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How to Get Yellow Stains Out of White Polyester

Julie Christensen

Those yellow mystery stains on your polyester shirt or tennis skirt might be perspiration, iron stains or even food stains. To treat them, start with basic stain removing techniques, or use a commercial rust remover if you suspect the stain is rust. Don't expose polyester to high heat.

Always separate whites and darks to avoid stains.

Polyester is a durable, stain-resistant fabric, but it melts or becomes permanently wrinkled when exposed to high temperatures.

Tip

Chlorine bleach may occasionally cause yellow stains on white polyester. Try washing the garment with an oxygen bleach powder or add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle. Avoid using bleach on polyester fabrics.

Warning

Follow the directions carefully when using rust removers. They may contain corrosive ingredients, such as oxalic acid.

  1. Dab the stain with stain remover stick. Pour 1/4 cup heavy-duty liquid detergent directly on the stain. Rub the fabric so the detergent is thoroughly distributed throughout the stain.

  2. Wait 30 minutes and wash in a gentle wash cycle on cold. Examine the garment. If the stain remains, reapply detergent and soak the garment overnight in cold water. Rinse and wash the garment.

  3. Dry the garment on low and remove it when it is damp dry. Polyester wrinkles easily in a hot dryer. Do not dry the garment until the stain is completely removed. Doing so will set it permanently.

The Drip Cap

  • Those yellow mystery stains on your polyester shirt or tennis skirt might be perspiration, iron stains or even food stains.
  • To treat them, start with basic stain removing techniques, or use a commercial rust remover if you suspect the stain is rust.
  • Polyester wrinkles easily in a hot dryer.