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Short answer
White sheers turn yellow or grey mostly from dust, cooking oil and smoke caught in their open weave, helped by sun, humidity and washing mistakes. Most can be brightened with a cool, gentle wash and an oxygen-based whitener, if the care label allows. Avoid chlorine bleach: it can make polyester yellower.
What makes white curtains yellow or grey?
| Cause | What you see | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Dust and traffic grime | Overall greying, darker at the hem and leading edge | Windows near roads, rooms with the windows open |
| Cooking oil and fumes | Yellowing, slightly sticky feel | Kitchens and open-plan living areas |
| Smoke and incense | Yellow-brown tint | Prayer rooms, smokers' homes |
| Long sun exposure | Yellowing on the window side, weak fabric | West- and south-facing windows |
| Mildew | Grey or black spots | Humid rooms, curtains touching cold glass |
| Washing mistakes | Dull grey all over | Too much detergent, washed with colours |
For spots, see Mouldy Curtains. For kitchens, see Kitchen and Bathroom Curtains.
How do you whiten sheers safely?
- Check the care label first. If it says dry clean only, or the fabric is coated, do not soak it.
- Shake out or vacuum the dust before wetting, so it does not turn into grey sludge.
- Soak in cool water with an oxygen-based whitener, following the pack's dose and time. Test it on a hidden corner first.
- Wash on a gentle, cool cycle in a large laundry bag, with less detergent than usual and an extra rinse.
- Wash whites on their own. One coloured item is enough to grey a whole load.
- Rehang while slightly damp so the creases drop out, and let them finish drying in the shade or indoors.
See How to Wash Curtains for the full method.
What should you avoid?
- Chlorine bleach: it can yellow polyester and weaken fibres, which is the opposite of what you want.
- Hot water and hot tumble drying: they can set stains, add creases and shrink some fabrics. See Why Curtains Shrink.
- Wringing: it creases and can distort fine sheers.
- Extra detergent: residue left in the weave attracts dirt and greys the fabric faster.
Watch out
Sheers that have hung in strong sun for years can be weak. If the fabric tears easily when wet, it is time to replace it rather than wash it again.
How do you keep white curtains white?
- Wash sheers every three to six months, more often near a kitchen or a busy road.
- Vacuum them monthly with an upholstery brush on low suction. See How to Clean Curtains Without Taking Them Down.
- Use the extractor fan when cooking, and keep curtains a little away from the hob.
- Near kitchens and busy roads, choose ivory, off-white or greige rather than bright white; they hide dust better. See Sheer Curtain Colours.
- In sun-facing windows, hang the sheer behind a dimout or blackout on a double track, so it is not the only layer taking the sun.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use bleach on white polyester curtains?
Avoid chlorine bleach: it can yellow polyester. Use an oxygen-based whitener if the care label allows, and test it first.
Why are my sheers grey after washing?
Usually too much detergent left in the weave, or washing with coloured items. Rewash cool with less detergent and an extra rinse, with whites only.
Will drying in the sun whiten curtains?
Sun can brighten some fabrics, but it also weakens fibres and fades colours. Dry sheers in the shade or indoors.
How often should white sheers be washed?
About every three to six months, more often near kitchens or busy roads.
Can yellowed curtains always be fixed?
Not always. Yellowing from long sun exposure is damage to the fibre and will not wash out.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
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