How to Restore Sun-Yellowed Laundry with One Simple Trick

Instructions:

1. Prepare a Soak:
   Fill a large basin, tub, or your washing machine with warm water. The water should be warm, not hot, as extremely hot water can damage certain fabrics.
2. Add Baking Soda:
   Stir in about ½ cup of baking soda into the water. The baking soda will dissolve easily and start working its magic. If you’re washing a full load, you can double the amount of baking soda.
3. Soak the Yellowed Clothes:
   Submerge the yellowed laundry in the warm, baking soda-infused water. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, but for tough stains or heavier yellowing, you can leave it for a few hours. For especially stubborn yellow areas (like armpit stains), you can gently rub the fabric together to help break down the build-up.
4. Wash as Usual:
   After soaking, wash your clothes as you normally would with your regular laundry detergent. If you have a washing machine, run it on the appropriate cycle for your fabrics. For handwashing, rinse thoroughly to remove all the baking soda, and then wash gently by hand.
5. Dry in the Sun:
   For extra brightening power, hang your clothes outside to dry in the sun. The sun’s natural bleaching effect will help lift any remaining yellow stains and leave your fabrics looking fresh and white.

Additional Tips to Enhance the Trick

While the baking soda soak is usually enough to restore yellowed laundry, there are a few ways to enhance its effectiveness:

• Add White Vinegar: For a double boost, you can also add 1 cup of white vinegar to the soak. Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener, brightener, and stain remover, working synergistically with baking soda to tackle yellowing.
• Use Hydrogen Peroxide: If the yellowing persists, mix ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide with the baking soda and water. Hydrogen peroxide has mild bleaching properties, which can help lift deep-set yellow stains.
• Avoid Fabric Softener: If you’re prone to yellowing, avoid using fabric softeners, which can build up on fabrics and contribute to yellow stains. Opt for a natural softening solution like vinegar or a homemade laundry booster.

Why Baking Soda Works for Sun-Yellowed Laundry

So why is baking soda such an effective solution for sun-yellowed laundry?

• Neutralizes Acids: Baking soda is alkaline, which helps neutralize acidic build-up (like sweat or deodorant) on clothing, preventing yellow stains from forming.
• Brightens Fabrics: Baking soda helps break down grease, oils, and grime that can cause discoloration, leaving your clothes looking whiter and brighter.
• Softens Water: Baking soda helps soften hard water, which can prevent detergent build-up on fabrics and reduce yellowing over time.

How to Prevent Future Yellowing

Once your clothes are restored, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent future yellowing:

1. Wash Promptly: Don’t let sweat or oils sit on your clothes for too long. Wash clothes soon after wearing them to prevent yellow stains from forming.
2. Use Less Detergent: Using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, which may contribute to yellowing. Stick to the recommended amount on the detergent packaging.
3. Dry in the Shade: While sunlight is great for brightening clothes, avoid leaving your garments out in the sun for too long, as prolonged exposure can cause them to yellow over time. Dry clothes in the shade or indoors if you’re concerned.
4. Regularly Clean Your Washing Machine: A dirty washing machine can transfer grime and detergent residue onto your clothes. Run a monthly cleaning cycle with vinegar to keep your machine fresh.

Final Thoughts

Yellowing laundry can be a frustrating problem, but with baking soda, you now have a simple, natural, and effective solution to restore your clothes to their bright, fresh state. Whether it’s sun exposure, sweat stains, or detergent build-up, this one-ingredient remedy will help you tackle yellowed fabrics without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive treatments.

Give it a try and say goodbye to yellowed clothes, leaving your laundry looking cleaner, brighter, and fresher than ever!