White clothes are a must-have item in everyone's wardrobe. However, after a while of use, no matter how well you care for them, these white garments often develop yellow stains that can be quite bothersome and difficult to wash out. Don't worry, below Thai Tuan LMS will share some effective methods for removing yellow stains from white clothes right at home!
Causes of Yellow Stains on Clothes
Do you know what causes yellow stains on your clothes? Knowing the source can help you avoid yellowing issues with your white garments in the future.
Body Sweat
Sweat contains a lot of salt and acid, and when it comes into contact with white fabric frequently or over a long period, it can lead to yellowing. Areas under the arms and around the collar are particularly prone to yellow stains. Therefore, you need to manage your body's sweat glands to help you feel more confident without leaving yellow stains on your clothes that can detract from their appearance.
Using Deodorants
Some deodorants can cause yellow stains on clothes. Certain deodorants contain chemicals (antiperspirant ingredients) that react with the salt in sweat, resulting in yellow stains.
Most deodorants have aluminum compounds that help reduce moisture but can also cause buildup and lead to yellow stains on clothes.
Water with High Iron Content
If the water in your area has a high iron content or is contaminated with iron, washing white clothing in this water can cause yellowing.
Not Washing Clothes Immediately After Wearing
Clothes can absorb a lot of sweat after being worn. If you don't wash them right away and leave them for a day, yellow stains can easily appear because this period allows sweat to penetrate the fabric fibers.
To keep white clothes looking fresh, wash and iron them immediately after wearing them.
Old Clothes
White clothes that have been worn for a long time will naturally not retain their original brightness and whiteness. The effects of time and frequent washing can wear down the fabric and lead to yellow stains.
Washing White Clothes with Colored Items
Many people have the habit of washing white clothes with everyday wear or work clothes. This can dull the color of white garments and create yellow stains.
It is advisable to wash white clothes separately to ensure the best cleaning results.
Tips for Effectively Removing Yellow Stains from White Clothes at Home
There are several ways to wash white clothes that have yellowed at home using natural methods and chemical products. Here are some methods you can apply:
Method 1: Squeeze lemon juice onto the yellow stain, then hang the garment in the sun for a few hours. The citric acid in lemon will help effectively remove the yellow stains.
Method 2: Lemon Juice + Detergent
- Step 1: Wash the clothes with specialized detergent, lightly scrub the yellow stains with a brush, and soak overnight.
- Step 2: Dilute lemon juice with water and gently scrub the stained areas.
- Step 3: Rinse the clothes with warm water and use fabric softener for fragrance.
- Step 4: Hang to dry in the sun.
Method 3: Lemon Juice + Toothpaste
- Step 1: Mix lemon juice with toothpaste.
- Step 2: Apply the mixture evenly to the yellow-stained area on the white garment.
- Step 3: Wait for about 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub the stained area with a brush.
- Step 4: Wash and dry as usual.
Method 4: Lemon and Vinegar
After washing the clothes, wring them out and rub fresh lemon several times on the yellow stains, then soak them in warm water mixed with vinegar for a few hours. After that, wash and rinse to create a pleasant scent.
Method 5: Lemon + Potassium Permanganate
Dissolve potassium permanganate in water, then soak the garment for 15-20 minutes. You will see the yellow stains turn into brown splotches. After that, wring out the clothes and soaking them again in a mixture of water and lemon juice; the yellow stains will be removed, restoring the original bright white color.
Using Baking Soda - Tips for Cleaning Yellowed White Clothes
Baking soda has many applications that make home care easier, including quickly removing yellow stains from white clothes.
Method 1: Mix 4 teaspoons of baking soda with ¼ cup of water, then gently scrub the mixture onto the stain. Let it sit for 1-1.5 hours, then wash and rinse as normal, and hang to dry in direct sunlight.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
- Step 1: Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water in a 1:1:1 ratio.
- Step 2: Use a toothbrush to apply the mixture to the stains and gently scrub.
- Step 3: Wait for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, then wash and rinse the clothes normally.
Method 3: Baking Soda + Lemon
- Step 1: Squeeze the juice from 2 lemons, then mix it with 1 liter of water, and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Step 2: Pour the lemon and baking soda mixture over the yellow stains and wait for about 30-45 minutes.
- Step 3: Rinse the shirt with water, then wash and rinse normally.
Washing Yellowed Collars with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is effective in removing long-standing yellow stains. However, it has strong disinfecting properties, so you need to be careful and mix it in the right proportions.
- Step 1: Depending on the severity of the yellowing, dilute hydrogen peroxide with water in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio.
- Step 2: Pour the mixture directly onto the yellow stain and soak for a maximum of 20-30 minutes.
- Step 3: Wash and rinse the clothes as normal.
Using Toothpaste to Remove Yellow Stains
When choosing to remove yellow stains from white clothes using toothpaste, you should select white toothpaste.
- Step 1: Take a sufficient amount of toothpaste and apply it evenly to the stain.
- Step 2: Wait about 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush.
- Step 3: Use warm water and specialized detergent to wash clean, then use fabric softener to soften and eliminate the smell of toothpaste.
- Step 4: Hang to dry in the sunlight.
Using Javel (bleach)
The method of washing white clothes with Javel is widely adopted due to its convenience. However, when using Javel for bleaching, if the clothes are not rinsed thoroughly, there may still be a lingering smell of bleach.
How to remove yellow stains from white shirts using Javel:
- Step 1: Mix 2 caps of Javel with 1 liter of water.
- Step 2: Soak the white shirt in the solution for about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the garment and squeeze out excess water, then soak it with detergent for about 5 minutes. Use a brush to scrub the remaining yellow stains on the shirt. Wash again and rinse as usual.
There are many methods to remove yellow stains from white clothes at home, making it easy to get rid of those stubborn yellow marks on your shirt.
Tips for washing white clothes with yellow stains
To achieve the best results in stain removal, keep the following in mind when bleaching:
- Test any stain removal method on a small area first before applying it to the entire stain.
- Read the instructions carefully before using any cleaning chemicals.
- Avoid scrubbing hard on yellow stains, as it can fray and damage the fabric fibers.
- Always rinse your clothes after using any bleaching method.
- Dry the shirt in direct sunlight to disinfect and brighten it.
With the shared tips above, Thai Tuan LMS hopes you now have more secrets to tackle those stubborn yellow stains on white clothing, keeping your white items looking bright and new.