How to remove yellow stains from white shirts

Whether it's from sunny picnics or energetic sports activities, your white garments can unfortunately lose their brilliance and acquire an unwanted yellowish tint as time goes by. But don't worry—there's a solution! By familiarizing yourself with the right fabric care and employing effective laundry techniques, you can successfully rejuvenate and uphold the vibrancy of your beloved white clothing.

In this guide, Electrolux Singapore will uncover the secrets of how to remove yellow stains from white shirts, covering key points such as:

• What causes yellow stains on clothing.
• 4 ways to whiten your white clothes that have yellowed.
• How to store and protect white clothes.

 

Why do white clothes turn yellow?

White garments can develop a yellowish stain due to various factors, including the excessive detergent and fabric softener use, oxidation, deodorant stains, washing with hard water, or extended storage periods.

However, with the right approach to cleaning and laundering, you can not only mitigate but also prevent your beloved white garments from yellowing.

How to remove yellow stains from white clothes

Here are 4 methods you can employ to get rid of yellow stains on your white clothes:

1. Whitening solutions

Laundry whiteners are specially formulated to rejuvenate the appearance of fabrics. They excel in brightening whites and even removing color bleed from vibrant textiles.

When using a whitening product, it's essential to carefully adhere to the instructions provided on the packaging, as dosages might differ between brands. You have the option to use these solutions as a pre-treatment or alongside your usual detergent while running a wash cycle.

2. Oxygen-based bleach

Choosing oxygen-based bleach might take a bit more time, but it's an effective approach. Typically, white garments should soak in an oxygen bleach and water solution, following the instructions provided by the bleach manufacturer. After this soaking period, you can wash the clothes with standard detergent in a regular wash cycle.

Keep in mind that delicate fabrics such as wool, silk, or suede can be sensitive to oxygen-based bleach and might get damaged. It's a good idea to refer to your clothing's care label before proceeding, ensuring you make the right choice for proper care.

Check your clothing's care label before washing to make the right choice for proper care

>>> More expert clothing care tips:

• How to wash a jacket in a washing machine
• How to wash shoes in a washing machine

3. Baking soda

Baking soda presents an excellent bleach-free alternative. You can utilize baking soda to whiten shirts that have yellowed in two ways:

1. Add baking soda directly into the washing machine before selecting a wash cycle. Avoid putting it in the detergent dispenser to prevent clogging.

2. Create a solution of baking soda and water to soak your white garments in for approximately an hour. Then proceed to wash them using a dedicated "whites" wash cycle.

 

4. Distilled white vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is another remarkable option to make yellowed white shirts white again. Not only does it have brightening properties, but it also neutralizes odors in fabrics. You can use it as a bleach-free pretreatment or as an additive in a standard wash cycle.

To pre-treat, mix hot water and white vinegar and allow your garments to soak. For an in-wash solution, simply add vinegar and detergent to your washing machine and select your desired setting.

Tips on how to maintain the whiteness of your clothes

Preventing the yellowing of white clothes involves a combination of smart choices and effective techniques. Here's how you can maintain the whiteness of your white clothes:

• Separate loads: Wash white clothes separately from colored or dark fabrics to prevent color transfer.
• Temperature matters: Use warm or hot water when washing whites to maximize cleaning power. Just be cautious with delicate fabrics prone to shrinkage.
• Incorporate baking soda: In addition to cleaning refrigerators and cleaning ovens, adding baking soda to your detergent can boost the cleaning effectiveness and help preserve whiteness.
• Air dry: Opt for air drying to avoid exposing whites to heat that might contribute to yellowing.
• Follow care labels: Always follow the instructions on clothing care labels and the provided usage and care guides to ensure you're using the best practices.

With the right approach to cleaning and laundering, you can not only mitigate but also prevent your whites from yellowing

Electrolux washing machines: Sustainable solution for clothing care

By efficiently erasing stains and ensuring a gentle touch, Electrolux washing machines offer a reliable cleaning process and tender care – a perfect blend for reviving your cherished white shirts. But our concern extends beyond just laundry; we're committed to the environment's well-being too. At Electrolux, sustainability takes center stage in our design philosophy.

Our front load washing machines and top load washing machines are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating functions that help reduce clothing waste and energy consumption. By using an Electrolux washing machine, you're making a positive contribution to the planet while enjoying the benefits of advanced laundry technology.

Discover our top-rated washing machines designed to pamper your delicate fabrics: