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Have you ever noticed a yellow stain on your white clothes, whether on the underarms, collar, or any other part of the garment? Stained clothes can be frustrating, especially when the stain appears on white fabrics. It’s particularly annoying because you can’t wear the clothes until the stain is gone, as the visible mark draws attention.
In our previous article, we covered the topic of removing common fabric stains like red wine, coffee, ink, and grease. In this blog post, we’ll explore yellow stains and whether there are effective methods to remove them. Let’s explore the best solutions in this blog post.
5 Causes of Yellow Stain on White Clothes
Before we explore how to get rid of yellow stains on white clothes, let’s first find out what causes them. By understanding the causes, you can take steps to prevent them from happening again in the future. Here are 5 common causes of yellow stain on white clothes that you should take note of:
1. Sweat and Body Oils
Do you know that sweat and body oils are common culprits behind yellow stains on white clothes? When you sweat, the moisture mixes with natural oils from your skin. This mixture can seep into the fabric of your clothes, especially in areas like the underarms and collar.
Over time, the accumulation of sweat and body oils can cause a yellowish discoloration. This effect is more noticeable on white clothes because the stains are more visible against the light background.
2. Deodorants and Antiperspirants
Deodorants and antiperspirants, while important for personal hygiene, can cause yellow stains on white clothes. Many antiperspirants contain aluminium compounds that react with sweat and can cause yellowing. This is especially common in the underarm area where deodorants are applied. If you notice yellow stains in this area, this might be the cause.
3. Food and Drink Spills
Certain foods and beverages are notorious for leaving yellow stains on white clothes. Items like mustard, turmeric, and certain juices can cause stubborn yellow stains. These stains can be particularly difficult to remove if not treated promptly. This is because the pigments in these foods and drinks can penetrate the fabric, making it harder to restore the original white colour.
4. Poor Rinsing
Rinsing eliminates dirt from clothing items after the detergent takes hold. However, inadequate rinsing can cause leftover detergent to form soap scum on the apparel, significantly hindering its appearance. The soap scum decays and breaks down over time, eventually leaving unsightly yellow stains on stored clothing.
5. Storage Condition – Unexpected Cause of Yellow Stain on White Clothes
Storing white clothes in a humid environment can lead to mildew and yellowing. Dust and dirt that settle on clothes over time can also cause discolouration, especially if the clothes are not stored in breathable, clean conditions. Additionally, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fabrics to yellow. For example, curtain linings can also become yellow due to extended exposure to sunlight.
Preventing Yellow Stain on White Clothes
To avoid your white clothes developing yellow stains, you should know the steps you can take to prevent them from occurring.
1. Using Protective Undershirts
Wear protective undershirts to absorb sweat and body oils before they reach your white clothes. Choose breathable material to stay comfortable and add an extra layer of protection.
2. Choose the Right Deodorant
Opt for aluminium-free deodorants to reduce the risk of yellow stains. Consider using clear or gel-based deodorants, and let them dry completely before dressing to avoid leaving any residue on your clothes, ensuring they stay spotless.
3. Proper Garment Care
Wash white clothes regularly and separately from coloured garments. Use detergents formulated for whites with optical brighteners. Avoid overloading the washing machine to ensure thorough cleaning and rinsing, which prevents yellow spots and blemishes. For food and drink spills, immediately treat them with appropriate stain removal techniques to mitigate damage.
4. Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Sunlight
Sunlight can cause fabrics to yellow. Always dry white clothes in shaded areas or use an indoor drying rack. If drying outside, turn clothes inside out. Additionally, store white garments in dark or shaded areas to preserve their original colour.
5. Store Clothes in Cool and Dry Places
It’s important to know how to store your clothes properly, especially if they are work clothes, to make them last longer and prevent yellow stains. Keep white clothes in cool, dry places to avoid humidity, mildew, and yellowing. Use breathable garment bags or cotton covers and store them in a well-ventilated closet to keep them fresh. Therefore, it’s crucial to store white clothes in cool, dry places and to keep them clean and covered to prevent yellowing.
Methods to Remove Yellow Stain on White Clothes
There are 2 methods that can you can try to remove the yellow stain on your white clothes, which are:
DIY – Homemade Remedies
Homemade remedies are effective for treating yellow stains and are often eco-friendly. For instance, baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide can all help remove yellow stains from your clothes.
Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive and deodoriser, vinegar helps break down stains with its natural acidity, and hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild bleach to brighten fabrics. These options provide a simple, environmentally friendly way to tackle stains at home.
Commercial Stain Removers
Commercial stain removers are designed for tough stains, including yellow stains on white clothes. They contain ingredients that break down stain particles, making them easier to wash out. You can apply the remover to the stain, let it sit as directed, then wash. Remember to always follow the instructions and test on a small area first to avoid damage.
Seek Advice on Yellow Stain on White Clothes from Professionals
If you’re uncertain about how to remove yellow stain from your white clothes, consider consulting professional fabric care experts like Big Mama. At Big Mama, we offer specialised advice for your fabric concerns. Our Japan-quality techniques provide the best possible solutions for your fabric problems, though results may vary.
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