How To Get Yellow Stains Out Of Fabric

Fashion trends come and go, but yellow stains on fabric are never a good look for anyone. From armpit stains on your favorite white T-shirt to—yuck!—patches of discoloration on your pillows, it’s easy to get frustrated by fabric woes.

“Yellow stains can be quite pesky as these usually come from a combination of factors like sweat, body oils, and even drool,” says Will Cotter, owner of FreshSpace Cleaning. “These substances can oxidize over time, leaving behind those not-so-pretty yellow marks.”

Meet the Experts

• Will Cotter is the owner of FreshSpace Cleaning, a cleaning service with multiple locations across the South and beyond.

• Melony Huber is a fashion and interior design expert and co-founder of ethical lifestyle collection La Peony.

• Cristy Stewart-Harfmann is the founder of the Happy Family Blog.

But don’t sweat it. There are ways to combat yellow stains on fabric that don’t involve buying a whole new wardrobe or gallons of bleach.

How to Gently Remove Yellow Stains

The best methods of removing yellow stains start with a number of ingredients you might already have at home.

Baking soda

For pillows, Cotter’s “secret weapon” is a paste made from baking soda and water. “Apply it to the stain, let it sit for a bit, then gently wash it away.” Changing and laundering pillowcases on a regular basis will keep them from staining, he says, adding that pillow protectors can also do the trick.

Hydrogen peroxide

For other fabrics, Cotter says a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water “can work wonders on those yellow stains.” Be sure to keep your hydrogen peroxide stored in its original dark bottle to maintain its efficacy; otherwise, hydrogen peroxide that loses its extra oxygen molecule is just plain water.

White vinegar

Melony Huber, fashion and interior design expert and co-founder of ethical lifestyle collection La Peony, swears by this other pantry staple. Apply the vinegar directly to the clothing and let it soak for about 15 minutes before washing. She also likes a baking soda paste but again, she likes to mix hers with vinegar for increased stain-removing power.

Lemon juice

“Lemon juice can be a natural bleach,” says Cristy Stewart-Harfmann, founder of the Happy Family Blog. Squeeze some directly onto the stain and rub it gently. For even better results, let the garment or item sit in the sun for a few hours before you wash it. “The sunlight helps enhance the bleaching effect,” she explains.

What About Bleach for Yellow Stains?

Bleach might seem like the obvious solution for restoring white fabrics, but it has its drawbacks. Cotter says, “While bleach can work its magic, it's essential to use it cautiously, as it can be harsh on fabrics and may lead to discoloration.”

If you do decide you need strength of bleach to take on yellow stains, Cotter says take the following precautions:

• Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area

• Wear gloves—but wash your hands thoroughly afterward as well

• Put on an apron to protect your clothes from accidental splatters

• Store the remaining bleach in a cool, dry place—not in direct sunlight or heat—and away from children and pets

Whichever method you try—and you may want to try several—note that some careful trial and error might be necessary. Rick Rome, CEO and Founder of WashClub, says, “Depending on the whitening agent, the amount of time needed to soak the clothing will vary, so it’s important to follow the instructions based on the agent being used.”

Can You Prevent Yellow Stains from Forming?

It’s definitely an uphill battle as we humans tend to sweat, drool, and sweat some more. But there are measures we can take to prevent ruining a brand-new blouse or bedding.

Go to bed clean. Aside from a shower or bath, Huber says, “Make sure to remove all makeup before going to bed,” noting that it’s also good to skip the hair and skin products, too. Wash clothes and items regularly and buy covers to protect those pillows, she adds.

Use natural fabric softeners. Stewart-Harfmann says to avoid fabric softeners made from synthetic ingredients because that alone can promote yellowing. “Instead, opt for natural fabric softeners like vinegar or baking soda,” she says.

Reconsider clothing storage. Rome notes that if it’s humid where you store your clothes, that can also cause yellowing. “Store garments in a dry area with little to no sunlight and ensure they are completely clean before going into storage,” he says.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.