble drying on low heat. These tips help you take extra care for white linens that stay white, even after several washes.
Know How Often to Wash White Sheets
Sweat and oil transfer from your skin to your sheets while you sleep, leading to linens that look dingy or downright dirty. We generally recommend washing sheets once a week, but for white bedding that stays white, you may want to launder more frequently—as often as every three to five days. Bedding that doesn’t come directly into contact with your body as you sleep—such as a duvet cover or comforter—doesn’t need to be laundered as frequently. However, if you share your bed with pets, you may find you need to launder your white blankets and duvets more often to keep them white.
Wash White Sheets Separately
No one longs to add another load of laundry to their to-do list, but sorting lights and darks before laundering is essential to keeping white sheets and bedding bright. Washing white fabrics separately prevents dyes from darker fabrics from bleeding (even subtly) onto the lighter fibers.
Don't Overdo the Detergent
It may seem counterintuitive, but using too much detergent can actually be bad for your bedding: rather than resulting in super-clean sheets, extra detergent leaves behind residue and buildup that can cause discoloration over time. Always use the indicated amount of detergent, and add an extra rinse cycle if you want to be sure your laundry gets fully clean.
Ditch Chlorine Bleach
The best way to whiten dull white sheets or rid them of pesky stains is to wash them with non-chlorine bleach. Avoid harsh chlorine-based bleaches, which can damage the fabric’s fibers and actually cause them to yellow over time
Bedding Care Note: While chlorine-free bleach is safe for sheets, some bedding—including our down comforters—cannot be bleached at all, so always check a product’s care label before laundering.
Treat Stains Immediately
The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to remove. When a stain or spill inevitably happens, remove the bedding right away and rinse the spot in cold water. Then, treat it with an oxygenated stain remover before laundering the sheets according to the care label. Always ensure the stain is gone completely before drying your bedding, and run through additional wash cycles if necessary: the heat from the dryer can cause the stain to set, making it impossible to remove.
Hang Sheets in the Sun to Dry
Line-drying laundry isn’t only eco-friendly, it’s also an excellent option for treating stains—which fade naturally in sunlight—and brightening whites. Hang sheets and other bedding in a single layer instead of folded over the line, and keep in mind that thicker textiles such as quilts, towels, or blankets may take longer to brighten than sheets.
More Tips for Keeping White Sheets and Bedding White
Properly washing white bedding isn’t the only way to keep it bright. A few simple shifts to your everyday routine can help keep your sheets and bedding whiter, longer—and make them easier to clean on laundry day.
- Remove makeup and skincare products before bed. Like your body’s natural oils, any remaining makeup can easily transfer to your sheets, pillowcase, shams, or comforter while you sleep. Wash your face before getting in bed, and make sure lotion, moisturizer, and other skincare products are well absorbed.
- Don’t let pets sleep in bed. In addition to carrying dander that can aggravate allergies and affect your sleep, pets also track in dirt—the enemies of a clean white bed. Purchase a cozy pet bed for your four-legged friends, and keep your white bed spot-free by saving it for humans.
- Bid adieu to bedside snacks. Among the many unintended consequences of eating in bed are spilled drinks, greasy fingers, and other messes that may ruin white sheets. Play it safe: reserve the bed for rest and limit snacks to the kitchen, dining room, or living room.