How do you wash a white sweatshirt?

White sweatshirts look fresh and clean—until they don’t. One wrong wash, and your favorite piece can turn yellow, gray, or worse.

To wash a white sweatshirt without ruining it, use cold water, a detergent made for whites¹, and avoid bleach unless necessary. Treat stains early and dry it with care to prevent discoloration.

I’ve worked with hundreds of fleece garments in production and post-care testing. Keeping white garments bright isn’t hard once you know the science behind fabric care. Here’s how to do it right.

Why White Sweatshirts Are So Hard to Keep Clean

White clothing looks amazing at first—but it’s also the fastest to show wear, dirt, and damage. Sweatshirts, being thick and often worn casually, are even more at risk.

White sweatshirts discolor over time due to body oils, improper washing, detergent residue, and exposure to heat or sunlight.

Laundry Mishap

What causes yellowing, graying, or discoloration over time?

• Yellowing often comes from sweat, deodorant, or heat damage in the dryer
• Graying is usually caused by dirty water, mixing with darker clothes, or detergent buildup
• Discoloration may also come from iron in tap water or unfiltered well water

Can common laundry habits actually damage your white sweatshirt?

Yes. Washing whites with colors, using too much detergent, or over-drying in high heat can all lead to permanent dullness. Even using the wrong fabric softener can leave residue that attracts dirt.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing a White Sweatshirt

Washing a white sweatshirt isn’t hard—but it requires a few extra steps if you want it to stay clean and crisp.

Use cold or warm water, a quality detergent, and a gentle cycle. Avoid overloading the machine, and wash it inside-out to preserve softness and shape.

Should you wash in cold or hot water for best results?

• Cold water – Best for preventing shrinkage and fading
• Warm water – Helps lift light stains or oils
• Avoid hot water – Can cause yellowing and fabric breakdown

For cotton or cotton-blend sweatshirts, stick to cold or warm water only—never hot.

Is it safe to use bleach or optical brighteners?

• Chlorine bleach – Use sparingly, and never on blended or stretchy fabric (can weaken fibers)
• Oxygen bleach (OxiClean) – Safer, more effective for overall brightness
• Optical brighteners – Found in many detergents, they reflect light to make garments appear whiter

Avoid bleach unless necessary. It’s harsh, and repeated use can break down hoodie fleece.

What Detergents and Products Work Best for White Clothes?

Not all detergents are created equal. Some are designed to preserve color, while others lift stains and boost brightness.

Use detergents made for whites, and supplement with safe natural boosters like baking soda² or vinegar when needed.

Are there special detergents just for whites?

Yes. Look for:

• Tide Plus Bleach Alternative
• Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus (Fragrance-Free)
• Persil ProClean for Whites

These formulas include enzymes and brighteners designed to fight dullness.

How to use baking soda, vinegar, or OxiClean safely?

• Baking soda – Add ½ cup to the wash cycle to neutralize odor and boost cleaning
• White vinegar – Use ¼ cup during rinse to remove detergent residue
• OxiClean – Soak for 1–6 hours before washing to lift stubborn stains

How to Remove Stains from a White Sweatshirt

Stains happen—especially on white. The key is to treat them quickly and correctly based on the type of stain.

Pre-treat stains with enzyme-based removers or natural boosters, then wash as usual. Avoid rubbing harshly—it can damage fibers or spread the stain.

What’s the best way to treat sweat, makeup, or food stains?

• Sweat stains – Use OxiClean or hydrogen peroxide + baking soda paste
• Makeup – Dab with micellar water or gentle dish soap before washing
• Grease or food – Apply dish soap (like Dawn), let sit, then wash

Can hydrogen peroxide help restore whiteness?

Yes, especially when combined with baking soda. Here’s a quick recipe:

DIY Whitening Paste:

• 1 part baking soda
• 1 part hydrogen peroxide
• ½ part water
  Mix into a paste, apply to the stain, let sit 30 mins, then wash.

Always test peroxide on a hidden part first to make sure it doesn’t weaken the fabric.

How to Keep Your White Sweatshirt Looking New

Washing is only half the battle. How you dry, store, and wear your sweatshirt matters just as much.

Air drying is best for maintaining shape and brightness. Wash only when needed, and store away from sunlight to prevent yellowing.

Should you air dry or tumble dry a white sweatshirt?

• Air dry – Best for shape and color retention (lay flat or hang dry)
• Tumble dry on low – Acceptable if you need speed, but over-drying can cause yellowing and shrinkage

Never dry a white sweatshirt on high heat—it breaks down fibers and speeds up discoloration.

How often should you wash it to maintain brightness?

Wash only when needed—every 3–4 wears is fine for sweatshirts unless stained. Over-washing can wear down fabric and dull the color. Use garment bags if you machine wash regularly.

Conclusion

White sweatshirts are high-maintenance—but worth the effort. With the right steps and a little attention to detail, yours can stay looking bright, clean, and fresh wear after wear.