How to Remove 12 Yellow Stains from White Shirts
Here are 12 effective strategies to remove yellow stains from white shirts:
1. Hydrogen Peroxide
- Mix 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of water.
- Apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
2. Baking Soda
- Make a paste of 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Brush off the paste and rinse with cold water.
3. Lemon Juice
- Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto the stain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
4. White Vinegar
- Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water.
- Apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
5. Borax
- Mix 1 tablespoon of borax with 1 cup of water.
- Apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
6. Salt
- Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on the stain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Brush off the salt and rinse with cold water.
7. Aspirin
- Crush 2 aspirin tablets and mix with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
8. Milk
- Soak the stained area in a bowl of milk overnight.
- Rinse with cold water.
9. Sun Exposure
- Place the stained shirt in direct sunlight for several hours.
- The UV rays can help to bleach the stain.
10. Chlorine Bleach
- Use chlorine bleach according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Only use on white fabrics.
11. Sodium Percarbonate (OxiClean)
- Mix 1 scoop of sodium percarbonate with 1 gallon of hot water.
- Soak the stained shirt for several hours.
- Rinse with cold water.
12. Commercial Stain Remover
- Use a commercial stain remover specifically designed for yellow stains.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tables
Table 1: Common Yellow Stains and Their Causes
Stain | Cause |
---|---|
Sweat | Body oils and bacteria |
Deodorant | Aluminum or zinc compounds |
Antiperspirant | Aluminum or zinc compounds |
Food | Proteins, fats, and oils |
Coffee | Tannins and other polyphenols |
Tea | Tannins and other polyphenols |
Red wine | Anthocyanins and other polyphenols |
Sunscreen | Oxybenzone and other UV absorbers |
Table 2: Effectiveness of Different Stain Removal Methods
Method | Effectiveness |
---|---|
Hydrogen peroxide | Very effective |
Baking soda | Effective |
Lemon juice | Effective |
White vinegar | Somewhat effective |
Borax | Somewhat effective |
Salt | Somewhat effective |
Aspirin | Somewhat effective |
Milk | Mildly effective |
Sun exposure | Mildly effective |
Chlorine bleach | Very effective (for white fabrics only) |
Sodium percarbonate | Effective |
Commercial stain remover | Variable |
Table 3: Tips for Preventing Yellow Stains
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Wash white clothes regularly | Perspiration and other body oils can accumulate and cause yellowing. |
Avoid using harsh detergents | Harsh detergents can damage fabric and make it more susceptible to staining. |
Use a stain remover | Apply a stain remover to the stain as soon as possible after it occurs. |
Rinse thoroughly | Make sure to rinse all detergent and stain remover from the fabric. |
Dry in the shade | Sunlight can fade fabric and make yellow stains more noticeable. |
Table 4: FAQs
Q: Why do my white shirts turn yellow?
A: Yellow stains on white shirts can be caused by perspiration, deodorant, antiperspirant, food, coffee, tea, red wine, sunscreen, and other factors.
Q: What is the most effective way to remove yellow stains from white shirts?
A: Hydrogen peroxide is the most effective way to remove yellow stains from white shirts.
Q: Can I use chlorine bleach on colored shirts?
A: No, chlorine bleach should only be used on white fabrics.
Q: How do I prevent yellow stains from forming on my white shirts?
A: Wash white clothes regularly, avoid using harsh detergents, use a stain remover, rinse thoroughly, and dry in the shade.