White clothing stays bright for longer if you wash it according to the care label, sort it carefully and dose the detergent correctly. Treat stains according to the care advice for the fabric and use the temperature shown on the care label. Use bleach only if the symbol on the care label allows it.
Why white turns grey or yellow
A new white blouse or shirt shines. A few months later that is often different. Several factors can make white duller or yellower over time:
- Colour transfer: a single light grey or light blue garment in the wash gives off enough colour to slowly turn white grey.
- Too much detergent: residue left in the fabric attracts dirt and makes white dull.
- Skin oils and deodorant: yellow marks form especially on collars, cuffs and underarms.
- Heat: washing too hot, drying in the dryer or ironing on too high a setting can make synthetic fabrics yellow.
- Storage: white that sits for a long time in a closed wardrobe or plastic cover can yellow.
Step by step: how to wash white
- Sort strictly. Wash white only with white. Cream and ivory are not white and are better washed separately, just like light grey.
- Pre-treat. Rub a small amount of liquid detergent onto collars, cuffs and underarms. Let it soak in for a quarter of an hour.
- Read the label. The care label determines the temperature. Cotton can often take warmer water, but blouses with elastane, viscose or lyocell call for a lower temperature. Also see our care instructions.
- Choose a detergent for whites and dose according to the packaging, preferably a little less rather than more.
- Do not overfill the drum. Clothes need space to get properly clean.
- An extra rinse helps to remove detergent residue from the fabric.
Per material
| Material | Example | What to look out for |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | cotton shirt with Italian collar in white | Follow the temperature and ironing symbol on the care label |
| Cotton with elastane | striped cotton polo with buttons in white | Follow the care label and avoid heat that is not permitted |
| Blend with bamboo and elastane | tailored blouse in white | Follow the care label and the indicated drying method |
| Lyocell | ribbed polo with quarter zip in white | Follow the care label and the indicated drying method |
| Polyester | ultra high-waist slim-straight trousers in white | Follow the care label and the ironing symbol |
You can read more about these materials on our pages about cotton and lyocell.
Stains on white
With a fresh stain, acting quickly is often handy, but the right method depends on the material. A few rules of thumb:
- Coffee and tea: rinse straight away with cold water from the back, then pre-treat with liquid detergent.
- Red wine: dab with a clean cloth and cold water, do not rub. Wash as soon as possible.
- Make-up: first dab dry, then a little liquid detergent or mild soap.
- Grass: pre-treat with liquid detergent and a soft brush.
- Yellow marks: pre-treating regularly prevents them from forming. Choose an aluminium-free deodorant if you notice it is causing the problem.
Do not use a treatment that conflicts with the care label and, if necessary, test stain removers on an inconspicuous spot.
Bleach: yes or no?
Chlorine bleach is aggressive. On synthetic fibres, viscose, lyocell and fabrics with elastane it can damage the fibres or even turn them yellow. So do not use it on those fabrics. Oxygen-based stain removers are not suitable for every fabric either. Check the label and follow the product instructions.
White that has already turned grey
If white has turned grey, first check the material and care label before choosing a more intensive treatment. With cotton you have more options than with synthetic or blended fabrics. If it does not work, wear the piece from now on under a sweater or cardigan, where it is less noticeable.
Drying
Dry white clothing according to the drying symbol on the care label. Sunlight can give cotton a fresh look, but synthetic fabrics can yellow because of it. A shady spot with a little wind is ideal. Only use the dryer if the label allows it. Hang blouses and shirts straight away on a good hanger, so you have less ironing to do.
Ironing and storing
Before ironing, check that the garment is clean and follow the ironing symbol. For synthetic fabrics use a low setting or a cloth in between. Store white clothing in a breathable wardrobe, not in plastic, and give it some space. Clothing you do not wear for a season, such as white trousers in winter, you put away clean in a cotton cover.
Wearing white without worries
White clothing sometimes makes you shy away from a dinner or a day with children. Yet you do not have to avoid white. Choose a fabric that can take a knock and that you can wash easily, and bring a stain pen in your bag. Under white blouses wear underwear in a skin tone, so nothing shows through. And save your most beautiful white pieces for moments when you know you can look after them: anyone who takes good care of them enjoys them for years.
A routine for the white season
In May the white comes out of the wardrobe again: white trousers, blouses and polos belong to spring and summer. With careful sorting, correct dosing and following the care label, white stays polished for longer. You will find inspiration for light pieces in our trousers for Women.
Shop the look
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, white
Delphine: tailored blouse, white
Cosette: ultra high-waist slim-straight trousers, white
Atticus: striped cotton polo with buttons, white
Ophelia: ribbed polo with quarter zip, white
Frequently asked questions
Why does my white clothing turn grey?
Colour transfer, detergent residue and skin oils can play a part. Sort carefully and dose according to the packaging.
How do I get yellow marks out of a white shirt?
Choose a stain treatment that is suitable for the material and follow the care label and the instructions of the product.
May I use bleach on white clothing?
Use bleach only if the care label allows it. Also check that the product is suitable for the fibres and finish.
