Expert reveals why should never use this common cleaning product to clean whites

Keep your bedding whiter for longer with this handy tip

You can't go wrong with white bedding, it is the perfect canvas for dressing a bed and can give any bedroom an instant upgrade. But if you want to keep your bedding looking white for longer stay away from any bleach cleaning hack, warns a bedding expert.

Related: Anthea Turner reveals the cleaning product she 'Hates' seeing in the bathroom

It might make sense to treat your whites with a bleach-based laundry product. Even Mrs Hinch recommends using laundry bleach to get her beloved white Minky cleaning cloth looking like new again.

However, Farah Arshad, buyer at bedding brand Dusk warns that bleach can actually cause sheets to yellow over time.

bedroom with window and curtain

(Image credit: TBC)

'Bleach might be a great short term solution, but believe it or not, over time bleach is likely to cause more harm than good,' Farah explains.

'In fact, bleach can cause white bedsheets to yellow instead of reviving them and making them brighter. It can also make bed linen feel crispy and lose its softness.'

I think we speak on behalf of everyone when we say nobody wants this. Especially if you've shelled out on a set of expensive white bedding. They are an investment you want to last.

wooden cabinet with mop and basket

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)

Instead of bleach-based products, Farah suggests using an 'oxi' type product. 'There are many 'oxi' type products on the market, which are specialised stain removers. Adding a scoop of this into your wash can make white sheets sparkle in just one wash.'

'We'd also recommend using products like this with brand new sheets, in every wash, to stave off the dullness,' she adds.

Her other top tips for keep whites white is to treat stains straight away.

bedroom with bedside lamp

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

'Small stains are almost unavoidable, especially if you love breakfast or even a coffee in bed in the morning. However, the longer those coffee stains sit, the harder they will become to remove,' explains Farah.

'If you can't wash your bedding straight away, using a sponge and a small amount of detergent to gently dab the stain until most of it has lifted.'

'There are some really great spot-on stain treatments available from big brands and supermarket own brands that can help. Just ensure they're designed for white bedding and don't contain any bleach.'

Related: The home fragrances Mrs Hinch can't get enough of – inspired by cleaning products

There you have it if you want your white bedding to stay looking like new, step away from the bleach.

Rebecca Knight
Deputy Editor, Digital

Rebecca Knight has been the Deputy Editor on the Ideal Home Website since 2022. She graduated with a Masters degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London in 2018, before starting her journalism career as a staff writer on women's weekly magazines. She fell into the world of homes and interiors after joining the Ideal Home website team in 2019 as a Digital Writer. In 2020 she moved into position of Homes News Editor working across Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc and Ideal Home covering everything from the latest viral cleaning hack to the next big interior trend.