How to Bleach Pillowcases White

Have your pillowcases become grimy, oily, or yellowed? Learn how to wash white pillowcases with bleach. You'll be amazed at how clean your pillowcases get.

Question

I accidentally washed my 500 thread count pillowcases with a pair of dark pants. They are now golden brown. The care label says use only non-chlorinated bleach when needed. What do I do, I want them back to white so bad! Any suggestions?

Answer

When the color comes off one item in the wash and transfers to another, that’s usually called dye transfer. I have good news for you: it’s easy to remove dye transfer from 100% cotton items using a bleach and water solution made with ¼ cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water. You just soak the item for 5 minutes in the bleach and water solution for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and air dry. There are more detailed instructions for how to do this here.

Once you’ve got them white again, be sure to review our tips for washing bedding so your pillowcases stay white on an ongoing basis.