How to Remove Yellow Stains from White Clothes: 6 Effective Methods
White garments are wardrobe essentials, perfect for summer months and easy to pair with any color. However, their major drawback is their tendency to develop yellow stains over time, often caused by long storage periods, deodorants, or perfumes. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to remove these unsightly stains using ingredients readily available to everyone. Here are six tried-and-tested methods:
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most effective and eco-friendly whitening agents. When combined with vinegar, its stain-removing power is doubled.
- Dampen the stained area with water.
- Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain and scrub gently with a toothbrush.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Finally, wash the garment as usual.
2. White Vinegar
White vinegar is an excellent natural fabric softener and disinfectant. It also works wonders on yellow stains.
- For machine washing: Pour 250 ml of white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment.
- For hand washing: Mix half a liter of hot water with half a liter of white vinegar in a bucket. Soak the garment for 30 minutes, then wash as usual.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice’s acidic properties make it a powerful natural whitener.
- Apply a few drops of lemon juice directly onto the stain.
- Leave the garment in the sun for an hour.
- Wash the garment as normal.
Note: Always check the garment’s label to ensure it can withstand exposure to acidic substances and sunlight.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is highly effective for removing yellow stains, but it is safe only for cotton, synthetic, or nylon fabrics.
- Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a bucket.
- Soak the garment for a few minutes.
- Wash as usual.
5. Bleach
Bleach is one of the best options for whitening clothes and tackling yellow stains, but it should only be used on cotton, polyester, or nylon fabrics (avoid using it on silk or linen).
- For machine washing: Add 100 ml of bleach to the detergent compartment along with your regular detergent.
- For hand washing: Mix 100 ml of bleach with 10 liters of cold water. Soak the garments for 20 minutes, then wash as usual.
Important: Always wear rubber gloves and a mask when handling bleach.
6. Active Oxygen-Based Stain Removers
Stain removers containing active oxygen are effective not only for yellow stains but also for other types of stains on white clothes.
- Follow the instructions on the product packaging to avoid damaging your garments.
- Apply as directed, then wash as usual.
Additional Tips
Not all fabrics are the same, and some are more delicate than others. Always read the care label on your garments to determine the most suitable washing methods and to check whether certain products, like bleach or baking soda, can be safely used.
By following these methods and taking proper care of your white clothes, you can restore them to their original brightness and ensure they remain a timeless part of your wardrobe.