How to remove yellow stains from white shirts

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

• 3 proven methods to whiten yellow stains (Baking soda, White vinegar soak, Oxygen-based bleach)
• What causes yellow stains and how to protect white clothes.

At a Glance: 3 Proven Methods to Whiten Yellowed Shirts

Whether it's the result of daily wear or long-term storage, your favourite white shirts can lose their brilliance and develop a frustrating yellow tint. But don't move them to the back of the closet just yet.

With the right techniques, you can effectively lift those stains and restore your garments' crisp, white look. In this guide, Electrolux Singapore will walk you through the causes of yellowing and provide step-by-step instructions to bring your white clothes back to life.

What Causes Yellow Stains on White Shirts?

Understanding the root cause is the first step to effective treatment and prevention. The most common culprits include:

• Sweat and Deodorant: The primary cause, especially for underarm stains. The aluminum in many deodorants reacts with the proteins in your sweat, creating yellow marks that build up over time.
• Detergent and Softener Residue: Using too much detergent or fabric softener can leave behind a residue that attracts dirt and oils, leading to a yellow or grey appearance.
• Oxidation: Natural body oils and chemicals on your clothes can oxidise and turn yellow when exposed to air during storage.
• Hard Water: Water with a high mineral content (like iron) can leave deposits on fabric, causing discoloration.

Method 1: Using a Baking Soda Paste for Sweat Stains

Baking soda is a fantastic, bleach-free abrasive that gently lifts stains from fabric fibres.

What You'll Need:

• 4 tablespoons of baking soda
• ¼ cup of warm water

Instructions:

1. Create a Paste: Mix the baking soda and warm water to form a consistent paste.
2. Apply and Scrub: Gently rub the paste onto the yellowed areas of the shirt. Use an old toothbrush for targeted scrubbing on stubborn spots. Let it sit for at least 30-60 minutes.
3. Wash as Usual: Wash the shirt in your washing machine on a normal cycle.

Method 2: Soaking in Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is a remarkable natural brightener and odour neutraliser.

What You'll Need:

• 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
• A basin or sink of hot water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Soak: Fill a basin with hot water and add the cup of white vinegar, mixing it in.
2. Soak the Garment: Submerge your yellowed white shirt completely in the solution and let it soak for at least one hour (or up to overnight for severe yellowing).
3. Wash as Normal: Wring out the shirt and wash it with your regular detergent to remove any lingering vinegar smell.

Method 3: Using Oxygen-Based Bleach for Tough Stains

For stubborn, set-in stains, an oxygen-based bleach is a safer and more effective alternative to traditional chlorine bleach.

What You'll Need:

• Oxygen-based bleach (powder or liquid)
• Water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Solution: Following the package directions, mix the oxygen bleach with water.
2. Soak the Clothes: Fully submerge the white clothes in the solution and let them soak for several hours, or even overnight, depending on the severity of the stains.
3. Wash: After soaking, wash the clothes in your washing machine with standard detergent.

How to Keep White Shirts White and Prevent Yellowing

Prevention is easier than treatment. Follow these tips to maintain the brilliant whiteness of your clothes:

• Wash After Each Wear: Washing shirts after one wear prevents body oils and sweat from setting into the fabric.
• Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Too much detergent leaves a residue that attracts dirt. Check your detergent's instructions and your washing machine's guide.
• Separate Your Laundry: Always wash white clothes in a separate load from colours to prevent dye transfer.
• Choose the Right Water Temperature: Use warm or hot water for durable white fabrics like cotton to effectively remove oils and grime. Always check the care label first.
• Air Dry When Possible: Sunlight has natural bleaching properties. Air drying whites can help brighten them, while high heat from a dryer can sometimes set in any remaining stains.

How Your Electrolux Washing Machine Helps Keep Whites Bright

The right washing machine technology plays a vital role in preventing the buildup that leads to yellowing. Our range of front load washing machines and top load washing machines are designed with features that ensure a deeper, more sustainable clean for your white garments.

• Prevent Detergent Residue with UltraMix™ Technology: Our UltraMix™ system pre-mixes detergent and softener with water before they enter the drum. This ensures that detergents are fully dissolved for a more effective clean, preventing the clumpy residue that can dull fabrics over time.
• Refresh and Sanitise with HygienicCare Steam: Our steam function concludes the wash cycle with a gentle spray of vapour to remove up to 99.9% of allergens and germs. This hygienic deep-clean helps eliminate the bacteria and oils that contribute to yellowing and odours, keeping your whites fresher for longer.

By combining these advanced features with proper laundry habits, your Electrolux washing machine becomes a powerful tool in preserving the life and look of your favourite white clothing.