Repeated bleaching will yellow whites.

There are white cotton fabrics that will discolor with a single application of bleach -- not even an issue of repeated use. I don't know what they are doing, but I had a shirt where I carefully tired to spot treat a stain that would not come turn dark. It was 100% white cotton, so I felt safe -- then later spotted a side tag that said not to use bleach. Shirt was ruined If it says no bleach, I wouldn't use bleach.

Cold water washing and no bleach Is standard washing instructions now days. Its there to protect the manufacturer because often the cotton is poor quality...not like it used to be for sure. I always use hot water on sheets. Chlorine Bleach can cause yellowing expecially if not used properly..add last 5 minutes of wash cycle and rinse well. All of the benefits of bleach are achived in 5 minutes any longer and its eating the fibers.

I also would never add undiluted bleach to any fabric.

Lars..I don't know why anyone would tell you that about the Laundry Room. they are mostly all a great group of helpful folks that truely enjoy answering questions regardless how many times it may have been asked. You are right though about chlorine bleach damaging fabrics. I do however think something 100% cotton can handle a normal dose of it occasionally..if its used correctly.

Personally I only use it if I have a sick bed to disinfect. I much prefer Persil Pearls or Tide with Bleach powder to keep whites screaming white along with hot water.

I'm not a fan of OxiClean as its loaded in sodium carbonate and I don't think it has a bleach activator or does it??

I think one of the problems is you can't trust the 100% cotton label any more. I've used chlorine bleach for years on whites and the only time there has been a problem with something yellowing is when I think they've surreptitiously blended polyester into cotton. Poly is very prone to yellowing when bleached. You know - those t shirts that have a little lycra in them (too stretchy for 100% cotton) or sheets that you can actually get a shock from or see sparks when you raise the top sheet in the dark. 100% cotton doesn't shock or spark, so I know there is unmarked poly in lots of things these days.

I have a front loader with a bleach dispenser and it only uses about a tablespoon or two of bleach per load.

I think manufactures are allowed to add a small % of *other* in textiles and still label it 100% cotton. So yes I know what you mean Olychick. I don't buy new sheets, in order to get high quality its going to cost a fortune. I prefer the vintage 100% cotton percale made in the USA..too bad those days are gone.

Laundry room forum is great, Mamapinky and Lars are much appreciated.

Thanks about the sparks olychick I only buy 100% cotton but have noticed the sparking with one set in particular....

Sneaky fibers in the cotton. Also, the generic warning covers poor quality, fading of dyes but mostly it protects the maker of the product much the way that many clothes say dry clean only.

As has been mentioned, I was told by Sferra the bleach weakens the fabric.

FWIW, I've posted questions on the Laundry Forum and everyone was incredibly nice and helpful!!!!

Chlorine Bleach can for sure weeken fabrics. I have found a lot of people do not use it correctly. Some add it to the start of the wash cycle which should never be done, and some even soak in it. I think I mentioned above but, Chlorine Bleach should always be added the last five or six minutes of the wash cycle. All of the benefits take place within 5 minutes, any contact after that and its eating the fibers. Rinsing is also very important, if you can still smell it when the washing is done its still there and will continue damaging the fabric even after its dry.

Your knowledge and advice is so helpful! A million thanks!