Washing bed linen-temperatures?

MissEyre

Hello OSers,

Some advice would be great....

I have plain white cotton bed linen, and change and wash it weekly. The temperature on the labels is 40 C, and I have always washed it either at that or occasionally (if I have been away a lot that week) at 30 C. Now the sun is shining a bit more, I have noticed that it is starting to look at bit..grey, and not very nice. Now I am worried that it is not getting properly clean, and it looks horrible-can I wash it at 60 C to make sure it is being done thoroughly, should I bleach it to get it white again, or will that damage the fibres/make it smell like bleach for ages - any suggestions gratefully received!

Thanks x

Uniscots97

Oxy powder from the pound shop is what I use. Soak it over night (or minimum an hour) in a solution of the stuff and then wash as normal and it comes up as good as new. I tried washing sheets before at 60C when it recommended 40C and it went horribly wrong!

pigpen

hotter temps will make then yellow.. especially if they aren't 100% cotton.. ditto the bleach..

I'd try the oxy clean stuff and if that didn't work net whitener is good..

I put a cap full of stardrops in mine to get them nice and clean.

Also.. leaving them out in the sun will make them whiter.. just a couple of days hung in the sun will bleach them better than anything else!

MissEyre

Thanks, I will get some oxy powder-once it's a bit warmer, I will dry them on the line, which I think will help a bit. And I have noted the warning about washing at too high a temperature, thank you! x

maypole

pigpen wrote: »

hotter temps will make then yellow.. especially if they aren't 100% cotton.. ditto the bleach..

I'd try the oxy clean stuff and if that didn't work net whitener is good..

I put a cap full of stardrops in mine to get them nice and clean.

Also.. leaving them out in the sun will make them whiter.. just a couple of days hung in the sun will bleach them better than anything else!

The "bleaches" this was an outside space where people would lay their sheets out to dry and be bleached by the sun. (years ago mind) I forget where I read it but I am sure google will tell you;)

MissEyre

Thanks maypole, that's really interesting! x

noonesperfect

I'm glad I read this!
I got some linen mix trousers last year (white) to take on holiday. They've only been washed once, and now have a yellow tinge. I put them back in the linen basket to have another go at, but I'm wondering if I've spoilt them. I thought I might try one of Glo-white sachets........

pinkcloudnine

Hi, I have pure cotton sheets that are 23yrs old!!! They are make called "Naval" I wash them on 90 degree wash & they are still as pristine as when they were new!!!!