How to take the yellow out of a white linen shirt? (dye, washing) - Fashion and Beauty -clothes, shoes, hair care, skin care, makeup, designers... - City-Data Forum

Woof Woof Woof! · 05-16-2009, 09:16 PM

I have an old white linen shirt that is dull and gray looking, maybe yellow. How do I make it white again?

They say Clorox bleach turns whites yellow over time. Will soaking in Oxi-clean bring back the white?

Any ideas?

Thanks,

W.

Ann in Oriental · 05-17-2009, 06:41 AM

Oxyclean will probably work, but if not I would not be afraid to wash it again with a little bleach, just don't pour the bleach directly on it.

pinetreelover · 05-17-2009, 07:43 AM

I have had this happen with linen shirts that I have exclusively dry cleaned. After deciding that the shirt was so yellow that it was unwearable, I washed it in the machine with Oxyclean and it cam out white. I then took it to the cleaners to have it pressed and it looked as good as new.

Miborn · 05-17-2009, 07:50 AM

Use Borax and a non bleach whitener (I like Vivid) and soak it over night in the machine it might take a few times but it should get allot of it out.

Woof Woof Woof! · 05-17-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miborn

Use Borax and a non bleach whitener (I like Vivid) and soak it over night in the machine it might take a few times but it should get allot of it out.

I'll try that. I think oxi-clean is the same as borax, but we have both.

Aptor hours · 05-17-2009, 03:35 PM

I read asprin in the wash but I have no idea if it is true. I hate it when white shirts get yellowy

TKramar · 05-17-2009, 03:41 PM

I've always used dye...but that's just me.

Flamingo13 · 05-17-2009, 04:35 PM

I often try soaking in Oxi-Clean all white shirts that have yellowing (either from perspiration, lines from being hung in the closet w/louvered doors and they get some yellowing, etc.) - I usually soak overnight in the washer and then try washing w/a little bleach in a regular cycle. Good luck.

miu · 05-17-2009, 07:45 PM

I've heard soaking in diluted white vinegar works well. And it's mild too. A woman that used to wash the white lace overlays for a hotel used vinegar to get out any discolourations.

Woof Woof Woof! · 05-17-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miu

I've heard soaking in diluted white vinegar works well. And it's mild too. A woman that used to wash the white lace overlays for a hotel used vinegar to get out any discolourations.

I've heard that too. Good suggestion. Thanks...!