What is a good household remedy to remove yellow from aging clothes?

Question

I have an approx. 30 year old flower girl dress that is slightly yellowed. I'd like to restore it so that my daughter can wear it, but it appears dingy even after two home cleanings. It had a chocolate stain that came right out, so it's very easily washable. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Try hydrogen peroxide. I use this for doilies that I crochet. It won't harm the dress even if it doesn't work. Fill the sink about 3/4's with water, then pour in about 14 to 16 fluid ounces of peroxide. Let the dress soak in solution for a couple of hours or less. Then wash dress as you normally do. You should be able to tell within 30 minutes if the solution is bring out any of the yellow. If this does not work, then try baking soda and water.

Answer 2

Soak it for at least 24 hours in a solution of cold water and salt (the water should taste like the ocean)....just stir it every few hours to ensure that all the fabric gets 'face time' in the liquid.

If you notice the solution is slightly discoloured or murky....(it means it's working)....so change it for a fresh batch.

This worked on an antique cross stitch piece which was stained and yellowed....it took a week but it got most of the yellow out AND a small red stain which we believe is run off from thread dye.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Some baking soda in the washer when you wash it will safely whiten just about anything. Start with a teaspoon on the first wash, add more if it doesn't work. Just don't over do it since the baking soda can clog the washer if you use too much. There is also a product on the market called iron out, which is supposed to remove rust stains, but it also seems to work well with yellowing.

Answer 4

Yellow Sheers Curtains

Answer 5

Much depends on the fabric. Is it cotton, or a synthetic or ?.
For example washing the dress in very mild mix of water & chlorine bleach, rinse and hang out in the bright sun for a day should whiten the dress IF it is cotton.
The same treatment on polyester might make it more yellow!
So, if you think it is a synthetic fabric buy a package (or 2) of whitener/brighter from a same store that sells Fabric Dye.
Good luck..

Answer 6

I've used Polident dissolved in a sink of water to whiten an old family baptismal gown (about 35 years old). It sounds crazy to put a white dress into a green liquid, but it really worked well and didn't damage the fabric at all.

Answer 7

Try soaking in a baking soda solution.
But you really should have brought it in to a professional before even touching it. You could have worsened the yellowing by washing it first.
Take it in to a few different cleaners and get their honest opinions, then decide if it's worth the risk. Cleaner's that specialize in wedding gown restoration would be the best.

Answer 8

I had a blouse, about 5 years old surprisingly, that turned completely yellow. But it was white so I just washed it a few times with an extra helping of bleach in the washing machine. It worked.

Answer 9

Have you tried bluing yet? You can buy it at any department store. It works better than bleach but is safe for all colours. IMPORTANT fill your machine first, then put in bluing. Mix in water well, then put in dress. I find this works best. However, check the package. It may have some suggestions too! NO the bluing doesn't stay in the clothes! I don't know why they call it this, but it does work! GL

Answer 10

A cup of hydrogen peroxide in your wash should probably do it. I removed yellowing from my great grandmother's sheer curtains, and they were about forty years old and in very bad shape. They came out of the washer looking brand new!