Stain Removal Tips for Orange Dye in Medicine

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Several medications can turn urine and tears orange.

Some medications can dye urine and tears the color orange, which can stain clothing or undergarments. Several chemotherapy drugs, some laxatives, the antibiotic rifampin, the blood thinner warfarin, and phenazopyridine for urinary tract discomfort can turn urine or tears orange. Removing the stains is a straightforward process, but make sure to treat them as soon as possible.

Advertisement

Sponging

Video of the Day

Make a pad from old clothing or towels and put it on a flat surface. Place the stained garment on top of the pad, stain-side down, directly on the pad. Add a small dot of laundry detergent or dish soap to a clean, white and dampened cloth. Blot the stain from the outside. This should transfer the stain to the padded area and remove the stain from the garment.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

White Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mix a paste with white vinegar and baking soda as another option. Consistency should be similar to homemade cake frosting. Apply the paste directly to the stain, allowing it to set for about 30 minutes. Place the garment into the washing machine on the warm setting. Add the normal amount of detergent and wash as usual.

Advertisement

Pre-Treat with Bleach

For whites: Fill a small bucket with one cup of bleach and three cups of water. Place the garment in the bucket for one hour. Rinse the garment with cool water and wash in the washing machine as usual, adding one cup of bleach to the wash, as well. For colors: Pour a tablespoon of a non-chlorine bleach directly on the stain. Leave for 30 minutes to one hour. Then rub the garment under cool water and wash as normal. Add a cup of non-chlorine bleach to the wash along with the laundry detergent.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...