Getting white sheets to actually stay bright—what’s the trick?

It’s wild how quickly white sheets go from crisp and fresh to kind of. Everyone online seems to have a different hack—some swear by bleach, some say never touch it, others talk about special detergents—and honestly, it’s hard to figure out what actually works long-term.

Do you go by wash frequency, water temperature, or products? Does soaking help, or is that just a one-time boost? And are certain materials easier to keep looking “hotel white,” or is it mostly about how you treat them?

Also wondering if people run into mistakes that actually make sheets dingier over time, like overloading the washer or mixing colors. What routines really make a difference and what’s just hype. Would love to hear what people here do to keep their whites bright without going overboard.