White sheets are going yellow..?

[poocatcherchampion]

I've just been sorting out the airing cupboard and have noticed that all my white sheets and pillowcases are going yellow.

What is this about? Not enough light?

Does anyone have a solution?

I really thought someone would love to answer this...

I've wondered this as well.. Is this bedding that's been stored a while. I know well used bedding gets a bit discoloured from bodies and heads.

There's a thread knocking about I just glanced at that might have some advice.

Yes the stored stuff that has been in the airing cupboard a year etc.

Oh is there help elsewhere? Where! Exciting!!

I dunno - line-drying in the sun bleaches things really white, would that also apply to yellowing stored sheets?

it's oil from the skin, which, over time, oxidises and goes yellow, even when the cottons looked clean and white when you put it away.

Laundry sprays and a good hot wash with lots of powder and some Washing Soda Crystals seem to clear it.

Cooking oil, skin lard cream and that horrid oil people put in baths will also do it.

you will see it happen on cooking oil bottles and wooden worktops, where the oil hardens and yellows as it oxidises over time.

AFAIK bleach will not help as it does not break down oil.

I tried to link from mumsnet Facebook but the link was mega big. It's right here in housekeeping though. Good luck because it's always baffled me.

Not varnish stains if its rested on wood for a while maybe even when damp/drying?

I don't think it can be oil from skin - some things are barely used like a white bathmat, although it is possible with the sheets

Shall I give it a go - and is napisan a good call?

Well it can't hurt. I'm planning on getting some myself.