Why white bed sheets get dingy … and what to do about it

Do white linens naturally grey/darken over time? Is this something that can be prevented? 

If you’re wondering whether your white bed linen is starting to look distinctly ‘off’ white, you’re not imagining it! White linens do get yellowish over time and this is perfectly natural, because while we sleep our bodies secrete sweat onto sheets, and a subtle discolouration starts to appear. The good news is that while we can’t prevent our bodies from doing what comes naturally, we can reduce the effect on our bed linen.

Are sweat and dirt a cause of dingy bedsheets? What about makeup and skincare products? 

It stands to reason that if you hop straight into bed with grimy feet etc, most of that grime is going to transfer to your sheets! So a quick shower before slipping into bed is probably the most sensible way of taking care of (most of) the dirt. Plus removing all your makeup if you don’t want mascara and foundation all over your pillowcases. But even if your personal hygiene is scrupulous, you will still sweat, and it’s also natural for skin oil, face creams and body lotions to transfer onto sheets, causing them to go yellow. 

Does dust cause dingy sheets? 

Not necessarily. But you will shed tiny particles of dead skin (again very natural), which may appear to dull the whiteness.

What are 3 of your best tips for keeping white bed sheets fresh and white? 

Wash your sheets regularly in hot water and don’t wait for discolouration to appear. Use a powerful, non-toxic laundry liquid (like Koala Eco’s Natural Laundry Wash with Lemon Scented Eucalyptus and Rosemary, or with Mandarin and Peppermint). These formulas are entirely eco-friendly, skin-friendly, high-performance, antibacterial and remove dust mite allergens. You will also notice their absolutely fresh and wonderful aroma from the 100% pure essential oils we use.  Using laundry detergents with synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals can contain irritants that trigger skin sensitivities, allergies, and respiratory problems. When washed away, they release toxins into waterways, impacting aquatic life and ecosystems.

Instead of pre-wash or fabric softener, you can occasionally add half of a cup of baking soda to your washing machine alongside our Laundry Wash. It’s a naturally occurring substance that can brighten your whites and boost a normal machine wash.  Koala Eco’s Laundry Stain Spray and Oxygenated Bleach both offer safer alternatives to traditional household bleaches and stain removal sprays. Both are fragrance-free (so no unpleasant chlorinated smell to catch at the back of your throat) and formulated for optimal results without damaging items when used as directed.

Line-dry in sunlight. There’s a saying that ‘sunlight is the best disinfectant’. It’s also pretty good at bleaching white sheets.

When should you replace bed linens?  

This is going to depend on your purse as much as your preference. Quality counts as well. If you can invest in sheets and pillowcases with a thread count (TC) of 200 to 400 TC there’s no reason why they shouldn’t last years, so long as you look after them. Harsh chemicals can break down fabric fibres over time, causing clothes to fade and wear out faster. Natural detergents work just as well and help maintain the quality and longevity of your clothes.