How to Make Old Yellowed Pillowcases and Sheets White Again

Over time and many washings, the white fabric dye in pillowcases and sheets can fade and become yellow. There could be a buildup of detergent and bleach residue, or maybe you've washed them with colored items in the past. Long-term storage could be to blame. Still, it's possible to restore your white pillow cases and sheets to their original brightness.

Oxygen bleach
Stain treatment
White vinegar
Soaking bucket or tub
Washing Machine
Commercial whitening agent or dye

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a clean bucket or bathtub with water and 1/2 cup to 1 cup of oxygen bleach and mix around.
- 2
  Add your unfolded, yellowed pillow cases and sheets one at a time.
- 3
  Let your old yellow pillow cases and sheets soak overnight.
- 4
  Treat any specific stains on the wet fabric by rubbing in thoroughly a stain treatment.
- 5
  Wash your pillow cases and sheets alone and using a hot water cycle, unless otherwise specified on the fabric's care instructions. Set your washing machine for a delayed final rinse cycle.
- 6
  Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the wash right before the final rinse cycle.
- 7
  Hang your sheets and pillow cases to dry outside and in the direct sunlight all day.
- 8
  Wash your sheets with a commercial whitening agent or a white fabric dye if they are still not white enough. Follow the instructions on the package.

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