The FreshStart Laundry Blog

White clothes can turn yellow due to sweat, body oils, deodorant residue, detergent buildup, hard water minerals, and improper washing techniques. Fortunately, most yellowing can be prevented—and often reversed—by using the right amount of detergent, treating stains promptly, and following proper fabric care practices.

Sweat stains and yellow underarm discoloration on white shirts are caused by a combination of perspiration, body oils, and ingredients found in antiperspirants. To get sweat stains out of white shirts without bleach, pretreat the affected area with liquid laundry detergent or a baking soda paste, wash according to the care label, and avoid drying until the stain is completely gone. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of restoring your white shirts.

Sweat stains and yellow underarm discoloration on white shirts are caused by a combination of perspiration, body oils, and ingredients found in antiperspirants. To get sweat stains out of white shirts without bleach, pretreat the affected area with liquid laundry detergent or a baking soda paste, wash according to the care label, and avoid drying until the stain is completely gone. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of restoring your white shirts.

Sunscreen stains can leave behind greasy marks, yellow discoloration, or orange stains on clothing. To remove sunscreen stains from clothes, treat the stain as soon as possible with liquid laundry detergent or dish soap, rinse thoroughly, and wash according to the garment's care label. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of preventing permanent staining.

If your towels smell like chlorine even after washing, the problem is usually chlorine residue trapped in the fibers. To get chlorine smell out of towels, wash them promptly after use, avoid using too much detergent, and periodically use white vinegar to help break down buildup. Proper washing and drying can eliminate odors, restore absorbency, and extend the life of your towels.