Crisp white garments embody a timeless, enduring style. However, when these whites turn yellow or lose their vibrancy, they convey a different message. While oxygen-based or chlorine bleach remains a reliable method for restoring the whiteness of yellowed clothes and linens, there are alternative approaches worth exploring if bleach is unavailable or you prefer different methods. Here are ten ways to rejuvenate yellowed clothes:
Most of these alternatives may not match the efficiency of bleach, but with patience, they can enhance the whiteness of clothes, particularly those made of natural fibers such as cotton or linen.
Caution: Avoid using these methods on white garments with contrasting trims or prints. Refrain from mixing various methods or chemicals; experiment with one whitening approach, and if the desired results are not achieved, consider trying another.
Detergent
- Enzyme-based laundry detergent
Water Temperature:
- Depends on fabric type
Cycle Type:
- Depends on fabric type
Drying Cycle Type:
- Depends on fabric type
Special Treatments:
- Use a whitening agent, do not mix agents
How Often to Whiten Yellowed Clothes
The optimal time to address yellowing is at the first sign of discoloration. Delaying the process makes it progressively challenging to restore the fabric to a bright white.
Tip: To check for yellowing, compare the garment to a piece of bright white paper outdoors or against a new, unworn white t-shirt.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools:
- Sink or plastic basin
- Washing machine
- Outdoor clothesline or drying rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Materials:
- Lemon juice
- Distilled white vinegar
- Citric acid powder
- Baking soda
- Bluing
- Color remover
- Dishwasher detergent
- Borax
- Hydrogen peroxide
- OxiClean
Instructions
1. Baking Soda:
- Heat one gallon of water to boiling, then remove from heat.
- Stir in one cup of baking soda.
- Add white clothes and soak for at least one hour or overnight.
- Wash as usual.
2. Distilled White Vinegar:
- Fill a sink or plastic basin with one gallon of hot water.
- Add one cup of distilled white vinegar.
- Soak white clothes overnight.
- Wash as usual.
3. Lemon Juice:
- Mix half a cup of bottled lemon juice (or juice from four lemons) into one gallon of hot water.
- Soak white clothes for at least four hours or overnight.
- Wash as usual.
4. Citric Acid Powder:
- Mix 3 tablespoons of citric acid powder in one gallon of hot water.
- Soak white clothes for at least four hours or overnight.
- Wash as usual.
5. Borax Powder:
- Mix half a cup of powdered borax per one gallon of warm water.
- Soak yellowed white clothes for at least 30 minutes or longer.
- Wash as usual.
6. Bluing:
- Follow product directions and add bluing to a soaking solution, wash cycle, or rinse cycle.
- Reapply as needed.
7. Color Remover:
- Follow product directions carefully to remove residue and dye from whites.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide:
- Add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to the washer's bleach dispenser.
- Wash clothes as usual.
9. Powdered Dishwasher Detergent:
- Heat one gallon of water and add one-fourth cup of powdered dishwasher detergent.
- Dissolve the powder completely, add yellowed white clothes, soak for 30 minutes, then wash as usual.
10. Sunshine:
- Hang freshly washed white clothes in direct sunlight to benefit from the free ultraviolet rays.
11. OxiClean:
- Follow product directions to utilize sodium percarbonate for effective whitening.
- Ideal for white fabrics with color stripes or sewn-in colorful sections.
FAQ
1. Do I have to use bleach to whiten yellowed clothes?
- No. Alternatives like baking soda, white vinegar, borax, and lemon juice can whiten yellowed clothes, albeit requiring more soaking time.
2. Can I use hydrogen peroxide to whiten yellowed clothes?
- Yes. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that can effectively whiten natural and synthetic fabrics.
3. Does bluing whiten yellowed white fabrics?
- Bluing adds a trace of blue iron pigment, creating the illusion of brighter, whiter fabric. It fades after several washes but can be reapplied without harm to the fabrics.
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