How to Remove Yellow Tinge From White Cotton

There are many reasons why white fabrics yellow: Storage in dark places, body oils, or simply the ravages of time can turn bright whites into grungy garments. To whiten them again, try this simple bleach-and-hot-water method.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Chlorine Bleach
• Enzyme Presoak
• Clotheslines
• Clothespins
• Laundry Detergents
• Color Removers

1. Check care label to make sure the fabric is bleach-safe.

2. Soak overnight in an enzyme presoak, which will immediately go to work breaking down organic materials to augment the cleaning process later.

3. Set washer to as hot a temperature as tolerable by the fabric (see care instructions on clothing).

4. Use twice as much (bleach-safe) detergent as usual.

5. Add chlorine bleach 5 minutes after the wash cycle has begun.

6. Hang in bright sunlight to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Before use of chlorine bleach, dilute as directed on the product's label.

• Chlorine bleach can end up yellowing fabrics such as wool, spandex, nylon, silk or leather, often permanently - the opposite of the desired effect! Try a color remover on these bleach-sensitive garments instead.