Why does laundry turn yellow?
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why laundry turns yellow in the first place. The most common reasons include:
- Buildup of body oils and sweat
- Usage of bleach or detergents with optical brighteners
- Hard water mineral deposits
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight
- Poor storage conditions
Tips to prevent yellowing
Prevention is better than cure. Here are some simple practices to avoid yellowing of clothes:
- Sort your laundry properly: Wash light-colored and white clothes separately from colored items to minimize color transfer.
- Avoid excessive use of bleach: While bleach can remove stains, excessive use can cause yellowing. Follow the recommended dosage mentioned on the product.
- Use mild detergents: Harsh chemicals in detergents can contribute to discoloration. Opt for mild detergents suitable for your laundry.
- Keep your wardrobe clean and dry: Ensure that your storage area is clean and dry to prevent yellowing due to moisture or mildew.
How to wash yellowed laundry?
If your laundry has already turned yellow, here are some effective ways to wash them:
1. Lemon Juice and Sunlight Method
Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties that can help restore the whiteness of yellowed clothes. Follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water.
- Soak the yellowed clothes in the solution for 1-2 hours.
- Place the clothes under direct sunlight for a few hours.
- Wash the clothes as usual.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
Baking soda and vinegar work wonders to remove yellow stains. Follow these steps:
- Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water.
- Apply the paste onto the yellowed areas of the fabric.
- In a separate basin, mix equal parts of water and vinegar.
- Soak the fabric in the vinegar solution for 1-2 hours.
- Wash the fabric using a mild detergent.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Method
Hydrogen peroxide can effectively remove yellow stains from clothes. Follow these steps:
- Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to a basin of water.
- Soak the yellowed clothes in the solution for 30 minutes.
- Wash the clothes as usual.
With these tips and tricks, you can bid farewell to yellowed laundry and restore their original whiteness. Remember to take preventive measures to avoid yellowing in the future. Try these methods and let your laundry shine bright once again!