I have seen white used for ALL linens in properties. Seems so bland and lacking character. Granted it can be bleached, killing majority of bacteria, microbes, etc. So it "seems" cleaner than colored linens.
I started with gray at one property and navy blue at another. Gives the units a, "warmer" touch and "character"...Although, I (really do) like the idea of being able to bleach and kill bacteria. Purchased higher quality towels and no issues with fading.
So far, knock on wood, the colored towels "seem" clean...Yet bleach and the perceived cleanliness would be nice.