10 Ways To Remove Yellow Stains From White Clothes

White shirts, t-shirts, and pants with the right pairing can blend in for any occasion. They brighten up your wardrobe and make you look classy and elegant. However, the major problem with whites is that they become yellow, and lose their crispness and clean look if not used for a long time. 

Most of the time this yellowness is because of improper storage, body oils and sweat which are not washed properly. With the right care and attention, you can keep your whites looking clean, crisp, and vibrant for a long time. Let us discuss various methods on how to get yellow stains out of clothes like using lemon juice, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and many more methods to brighten your whites.

Exploring Washing Methods to Remove Yellow Stains On White Clothes

Method 1: Lemon Juice and Sunlight

The best age-old method for removing stains from the clothes is to rub the stained area with lemon juice. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water and scrub it on the stained area before washing. Or you can mix a cup of lemon juice along with the detergent while washing to brighten your whites. It will not only remove the stain but also make your whites smell fresh and make it crisp. After washing the clothes with a mixture of lemon juice and water, sun dry the clothes to keep them white for a long time.

Method 2: Baking Soda Paste

There are yellow stains on collars and cuffs that are difficult to remove no matter how many times you wash them. The baking soda paste helps to remove such tough stains by loosening the stain from the fabric. It is one of the best ways to clean yellow stains on white shirts. Mix approximately ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of water and mix well. Rub this mixture on the yellow stain and leave it for 20 minutes before washing. 

Method 3: Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Hydrogen peroxide oxidises the yellow stain and removes it easily from the fabric. Hydrogen peroxide being an acid might damage the threads of the fabric. Thus, mix a tablespoon of both hydrogen peroxide and a liquid dish soap and apply it on the stain with the back of the spoon. Use a colourless dish soap as it may leave the colour on the fabric. Leave it for an hour and then wash it like you wash normal clothes. If the stain is still there then repeat the process.  

Method 4: White Vinegar Soak

Vinegar is one of the best non-toxic and eco-friendly stain removers for clothes. It naturally removes dirt and leftover aluminium salts after deodorant use along with removing the sweat odour. Mix ¼ part vinegar with 1 part water, spray the mixture on the yellow stains and leave it for an hour before washing. Or pour ¼ cup vinegar in the machine during the rinsing of clothes to remove the yellow stain and odour. Avoid using vinegar with bleach as it emits harmful fumes.

Method 5: Oxygen Bleach

The use of chlorine damages the fabric and reduces the life of the clothing. Thus, use an oxygen bleach which is delicate on the fabric but helps to remove the stains on the whites. Pour the oxygen bleach along with the detergent into the machine and soak the clothes for half an hour before washing. Or spray the oxygen bleach mixed with water on the stain, rub it with the brush and let it stay for 30 minutes before washing. For tougher stains let the clothes stay for 2 hours before washing.

Method 6: Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquids mostly contain lemon which removes the greasy dirt and odour. Using dishwashing liquid on white clothes helps remove yellow stains. If possible use a mild dishwashing soap or else it might damage the white fabric. Avoid using dishwashing liquid on coloured clothes as it might discolour the fabric. Apply the liquid directly to the stains and leave it for 30 minutes before washing for the best results.

Method 7: Aspirin Soak

Aspirin contains salicylic acid that helps to remove the yellow stains. It mimics the action of vinegar and lemon juice. Avoid using aspirin on coloured clothes as it may lead to discolouration of the fabric. Crush 3 – 4 aspirin tablets and mix with ½ cup of warm water. Make a paste, apply it to the yellow stains and leave it for 2 hours. Wash these whites treated with aspirin in the hot water cycle in the machine.

Method 8: Enzyme-Based Stain Removers

The enzyme-based cleaner breaks down the protein-containing yellow stains from food or sweat. Add the enzyme-based cleaner along with the detergent while washing the whites and let it soak for half an hour before washing. If the stains are tough then apply the enzyme-based cleaner directly on the stains and let it stay for 30 minutes before washing.

Method 9: Borax Solution

Borax is a natural mineral that has alkaline properties that help to remove yellow sweat stains from the clothes. It also removes the odour caused by the sweat. Add ½ cup of borax along with the detergent in the machine and wash the whites.

Method 10: Professional Dry Cleaning

Mild staining or yellow staining of white clothes can be dealt with at home using the above methods. But, at times the stains are very tough and need professional expertise to deal with it. Such whites need dry cleaning to remove the stains and make them look vibrant and new. It is advisable to select reputable dry cleaners for the best result. Giving whites for dry cleaning is cost-effective in the long run as it increases the life of the fabric. Fabrics like silk, wool, net, crepe, linens, and georgette need dry cleaning.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that different stains might require different methods. Thus, it is advisable to check and experiment with which methods suit the fabric. For milder stains lemon juice or vinegar works best and for old yellow stains borax, oxygen bleach, enzyme enzyme-rich solution are the best. 

For tougher stains, you need a professional cleaner. It is best to test on an inconspicuous area first to check if the fabric is compatible with the washing method or not. For best results contact one of the best dry cleaning services in Mumbai.