Yellow stains are a major pain. Yellow sweat stains are particularly stubborn and hard to wash out. That’s why most of us have experienced the frustration of spending hours trying to remove yellow stains before eventually giving up and buying a new shirt. What a waste of time and money.
But no more! We’re here to teach you how to treat, prevent, and remove yellow stains.
6 Ways to Remove Yellow Stains
Here are a few tips for removing yellow stains from clothes:
1. Act quickly
The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of success. If the stain is fresh, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove as much of the stain as possible.
2. Use a stain remover
There are many different types of stain removers available that can be effective at removing yellow stains. Follow the instructions on the product label, and be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment before applying it to the stain.
3. Try a mixture of water and white vinegar
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and apply the mixture to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water.
5. Use a little bit of bleach
If the fabric of your shirt is safe for bleaching, mix a solution of one part bleach and four parts water, and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water.
6. Try hydrogen peroxide
Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water.
If these methods don’t work, you may need to take the garment to a professional cleaner. Be sure to point out the stain to the cleaner so they can treat it appropriately.
What Causes Yellow Stains on Clothes?
There are several possible causes for yellow clothing stains, including:
- Perspiration - Sweat can cause stains on clothes, especially under the arms. These yellow armpit stains are caused by a combination of sweat and bacteria on the skin, breaking down proteins into the fabric.
- Aluminum - Some deodorants and antiperspirants can leave yellow stains on clothes, especially if they contain aluminum.
- Fabric softeners - Fabric softeners can leave a yellowish residue on clothes if they are not rinsed out thoroughly during the wash cycle.
- Age - Over time, clothes can yellow with age due to exposure to light, heat, and chemicals.
Prevent Yellow Stains
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so while we’re on the topic of yellow stains, it’s important to discuss how to avoid getting them in the future.
- Use an antiperspirant or deodorant that does not contain aluminum - If you’re using aluminum-based antiperspirants, consider switching to one that does not use this active ingredient.
- Wash clothes thoroughly - Be sure to rinse clothes thoroughly after washing to remove any residue from detergents or fabric softeners, which can cause yellow stains.
- Avoid fabric softeners - If your fabric softener is the culprit of your yellow stains, consider skipping it altogether.
- Store clothes properly - To prevent yellowing due to age, store clothes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid exposing clothes to harsh chemicals or perfumes.
- Try sweat-proof clothing - Clothing made to prevent sweat stains is one surefire way to avoid yellow staining in your clothes.
Looking for the best sweat-proof clothing option? Made with a hidden underarm pad to absorb excess sweat, Social Citizen’s Social Tee is guaranteed to stop 100% of sweat stains.
