How To Get Rid Of Yellow Stains On White Shirts

Removing yellow stains from clothing is not easy, but it is possible. Clothing, especially white clothing, will start to yellow either from sweat coming in to contact with the fabric or from aging. Once the fabric has yellowed, simply washing the clothing will not remove the stain and other cleaning tips have to be applied.

Store Bought Methods for Removing Yellow Stains

Store bought products made to remove or brighten yellow stains are proven to be effective. Be sure to follow all the product instructions carefully to reduce the risk of damaging the clothing.

Bleach

Bleach will remove any stain from white clothing. You can apply the bleach directly to the stain and allow it to sit before washing the clothing or you can apply bleach to your washing machine while washing. Only add bleach to the washing machine when it is full of white clothing. Bleach will remove the color from clothing; however, it may be too potent for delicate materials like silk.

RIT Color Remover

RIT Color Remover works to remove permanent stains on clothing. RIT Color Remover can be purchased in the laundry aisle of most drugstores, grocery stores, and super markets. RIT Color Remover is safer to use then bleach on lightly colored clothing, but may still stain dark clothing.

RIT White Wash

RIT White Wash removes yellow stains from white clothing much like bleach, however, RIT White Wash is less potent then bleach and safer to use and light colored clothing. Follow the directions carefully and do not apply RIT White Wash on dark fabrics.

Homemade Ways to Eliminate Yellow Stains From Clothing

There are probably several products laying around your home that can be used for removing yellow stains from clothing. Homemade products are often as effective as store bought products, however, since homemade products are less controlled it is also easier to cause permanent damage to the clothing. Be sure to test any homemade product on an inconspicuous area before applying directly to the yellow stain.

Mixture of Baking Soda, Peroxide, and Water

A mixture of baking soda, peroxide, and water applied directly to the yellow stain will remove it. Mix equal parts of baking soda, peroxide, and water in a small container. Apply the mixture to the stain and use a bristle brush to rub the mixture in to the fabric. Allow it to sit for thirty minutes to an hour depending on the severity of the stain and wash as normal.

Denture Tablets

Denture tablets can brighten yellow stains on light or dark clothing. Dissolve two to four denture tablets in a bucket of water. Set the stained clothing inside the water for eight to twelve hours. Remove the clothing and wash as normal.

White Vinegar and Salt

Mix a half a cup of white vinegar with half a cup of salt in a bucket of water. Place the clothing inside the mixture and stir for at least thirty minutes. Remove the clothing and wash as normal.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste can be applied directly to a yellow stain to brighten it. Rub the toothpaste over the entire stained area with a bristle brush until the stain is lifted. Once the stain is removed, wash the clothing to remove the toothpaste.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice brightens yellow stains on white and light colored clothing. Apply pure lemon juice to the entire stained area and let the clothing sit in the sun for an entire day. As soon as you bring the clothing inside, wash as normal by hand or in a washing machine to remove the lemon juice.