Washers - Yellowed Clothes

Yellowed clothing can be caused by a number of issues. 

Incomplete removal of body oil due to constant use of insufficient detergent.

 

  • Check hem of T-shirt or sheet or pillow case. If they are white and center is yellow, it contains body oil.

  • To Prevent:

    • Pre-treat heavily soiled areas.

    • Wash in hot water.

    • Use sufficient detergent and suitable bleach.

    • Use a longer wash cycle.

  • Restore whiteness using following procedure:

    • Put clothes in washer.

    • Fill with hot water. Check manufacturer's hang tags to determine if hot water is suitable for the garment.

    • Add a non-precipitating type of water softener such as Calgon with phosphates. Use 2 1/2 times as much as you need for normal water softening.

    • Do not add soap or detergent.

    • Allow clothes to go through a complete cycle.

    • Repeat, if necessary.

    • If you prefer to use the Soak Cycle on your washer, use the water softener in place of the soak agent or prewash detergent and allow clothes to soak for about 20 minutes.

Use of chlorine bleaches may cause some garments with resin finishes to yellow.

 

  • To Prevent:
    • Avoid use of chlorine bleaches with sensitive garments.
    • Instead, use oxygen bleach. Be sure to refer to garment manufacturer's care instructions.
  • To Correct:
    • Restore using color remover; follow instruction on the package.

Iron or manganese may cause overall yellowing or spots.

 

  • To Prevent:

    • Use extra detergent plus a softener dissolved in the water before adding your clothes. Do not use chlorine bleach.

    • Have a special filter or chemical feeder installed in your home to remove iron and manganese from water.

    • If iron residue has built up in pipes or water heater, run hot water for a few minutes to clear the line. Drain the water heater occasionally.

  • To Correct:

    • For spots: Spread stained portion over pan of boiling water and squeeze lemon juice through stain.

    • For overall yellow: Use a commercially available rust scale remover. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. If the remover can cause porcelain damage, do not use in the washer. Use in a plastic container, instead.