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Learn MoreCaring For White Linens
White linens, they are stunning and the bedding of choice for all high end hotels. This is because white linens reveal all, and you can feel safe that you are sleeping in a clean bed when you are laying down in fresh white stain free sheets.
However, this is exactly why they can be so difficult to keep clean. When you have white sheets at home ever little spill, muddy paw, dirty toddler and cup of coffee threatens to stain your sheets and leave them ruined. Which is why we are here with our go to guide on how to care for white linens. So you too can enjoy classic white sheets without fear.
Best Washing Methods For White Linens:
When it comes to white linens you may need a bit more thought when doing the laundry for optimal results. If you’re anything like me you put the laundry in the washing machine, add some detergent and press start. However, when it comes to keeping your whites white and preserving your linens there are a few ways to ensure your using the best methods. Below are several ways to help keep your whites gleaming for a crisp, fresh look and feel.
Bleach:
Often times when you first think about how to keep white linens pristine and clean, bleach is the first cleaning product mentioned. However, you need to know how to use it properly.
First, be sure that your bedding products are safe to use bleach. Some materials cannot withstand bleach and will practically melt if they are washed with bleach.
You may find that bleach should be skipped all together as it often turns your white and ivories into a creamy yellow color. This is not the crisp pure white we were looking for. While bleaching agents can do wonders in certain situations, it is actually not our go to product.
Click the link to get our top tips on how to target your room during spring cleaning: Bedroom Spring Cleaning
Bluing Liquids:
If you find yourself with yellowed bleach sheets, or white linens that have become dingy creamy color. Then we suggest try using a bluing liquid. Any blonde will be familiar with this concept of toning your hair to cancel out yellow tones. This is a very similar process.
Bluing liquids like Mrs. Stewarts Bluing Liquid, is made to “whiten white fabrics and clothing”. Which makes it the perfect choice when your bedding has gone yellowy.
Don’t worry, when used properly this product will not make your bedding look blue. This is one of those instances where adding color will actually make your white linens look as if they are more clean and white/without color.
Buy Your Mrs. Stewart’s Liquid Bluing HERE!
Bleach Free Whitening Wash:
We know that using certain chemicals aren’t for everyone. Which is why having a natural alternative is always great. For this non-bleach, non-bluing washing method you will need the following ingredients:
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Dish Soup (Ammonia & Bleach Free)
- Baking Soda
- Lemons
Add 1/4th cup of baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 2 tablespoons of dish soap, and the juice of one lemon into a large contain that has previously been filled 1/3 of the way with water. Make sure it is large enough to fit all of the linens you will be soaking. If need be, you can double the solution recipe.
Give this a good mix to ensure everything is dissolved together nicely. Next you can add your linens, by sure to soak all of the linens evenly and allow to soak for around 30 minutes, stirring or re-submerged occasionally. After this step, ring the linens of most of the liquid and wash as you normally would. This is a natural way to whiten your linens without any bleach.
You may also enjoy our post: A Guide To Changing and Washing Your Sheets
Treat Stains Quickly:
When a stain does occur, it is vital that you treat it as quickly as possible. The longer a stain is left, the more set in it will become. Stain removers like OxiClean products, should be used quickly and followed by a full wash. Be sure to treat determine what the stain has been caused by and treat accordingly.
Some stains require cold water and soap, while others will need hot water or salt. It all depends on what the stain is made by in order to treat correctly. This handy chart helps with some of the most common stains to help determine what water temperature is best.
Click HERE for more detailed tips and tricks on specific types of stains and how to treat them.
White Linens Stain Prevention 101
We know stains happen, but the best way to prevent them is being proactive. Below are several ways to help curb any unnecessary stains for longer lasting white linens. Not only do these tips help with stains, but also the overall cleanliness of your bed for fresher feeling sheets for longer.
Don’t Eat In Bed:
Avoid eating and drinking anything but water in bed. The truth of the matter is that spills happen. It is normal to have accidents and spills when you are eating and drinking in bed.
Which is why if you want to prevent stains from food and drink, limiting your eating and drinking to water only when it bed is the best way to prevent this from happening. An added bonus to not eating or drinking in bed, is that it will prevent any annoying crumbs from getting in your bed.
Learn more about what you should eat before bed, as well as what foods you should avoid before going to sleep in our post: Best And Worst Foods Before Bed
Don’t Allow Pets On Your Bed:
We love pets here at Our Sleep Guide, this tip is more of a “do as we say, not as we do” situation. From first hand experience, we know that pets bring with them muddy paws, toys and even food into bed with them.
If you really adamant about keeping your bedding clean and pristine white, then you may want to consider kicking the pets off of the bed. Or better yet, getting them their own pet bed to sleep on instead. There are so many great options out there!
Thinking about kicking your pets out of bed? You may want to check out our post all about the pros and cons of letting your pets sleep in bed with you in our post: Sleeping With Your Dog
Get Clean Before Going To Bed:
If you wear a full face of makeup and forget to wash it off before bed, then you better bet you are going to be waking up to a pillow case full of makeup. This is also true with general body odor and oils as well.
Even dirty hair can slowly stain and yellow your white bedding. So be sure to get clean by rinsing off, washing your face, and changing clothes before getting into bed. This will help to keep your bedding from getting stained. This is also good hygiene as your skin will be in contact with your sheets for multiple night in a row.
Learn more about how to take care of your skin at night in our post: 15 Tips For True Beauty Sleep
Wash Bedding Often:
One reason our sheets get dingy is if they are not getting washed often enough. We spend a lot of time in bed, which means there is a lot of skin, dust, dirt, oils, sweat and more that get trapped into our bedding and can also seep through into your pillows and mattress if you are not washing regularly.
We suggest washing or changing your sheets at least every week or two. This will not only keep your bed fresh and clean, it will also keep the natural sweat and oils from your skin and hair from staining your bedding.
Beware Of Fake Tans & Hair Color:
While spray tans and hair color can add beautiful color to your body and hair, they can also stain your bedding. Be mindful of when and how to wash your tan off, as well as rinsing hair color.<
If you have gotten your hair colored recently, be sure to go to sleep with your hair fully dry. Color transfer from hair dye happens most often when moisture is present, so try to avoid going to sleep with your hair wet after a shower. This is especially true for semi permanent or temporary hair color.
You May Also Enjoy: Beauty Sleep – How Sleep Affects Your Skin
Have At Least 2 Sets of Sheets:
We always recommend having at least two sets of sheets for every bed in your home. This allows you to wash frequently without wearing your bedding down as quickly.
It also gives you an emergency backup set of sheets if any accidents occur. This way you will never be left without a set of sheets, waiting for them to finish washing and drying before you go to bed.
When it comes to caring for white linens and keeping them looking fresh and clean, it allows your to wash more frequently and treat stains without a time crunch on getting your sheets back on your bed.
This way you can allow things to soak or wash without feeling the pressure to hurry up and get it in the wash.
Find our favorite white organic cotton sheets HERE, and make sure to get two pairs and save 15% with code OURSLEEPGUIDE15!
Caring For White Linens – Final Thoughts:
White linens are universally loved because they look and feel fresh and clean. This is due to the nature that they reveal any and all dirt and stains. Which means you can really see and feel how fresh and clean a bright white bed is. When it comes to learning how to care for white linens, it can be difficult to figure out.
In order to keep the stains away while also ensuring your bedding stays fresh and white, it can take practice to figure out. We hope this article helps you see that caring for white linens can be easy. While it may take a few extra steps now and then, overall it isn’t a difficult process.
If you have any lingering questions, we would love to help answer them for you. Feel free to send us a message through our Contact Us page, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.