How to Keep School Uniforms from Going Dull (Because “Grey-ish White” Is Not a Colour)

School uniforms live a hard life. One minute they’re crisp and respectable, the next they’re covered in playground dust, lunch spills, and stains no one can explain. It’s no wonder they start looking tired halfway through term. The good news? A few smart laundry habits can keep uniforms looking sharp instead of sadly “well-loved.”

Sort properly (yes, really).

Throwing everything into one heroic wash is tempting—but it’s also how whites turn beige. Wash uniforms by colour and fabric, and keep heavy items like jeans and towels far away. Uniform shirts didn’t sign up for that level of roughhousing.

Go easy on the detergent.

More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes—it means residue. That leftover gunk traps dirt and makes fabric look dull and stiff. Measure properly, and for whites, use an oxygen-based brightener occasionally instead of blasting them with bleach. Bleach attacks the integrity of the shirt and turns it from a stiff uniform to a floppy one! 

Cool it with the hot water.

Hot washes can fade colours faster than a forgotten school project. Cold or warm water is usually plenty and much kinder to navy, black, and maroon uniforms that like to lose their depth. Use Truly under the arms and across the colour if you need to tidy up that odour! 

Turn uniforms inside out.

It takes two seconds and saves a lot of wear. Washing inside out protects the outside from friction and helps logos, creases, and fabric finishes survive another week.

Don’t cram the machine.

An overloaded washer means clothes can’t rinse properly. Let them breathe—your uniforms will come out cleaner, brighter, and less grumpy.

Dry with care.

High heat is the enemy of colour and size consistency. Use low heat or air dry when you can!

Press and store like you mean it.

A quick press brings back that “just bought” look. Hanging beats shoving uniforms into drawers or backpacks any day.Treat uniforms right, and they’ll repay you by looking smart all year—saving money, time, and at least one morning meltdown.