Hello Kawan Mastah, we all know how frustrating it can be when our once bright white clothes turn yellow over time. Don’t worry though, as there are several effective ways to whiten your yellowed white clothes. In this article, we will discuss 20 different methods to whiten your yellowed white clothes, so let’s get started!
Natural Methods
Natural methods are gentler on your clothes and better for the environment. Here are some natural ways to whiten your yellowed white clothes:
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural whitening agent that can effectively whiten your yellowed white clothes. Simply mix one cup of lemon juice with one gallon of warm water and soak your clothes in the mixture for at least an hour. Then wash your clothes as usual.
One thing to keep in mind is that lemon juice can be harsh on certain fabrics, so always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural whitening agent that can help whiten your yellowed white clothes. Simply add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine before adding your clothes and wash them as usual.
You can also soak your clothes in a mixture of water and baking soda for at least an hour before washing them as usual.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural fabric softener that can also help whiten your yellowed white clothes. Add half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine before adding your clothes and wash them as usual.
You can also soak your clothes in a mixture of water and white vinegar for at least an hour before washing them as usual.
4. Sunlight
Sunlight is a natural bleaching agent that can help whiten your yellowed white clothes. Simply hang your clothes outside in direct sunlight and let them dry. The UV rays from the sun will naturally bleach your clothes.
One thing to keep in mind is that sunlight can be harsh on certain fabrics, so always check the care label on your clothes before exposing them to direct sunlight.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can help whiten your yellowed white clothes. Simply mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with one gallon of warm water and soak your clothes in the mixture for at least an hour. Then wash your clothes as usual.
Just like with lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide can be harsh on certain fabrics, so always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Chemical Methods
If natural methods aren’t effective enough, you can also try using chemical methods to whiten your yellowed white clothes. Here are some chemical ways to whiten your yellowed white clothes:
6. Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is a potent whitening agent that can effectively remove yellow stains from your white clothes. Simply add half a cup of chlorine bleach to your washing machine before adding your clothes and wash them as usual.
One thing to keep in mind is that chlorine bleach can be harsh on certain fabrics, so always check the care label on your clothes before using it.
7. Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is a gentler alternative to chlorine bleach that can still effectively whiten your yellowed white clothes. Simply add half a cup of oxygen bleach to your washing machine before adding your clothes and wash them as usual.
Oxygen bleach is also less harsh on your clothes and the environment than chlorine bleach.
8. Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners are specially designed to remove tough stains, including yellow stains on white clothes. Simply add an enzyme cleaner to your washing machine before adding your clothes and wash them as usual.
Enzyme cleaners are also gentle on your clothes and the environment, making them a great alternative to chemical bleaches.
9. Fabric Whitener
Fabric whiteners are specifically designed to whiten and brighten white clothes. Simply add a fabric whitener to your washing machine before adding your clothes and wash them as usual.
Fabric whiteners are also less harsh on your clothes than chemical bleaches, making them a great alternative if you have sensitive skin.
10. Stain Remover
If you have stubborn yellow stains on your white clothes, a stain remover can help remove them. Simply apply the stain remover to the affected area before washing your clothes as usual.
Stain removers are also effective on other types of stains, making them a versatile tool to have on hand.
Combining Methods
If one method isn’t enough to whiten your yellowed white clothes, you can also combine different methods for even better results. Here are some combinations to try:
11. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
Combine the natural whitening power of lemon juice and baking soda by adding half a cup of lemon juice and half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine before adding your clothes and wash them as usual.
This combination is gentle on your clothes and the environment, making it a great natural alternative to chemical bleaches.
12. Sunlight and Oxygen Bleach
Combine the natural whitening power of sunlight with the gentler alternative to chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach. Simply soak your clothes in a mixture of water and oxygen bleach for at least an hour before hanging them outside in direct sunlight to dry.
This combination is effective at removing yellow stains while still being gentle on your clothes and the environment.
13. Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
Combine the natural fabric softening power of vinegar with the natural bleaching power of hydrogen peroxide. Simply add half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your washing machine before adding your clothes and wash them as usual.
This combination is effective at removing yellow stains while still being gentle on your clothes and the environment.
Tips to Prevent Yellowing
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your white clothes looking bright and fresh. Here are some tips to prevent yellowing:
14. Separate Whites and Colors
Always separate your whites from your colored clothes when washing them. This will prevent color bleed that can cause your white clothes to turn yellow.
15. Read Care Labels
Always read the care label on your clothes before washing them. This will ensure that you use the correct washing method and prevent damage that can cause yellowing.
16. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Avoid exposing your white clothes to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. This can cause them to yellow over time.
17. Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine
Don’t overload your washing machine with too many clothes. This can prevent your clothes from getting properly cleaned and can cause them to turn yellow.
18. Use a Fabric Softener
Use a fabric softener when washing your clothes. This will help prevent static cling and keep your white clothes looking bright and fresh.
FAQ
19. Can I use bleach on all types of fabric?
No, you cannot use bleach on all types of fabric. Always check the care label on your clothes before using bleach to ensure that it’s safe to use.
20. Is it safe to mix different whitening agents?
No, it’s not safe to mix different whitening agents as this can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. Stick to one whitening method at a time for best results.
Method |
Effectiveness |
Gentleness on Clothes |
Environmental Friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|
Lemon Juice |
High |
Medium |
High |
Baking Soda |
Medium |
High |
High |
Vinegar |
Medium |
High |
High |
Sunlight |
Medium |
Low |
High |
Hydrogen Peroxide |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
Chlorine Bleach |
High |
Low |
Low |
Oxygen Bleach |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
Enzyme Cleaners |
High |
High |
High |
Fabric Whitener |
High |
High |
High |
Stain Remover |
High |
High |
High |
As you can see, each method has its own pros and cons. Choose the method that’s best for you based on its effectiveness, gentleness on clothes, and environmental friendliness.
We hope that these 20 methods and tips will help you whiten your yellowed white clothes and keep them looking fresh and bright for years to come. Happy washing, Kawan Mastah!