Washing clothes in the bedroom. Sending email from the laundry room. Busy Americans are demanding more from each room in the house, and spaces designed for multiple functions are popping up all over floor plans, design blogs and magazine spreads.

Dear Mary: While my sister was on staff at a summer camp last year, she did not launder her bedding frequently. Now that the bedding has been washed many times since being home, I’ve noticed that the pillowcases and comforter are dingy and do not look clean even though they’re fresh from the dryer. Is there anything that will brighten these dingy items? — Lexi, email