Ways to Brighten White Fabrics and Linens That Have Become Yellowed

Despite your best efforts to maintain white garments and linens, it’s common for them to develop a yellow tint as time passes. Fortunately, there are effective techniques to eliminate yellowing from white fabrics.

Many white fabrics can be brightened using laundry agents such as oxygen bleach, bluing agents, chlorine bleach, or natural techniques like utilizing the sun’s UV rays to eliminate yellow or dull gray stains. Below are various techniques to restore the whiteness of yellowed garments.

What Leads to the Yellowing of White Garments?

Environmental elements such as nicotine from cigarette smoke or oily cooking residues can lead to yellowing of fabrics. The yellowing of shirts in the underarm area occurs as a result of a chemical reaction between antiperspirants and the salts from the body. Additionally, clothing that is not stored correctly may interact with the acids present in cardboard boxes or wooden shelves, resulting in a yellow tint.

Technique #2: Fabric Bluing

A traditional laundry enhancer, laundry bluing enhances the whiteness of fabrics by introducing a blue dye that neutralizes the yellowing that typically happens with regular washing. The subtle blue tint, which is almost imperceptible, tricks the eye into perceiving the fabric as brighter. Bluing can be incorporated into either the washing or rinsing phase. Here’s a guide on how to apply bluing:

1. Always mix highly concentrated bluing with cold water before incorporating it into any washing machine.
2. To utilize in the wash cycle of a conventional or top-loading high-efficiency washer, mix 1/4 teaspoon of liquid bluing with one quart of water, then incorporate the mixture into the wash water.
3. To utilize in the rinse cycle of a top-loading washing machine, dissolve 1/8 teaspoon in a quart of water. Avoid using an automatic dispenser for bluing in a top-loading washer during either the wash or rinse cycle, as it may cause staining of the dispenser.
4. To utilize in the wash or rinse cycle of a front-loading washing machine, maintain the same quantity of bluing, but mix it with 1 to 2 quarts of water. Introduce this mixture through the dispenser once the machine has filled with water, during the wash or rinse cycle.

Technique #3: Store-Bought Color Remover

If oxygen-based bleach and bluing fail to achieve the desired whiteness for your garments, consider utilizing a commercial color remover like Rit Color Remover to eliminate the yellowing. However, avoid using it on items with colored trims or embellishments.

Warning

Utilize color removers in a space with good ventilation. Ensure windows are open and a fan is running to promote air circulation.

1. The clothing item needs to be laundered recently.
2. Take a spacious stainless steel pot and add sufficient water to allow the fabric to move without restriction. Place a lid on the pot and heat the water on the stove until it reaches a temperature just shy of boiling, approximately 200°F.
3. Once the water starts to bubble, incorporate the packet of color remover and stir thoroughly using a stainless steel spoon.
4. Maintain the water at a gentle simmer.
5. Soak the white fabric and place it in the bath.
6. Let the clothing immerse in the solution, giving it a gentle stir from time to time for a duration of 10 to 20 minutes.
7. Take the clothing out of the pot and wash it with cool water.
8. Clean the clothing item as you normally do.

Technique #4: Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach is effective for cleaning and sanitizing, but excessive use or application on white synthetic materials such as nylon, microfiber, or polyester can lead to yellowing. This occurs as the bleach deteriorates the fibers, reverting the synthetic polymers to their original yellow hue. Additionally, an overabundance of chlorine bleach can cause white natural fibers, such as cotton and linen, to yellow as well. If you notice a chlorine scent when taking damp laundry out of the washing machine, it may indicate that you have applied too much bleach.

To brighten white cotton garments:

• Immerse the garments in a solution of 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach mixed with a gallon of water for a duration of five minutes.
• Launder the garments in the hottest water suitable for the fabric, using standard detergent along with 1/3 cup of chlorine bleach. Either utilize the bleach dispenser or incorporate the bleach five minutes into the washing cycle.

While you’re engaged in that task

While you have chlorine bleach on hand, think about freshening up your front-load washing machine to eliminate any persistent smells. Ensure the machine is empty, then pour 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach into the detergent compartment of the dispenser drawer, and fill the bleach compartment with chlorine bleach. Run a complete cycle with warm water.

Technique #5: Utilize Sunlight for Brightening Fabrics

Whenever you can, hang white laundry outside to dry in the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet rays assist in brightening the fabric.

Technique #6: Sodium Bicarbonate

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, enhances the effectiveness of your laundry detergent, aiding in the removal of dirt that causes yellowing in fabrics.

• Boil a sufficient amount of water to fully cover the garments, then take the pot off the heat source.
• Mix 1 cup of baking soda into each gallon of water.
• Include the white garments, particularly beneficial for white cotton socks.
• Let it soak for a minimum of one hour or leave it overnight.
• Clean as you normally would.

Technique #7: Clear Distilled Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar has acetic acid, which aids in eliminating detergent buildup that can cause fabrics to yellow.

• Fill a sink or a plastic tub with sufficient hot water to fully immerse the garments.
• Incorporate 1 cup of distilled white vinegar for every gallon of water.
• Place the white garments in water and let them soak overnight.
• Clean as you normally would.

While you’re engaged in that task

As you use your distilled white vinegar, think about revitalizing your towels by adding some vinegar to the wash in place of detergent. This will help eliminate any leftover detergent residues, leaving your towels soft and fluffy once more.

Tips for Keeping White Clothing from Yellowing

• Separate the laundry and wash only the white items together.
• Utilize a premium detergent that has a sufficient amount of enzymes to effectively eliminate all dirt during the washing process.
• Avoid using excessive amounts of detergent or fabric softener. The intense heat of a dryer can cause the residue to become embedded in the fabric, resulting in a gray or yellow appearance.
• Opt for aluminum-free deodorants and ensure that the deodorant is fully dry before putting on a white shirt.

Tips for Storing White Garments to Avoid Yellowing

Before storing garments or linens, make sure they are entirely free of stains, thoroughly cleaned, and completely dry. Wash and dry your hands prior to handling the items, as lotions or creams can cause discoloration on white fabrics. Select a cool, dry location for storage to prevent drastic temperature fluctuations. Opt for appropriate storage containers to avoid yellowing. One option is to use archival storage boxes that are free of acid and lignin. Alternatively, consider containers made of cast polypropylene, marked with #5 or the letters ‘PP’ in the recycling triangle, as they do not release harmful fumes.

Is it possible to eliminate yellow stains from white garments?

Eliminate yellow stains from white garments by utilizing oxygen-based bleach or another suggested technique. Just as the yellowing developed gradually, restoring the desired brightness will also require some time.

What are some effective methods to restore the brightness of my white clothes?

A simple and effective way to restore the brightness of white fabrics is by utilizing oxygen bleach along with warm water. This method is safe for nearly all fabric types. Additionally, you can achieve whiter whites by harnessing the power of the sun’s UV rays, using laundry bluing, baking soda, vinegar, or chlorine bleach.

Will Oxiclean brighten yellowed T-shirts?

OxiClean or any other powdered oxygen bleach can effectively restore the whiteness of T-shirts that have become yellow or gray. The key is to allow the discolored shirts to soak in the solution for a few hours or even overnight. You might also need to scrub the underarm areas more thoroughly to eliminate any buildup of deodorant and body dirt.

What methods do hotels use to maintain the whiteness of their sheets?

Hotels launder their sheets after every guest’s stay, frequently after just one day of use. This regular washing ensures cleanliness, aided by powerful industrial detergents, bleach, or cleaners based on peroxide.