How To Remove Yellow Stains From White Clothes
Fashion trends come and go, but yellow stains on fabric are never a good look for anyone. From armpit stains on your favorite white T-shirt to patches of discoloration on your pillows, it’s easy to get frustrated by fabric woes.
“Yellow stains can be quite pesky as these usually come from a combination of factors like sweat, body oils, and even drool,” says Will Cotter, owner of FreshSpace Cleaning. “These substances can oxidize over time, leaving behind those not-so-pretty yellow marks.”
But don’t sweat it. There are a few methods to combat the discoloration. Here's how experts say to remove yellow stains from white clothes, bed and table linens, and more using four stain-removal methods that don’t involve buying a whole new wardrobe or gallons of bleach.
Meet The Experts
Will Cotter is the owner of FreshSpace Cleaning, a cleaning service with multiple locations across the South and beyond.
Melony Huber is a fashion and interior design expert and co-founder of ethical lifestyle collection La Peony.
Cristy Stewart-Harfmann is the founder of the Happy Family Blog.
Rick Rome is the CEO and Founder of WashClub.
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How Often To Clean White Clothes
Items like white clothing, bedding, and tablecloths should be washed regularly with use. If storing seasonal white fabrics until the next season, they should also be washed with the correct amount of detergent before packing them away. Long-term storage without properly cleaning items may result in oxidation of the fabric, which causes hidden stains to turn yellow when exposed to air.
Considerations Before Getting Started
When washing white clothes, it’s important to set the wash cycle to the right temperature. The wrong temperature can cause stains to set in or give them a dingy, yellow appearance, and your whites will no longer be crisp. Hot water is best for sanitizing and cleaning laundry, but make sure to check the care label for recommendations.
Tip
Always check the label on clothing and any products used to make sure you choose the correct wash cycle and that the product is safe for the fabric.
What You Need
Washing machine
Laundry detergent
Baking soda
Bowl
Toothbrush
Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
White vinegar (optional)
Lemon juice (optional)
How To Remove Yellow Stains With Baking Soda
For pillows, Cotter’s “secret weapon” is a paste made from equal parts baking soda and water. “Apply it to the stain, let it sit for a bit, then gently wash it away.” Repeat the process if needed. Changing and laundering pillowcases on a regular basis will keep them from staining, he says, adding that pillow protectors can also do the trick.
In a small bowl, mix a paste of equal parts baking soda and water.
Apply the paste to the stained area.
Let sit for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse and repeat the process if needed.
Launder as usual.
How To Remove Yellow Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide
For other fabrics, Cotter says a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water “can work wonders on those yellow stains.” Be sure to keep your hydrogen peroxide stored in its original dark bottle to maintain its efficacy; otherwise, hydrogen peroxide that loses its extra oxygen molecule is just plain water.
Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water, about 1/4 cup each, in a small bowl.
Use a clean toothbrush to apply the peroxide mixture to the stain.
Let sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse the stain and launder the item as usual.
How To Remove Yellow Stains With White Vinegar
Melony Huber, fashion and interior design expert and co-founder of ethical lifestyle collection La Peony, swears by this other pantry staple. Apply the vinegar directly to the clothing and let it soak for about 15 minutes before washing. She also likes a baking soda paste but she likes to mix hers with vinegar for increased stain-removing power.
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1 cup water in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to yellow stains.
Let sit for an hour.
Rinse and launder the item as usual.
How To Remove Yellow Stains With Lemon Juice
“Lemon juice can be a natural bleach,” says Cristy Stewart-Harfmann, founder of the Happy Family Blog. Squeeze some directly onto the stain and rub it gently. For even better results, let the garment or item sit in the sun for a few hours before you wash it. “The sunlight helps enhance the bleaching effect,” she explains.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly on the stain.
Rub the area gently to work the lemon juice into the stain.
Let sit in the sun for a few hours.
Launder as usual.
What About Bleach For Yellow Stains?
Bleach might seem like the obvious solution for restoring white fabrics, but it has its drawbacks. Cotter says, “While bleach can work its magic, it's essential to use it cautiously, as it can be harsh on fabrics and may lead to discoloration.”
If you do decide you need the strength of bleach to take on yellow stains, Cotter says take the following precautions:
Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area.
Wear gloves—but wash your hands thoroughly afterward as well.
Put on an apron to protect your clothes from accidental splatters.
Store the remaining bleach in a cool, dry place—not in direct sunlight or heat—and away from children and pets.
Whichever method you try—and you may want to try several—note that some careful trial and error might be necessary. Rick Rome, CEO and Founder of WashClub, says, “Depending on the whitening agent, the amount of time needed to soak the clothing will vary, so it’s important to follow the instructions based on the agent being used.”
Tips To Keep White Clothes Clean Longer
It’s definitely an uphill battle as we humans tend to sweat, drool, and sweat some more. But there are measures we can take to prevent ruining a brand-new blouse or bedding.
Go To Bed Clean
Aside from a shower or bath, Huber says, “Make sure to remove all makeup before going to bed,” noting that it’s also good to skip the hair and skin products, too. Wash clothes and items regularly and buy covers to protect those pillows, she adds.
Use Natural Fabric Softeners
Stewart-Harfmann says to avoid fabric softeners made from synthetic ingredients because that alone can promote yellowing. “Instead, opt for natural fabric softeners like vinegar or baking soda,” she says.
Reconsider Clothing Storage
Rome notes that if it’s humid where you store your clothes, that can also cause yellowing. “Store garments in a dry area with little to no sunlight and ensure they are completely clean before going into storage,” he says. Breathable fabric bins are better than plastic containers that don't allow air to circulate.
Use Products As Directed
Using the proper amount of laundry detergent, fabric softener, whiteners, and other products helps prevent buildup on fabrics, which can attract dirt and lead to yellowing and a dingy appearance. Using an extra rinse cycle if your machine has it can help clean the items more thoroughly and remove any residue.
Related: 9 Ways To Make Laundry Smell Good, According To Experts
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