Many people think that white clothes turn gray because they are not really clean. But in most cases it is not that simple. Often the clothes are clean, they just don't look white anymore .
It's about things that build up in the fabric, little by little, every time you wash.
Fat that never really goes away
Skin oils, body oils, creams and make-up easily settle into textiles. It is not immediately visible, but if the grease is not washed away completely, it remains in the fibres.
Over time, it acts as a sticky layer that attracts dirt. Then the garment does not become stained, but takes on a smooth, tired gray tone . This is why t-shirts, sheets and pillowcases often lose their whiteness first.
Dirt that sticks again
When you wash, dirt comes off your clothes. But if it's not rinsed away properly, it can build up.
In the wash, dirt particles float around in the water, and white garments are particularly good at catching them. The result is not visible stains, but a kind of gray veil over the entire garment.
White and colored in the same wash
Even garments that do not “bleach” will release small amounts of dye. It is not noticeable on dark clothes, but white garments absorb the pigments.
It happens slowly, wash after wash, and eventually the white no longer looks white, but gray.
Too much or too little detergent
It's easy to think that more detergent is always better, but that's not the case.
Too little detergent means that grease and dirt are not dissolved properly.
Too much detergent can leave residue in the fabric.
Both parts make it easier for dirt to stick, and the whiteness disappears over time.
The water where you live matters
In some parts of Sweden, the water is harder. This means it contains more lime and minerals that can settle in textiles and make them dull.
This is especially noticeable on towels, bed linen and other white everyday textiles.
The fabric is torn
The more a garment is used and washed, the more the fibers wear out. The surface becomes rougher and more easily picks up dirt.
The garment may be freshly washed and clean, but still look gray and lifeless.
The washing machine also needs to be washed
Dirt, grease and detergent residues accumulate in the machine over time, especially in the rubber strip and in the drum.
It gets into the laundry and tends to stick to light-colored garments. Therefore, both the machine and the clothes benefit from a proper cleaning every now and then.
