The short version
The best whitener is oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate): at 40 to 60 degrees it activates and removes grey haze gently, without chlorine. Wash whites separately and do not overdose.
Grey haze comes from detergent residue, limescale and colour particles shed by coloured laundry. Yellowing often comes from sweat, heat or old softener. Both can usually be reversed, without aggressive chlorine bleach.
How whites get white again
Add oxygen bleach
Add a scoop of oxygen bleach to the detergent and wash at 40 to 60 degrees, where it works best.
Wash separately
Always wash whites separately from colours, otherwise colour particles settle and grey the white.
Do not overdose
Too much detergent leaves residue that greys. Dose correctly and run a hot empty cycle now and then.
Soak yellowed items
Soak heavily yellowed items in lukewarm water with oxygen bleach for a few hours, then wash normally.
Use the sun
Dry whites in the sun, UV light bleaches naturally.
Hands off permanent chlorine
Chlorine bleach works fast but attacks fibres and can yellow white over time. Oxygen bleach is gentler and the better long-term solution for most textiles.
What helps
What to look for:
- Oxygen bleach for whites and grey haze
- Washing soda against limescale and for more cleaning power
- Ox-gall soap to pre-treat collars and stains
Frequently asked
What makes white laundry grey?
Does baking powder help against yellowing?
Can I use chlorine bleach?
Fresh laundry, less chemistry
From bright whites to homemade detergent: simple and honest.
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