The main cause of yellow spots on clothes is the oxidation of unwashed sweat and body oils. Do not use bleach to avoid damaging fibers. It is recommended to check the washing label and soak them in lukewarm water of about 40 degrees with oxygen-based stain removal powder to decompose the stains, and then air dry in a ventilated place. If they are precious materials or have stubborn dark spots, please consult professional laundry services.
Why do clothes turn yellow after being stored?
Even if cleaned before storage, human oils, proteins, and sweat remaining deep in the fibers will react with air in a humid environment, causing yellow spots to appear.
Avoiding the trap of damaging clothes with bleach
Strong chlorine-based bleach is corrosive; it will make cotton and linen fibers brittle. It must also not be mixed with other chemicals to avoid producing harmful gases. Use gentle oxygen-based stain removal products instead.
Before using bleach, please first understand Method for using bleach from the Centre for Health Protection(opens in a new window), and operate according to the product label.
Safe stain removal operation steps
Be sure to perform a material test before handling yellow spots. Do not use water over 60 degrees to avoid protein coagulating inside the fibers.
- Check the wash label and distinguish between materials like cotton, linen, or silk.
- Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the yellow spots, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Use oxygen-based stain removal powder (sodium percarbonate) mixed with 40-degree lukewarm water and soak for more than two hours.
- After rinsing thoroughly with clean water, place them in a ventilated area to air dry naturally.
When to seek professional assistance
If the clothing is made of expensive materials like cashmere or silk, or if the yellow spots have already turned deep brown and deteriorated, do not force DIY treatment; send them to a professional laundry to assess and handle.