Yellow stains on white garments that have sat in the closet?

Question

I'd like to know #1) why white garments that arent worn, turn yellow in some areas when the item has sat in either a drawer or closet for a while and #2) how do you get them out? I've taken them to dry cleaners and it's a hit or miss if it works.

Answer 1

Try soaking in strong solution of bleach for 1/2 hr.
Or OXYCLEAN
Any smokers in house could cause this!

Answer 2

Was the garment washed before it was stored? Whites are notorious for yellowing up from a mixture of body oils, sweat and/or salts from anti perspirants. You have to wash whites the minute you take them off if you want to avoid the phenomenon. Don't wear them once and hang them back and don't leave them sitting in a hamper. Immediately put them in the washer or at the very least, hand wash them in Woolite or mild dish soap. I promise you, you won't have this problem anymore if you treat your whites this way. Personal experience speaking here :)

As for the stains already in place, I have had good luck at removing the stains ( before I learned the launder immediately trick ) by soaking the items in the strong OxyClean solution.

Answer 3

It is likely that you had some residual food or drink on the garmnet before it was put away. Depending on the time it was left the food or drink has oxidized and would be inpossible to remove. You could try soak the garment in warm water in Clorox II. Then wash in a normal load of clothes.

Answer 4

Wash your laundry in Borax. It refeshes your laundry.