This is why your white towels are turning grey (and how to prevent It)
10th Apr 2025
White towels bring that fresh-out-of-the-spa luxury to your bathroom… until they start turning a dull, lifeless grey, that is.
If your once-bright towels are looking more “meh” than magnificent, never fear! Let’s dive into the reasons why your white towels may be losing their brightness and how you can keep them looking fresh and white for longer.
Why do white towels turn grey?
If your towels are losing their brilliance, these could be the culprits:
1. Detergent and fabric softener buildup
Say it with us: More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner towels. Sometimes, it can actually be the opposite. Too much detergent (especially if it’s not fully rinsed out) can create a residue that makes towels look dull and feel stiff. And fabric softeners? Don’t even get us started. They coat the fibres, trapping in dirt and reducing absorbency.
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2. Washing with dark or coloured items
Mixing whites with darks is a fast track to greying towels. Even if there’s no obvious colour bleeding, tiny dye particles can transfer over time, dulling your towels' brightness.
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3. Hard water issues
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If you have hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can cling to your towels, making them look dingy. This also reduces their softness, leaving you with towels that feel as rough as sandpaper.
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4. Skipping the occasional deep clean
Over time, body oils, skincare products, and yes, even leftover detergent can build up in towel fibres. Without the occasional deep clean, they’ll start to lose their crisp whiteness.
How to keep white towels bright
1. Wash them separately
Keep your white towels in a whites-only load to prevent colour transfer. Even light greys and pastels can contribute to dulling over time.
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2. Use the right detergent (and less of it!)
Opt for a gentle but powerful detergent (like our Canningvale Signature Laundry Concentrate). And always use the recommended amount–too much detergent is a no-no.
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3. Ditch the fabric softener
Fabric softener might feel like it’s keeping your towels soft, but it actually coats the fibres, reducing absorbency and making them prone to build-up. It can also cause yellowing over time. Instead, try white vinegar–it naturally softens towels while keeping them fresh and bright.
4. Tackle hard water with baking soda or vinegar
If hard water is an issue, add ½ cup of baking soda to your detergent or ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This helps dissolve mineral deposits and keep towels soft and bright.
How to restore white towels that have turned grey
If the damage is already done, don’t stress; it doesn’t mean your towels are doomed! Here are our expert tips on how to revive them:
1. The Deep Clean Method
● Fill your washing machine (or even your bath!) with hot water
● Add ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of white vinegar - make sure it’s fully dissolved
● Soak your towels for a few hours (or overnight for really stubborn greying)
● Wash as usual, but skip the fabric softener!
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2. The oxygen bleach boost
This is the best-kept secret of the industrial laundries that take care of the white towels from hotels, spas and gyms to keep them looking as white as new!
● If your towels are looking extra tired, try oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach, which can weaken fibres)
● Add it to your next wash cycle and let it work its magic
3. The occasional sun treatment
Sunlight is a natural brightener. After washing, hang your towels outside to dry in direct sunlight–just avoid overexposure, as it can weaken fibres over time.
Why white towels are actually a great choice
Some people avoid white towels because they think they’ll get dirty too easily, but here’s the secret–white towels can actually be easier to maintain than coloured ones!
Hotels and spas use white towels for a reason (and it’s not just because they look luxe!):
● They can handle hot washes without fading
● Bleach-friendly for deep cleaning when needed
● No risk of colour fading–they’ll always match!
● That fresh, luxe feel every time you step out of the shower
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If you’re ready to upgrade your towel game, check out Canningvale’s classic white towels–from ultra-plush Egyptian Royale (for true day spa vibes at home), to classic Royal Splendour (making every shower feel like you’re in a 5-Star hotel), to lightweight Fresco (for a fresh clean look at the best price!).