White bed linens can enhance the appearance of a bedroom; however, they are susceptible to accumulating grime, and maintaining their pristine condition can be difficult. This task is particularly challenging because, during sleep, our bodies naturally secrete oils and perspiration, which gather on the sheets.
You might observe a yellowish tinge developing on your bed sheets over time. This discolouration typically arises from natural body oils and sweat released throughout the night. While washing white sheets separately from coloured items can help preserve their brilliance for longer, it isn’t always completely successful. A cleaning specialist has revealed their method for laundering white sheets, advocating the use of a common household product to preserve their brightness.
Expert’s Advice for Whitening Sheets
Zachary Pozniak, a fourth-generation dry cleaner based in New York, shares cleaning tips on his Instagram account @jeeves_ny. Pozniak recommends pretreating yellowed sheets with dish soap to restore their whiteness.
Caution Against Excessive Dish Soap
Pozniak cautions against using too much dish soap, as this can lead to excessive sudsing. This soap build-up can potentially harm the fabric and leave blemishes.
Proper Dish Soap Application
Instead, Pozniak advises diluting the dish soap with water and using a spray bottle to apply the solution to stained or particularly discoloured areas of the sheets. He asserts this method will “supercharge” the cleaning process.
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Additional Steps for Optimal Sheet Whitening
Pozniak outlines further steps to achieve “white, bright, and squeaky clean” sheets. After pretreating with dish soap, he suggests adding a laundry booster to the washing machine drum before loading the sheets.
Utilizing Oxygen Bleach
Pozniak prefers powdered oxygen bleach, explaining that it “will generate hydrogen peroxide, which is primarily responsible for the whitening action.”
Powdered oxygen bleach is widely available in UK supermarkets.
If you typically use fabric softener, you can continue to do so. Pozniak mentions he favours a rinse additive, but notes it won’t significantly alter the final outcome.
The Ultimate Tip: Overnight Soak
Pozniak’s most effective tip for achieving immaculate sheets is to soak them overnight in hot water and powdered oxygen bleach before laundering. “If you remember one thing from this video, make it this,” he emphasizes.
Pozniak highlights the importance of timing, stating that this technique is most effective when performed gradually at a high temperature, ideally 60°C. Towels needing revitalization can also be included in the soak.
Alternative Method: Hydrogen Peroxide Spray
For those unable to soak sheets overnight, Pozniak suggests simply spraying them with hydrogen peroxide and allowing them to air dry prior to machine washing.