BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Remove Yellow Tinge From White Cotton

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Chlorine Bleach
Enzyme Presoak
Clotheslines
Clothespins
Laundry Detergents
Color Removers

Step1

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

Step2

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

Step3

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

Step4

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

Step5

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

Step6

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.

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Comments

katep1313 said

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on 2/18/2007 add dishwashing detergent for electric dishwashers into the wash it great for whitening.

SHHill said

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on 1/21/2007 Great! Thanks!

SHHill said

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on 1/21/2007 Excellent!

Anonymous said

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on 9/21/2006 There is a product called bluing (your grandma probably used it). WalMart still sells it. You follow the directions on the bottle to whiten yellowed cotton.

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 I have seen that this helps the yellow under arm stains.
Mix half water and half white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray generously on the problem areas before putting the item in the washer.