7 Reasons Your White Bed Sheets Look So Dingy

When you pull your linens out of the package, they’re a crisp white color with a smooth feel—a real treat to cozy into come nightfall. Fast forward even a few months, though, and those once-white bed sheets have turned a little gray. What gives? Turns out, there are a few common reasons why white bed sheets turn dingy, and knowing why is the first step to keeping them pristine. We asked experts for the 411 so you can’t forget about your dingy woes. 

Why Do Bed Sheets Get Dingy? 

So what’s the reason your bed sheets get dingy even if you’re washing them regularly? Here are some of the most common culprits. 

There’s a Dirt, Sweat, and Oil Transfer 

It’s gross to think about, but oil and dirt from your body transfer directly to your sheets while you slumber away all those hours each night. 

“White linens do tend to yellow over time, largely due to regular exposure to body fluids like sweat and body oils that may leave residues,” explains cleaning expert Danny Leung, founder of Detoorp. These substances gradually build up—even if you don’t see it at first—creating a dingy appearance that’s hard to ignore.

You’re Not Separating Your Whites 

There’s a reason why experts recommend separating dark items from white items, notes interior designer Suzi Samaddar. Dyes from darker fabrics—including red, black, blue, and green—can “bleed” in the washing machine and affect your white bed sheets. 

Whenever washing white bed sheets, make sure to separate them from dyed fabrics. “Even old colored items can bleed dye every now and then, so keep them separate where you can to keep your white bright and new looking,” Samaddar says. 

You Forget to Wash Your Face 

Along with dirt, sweat, and oil, cosmetics can transfer onto pillow cases and cause them to become dingy over time, Leung says. “To minimize this, I suggest thoroughly removing makeup and allowing skincare products to fully absorb into the skin before heading to bed,” he says.

Linens Aren’t Stored Properly 

A sneaky culprit for yellowing or graying linens is improper storage. Bedding stored in environments with poor ventilation and/or high humidity allows moisture to become trapped in the fibers, creating a breeding ground for mildew and mold. These growths not only produce unpleasant odors but can also leave yellow or brown stains that are difficult to remove. 

Your Bedroom is Dusty  

Dust isn’t as big of a factor as some, but it can still contribute to dingy bed sheets. “Dust particles settle on bedding just as they do on furniture, especially if you keep windows open or if your bedroom is prone to dust,” Leung explains. “Regularly washing your sheets, ideally once a week, helps to stop dust buildup and maintain the brightness of your white linens.” 

There’s Detergent Residue 

If detergent isn’t well-rinsed from your bed sheets, it can accumulate and result in a dingy appearance, Leung notes. Make sure you’re using the appropriate amount of detergent and water levels to prevent this from happening. Some laundry units allow for an extra rinse cycle, which can help with this problem, as well. 

You’ve Got Hard Water 

Hard water, which often carries minerals that cause linens to yellow or dull over time. Further, mineral buildup can reduce laundry detergent effectiveness, exacerbating the issue of trapped dirt and oil. Ironing with hard water can also lead to rust-colored stains, which is potentially worsened by bleach. 

How to Prevent Sheets From Getting Dingy 

Making note of all the above causes of dingy bed sheets is step number one in preventing the issue. These additional tips can help, too.  

Shower Before Bed

A quick rinse can go miles in keeping your bed sheets from looking dingy. Don’t forget to wash your face and let skincare products absorb, too. 

Launder Weekly

Consistent washing, ideally once a week, helps prevent a buildup of oils, sweat, and dirt on your bedding. 

Tackle Stains ASAP

Samaddar stresses the importance of addressing stains right away. She adds, “Soaking your sheets is a great way to loosen up old stains, giving your washing machine a fighting chance at getting rid of them once and for all.” 

Use a Water Softener

Consider using a water softener, water-softening agents, or detergents specifically for hard water to keep linens looking fresh and clean. 

Separate Your Laundry

Always separate your whites from dyed fabrics. If your bed sheets are dyed, try to wash them with like-colors.