Reasons White Laundry May Become Dingy
Color transfer from other fabrics, especially if you wash everything togetherDetergent and fabric softener residue left in the fabricEnvironmental causes, like nicotine or air pollutionBody oils and stains from food and drink
When it’s time to brighten your white clothing, bed sheets, and bath towels, many of us first turn to either chlorine or oxygen bleach. But there are other ways to whiten fabrics. Most of these bleach alternatives work best on natural fibers, like cotton or linen, and should only be used on white clothing without prints or contrasting trim to avoid fading. As with regular bleach, follow the instructions carefully! If you prefer to skip store-bought products completely, there are also some proven methods for brightening laundry using supplies you may already have on hand, such as lemons and white vinegar.