How to whiten yellowed white shirts at home

Quick answer: white clothes yellow mainly because sweat, skin oils and deodorant build up over time, plus washing with colours and storing while still damp. For light yellowing: soak in warm water with detergent for whites, brush the collar and underarms, then wash. For older stains: add an oxygen-based bleach as directed on its pack. Always check the care label before bleaching.

Why do white clothes turn yellow?

• Sweat and skin oils at the collar and underarms aren’t fully washed out and yellow over time.
• Deodorant residue builds up under the arms.
• Washing with colours gradually dulls whites.
• Storing before fully dry, or for long periods in a closed wardrobe.
• Too much detergent and poor rinsing leave residue on the fabric.

Treatment by level of yellowing

Light yellowing, dull fabric

1. Mix warm water (as the care label allows) with a detergent for whites.
2. Soak for 30–60 minutes.
3. Gently brush the collar and underarms with a soft brush.
4. Wash whites separately and rinse well.

Old yellow stains at the collar and underarms

1. Pour detergent straight onto the stain, brush gently and leave for 10–15 minutes.
2. Soak with an oxygen-based fabric bleach, at the dose and time on its pack.
3. Wash again as normal, rinse well and dry somewhere airy.

What to avoid

• Don’t use chlorine bleach on blends or printed fabrics, or when the care label shows a crossed-out triangle (do not bleach).
• Don’t mix different bleaching or cleaning products.
• Don’t soak too long in strong bleach; it can weaken fibres.
• Wear gloves when handling bleach.

Keeping whites bright

• Wash soon after wearing; don’t leave sweaty shirts overnight.
• Always wash whites separately.
• Use a detergent for whites. For example, SPY Super White is a 5-in-1 detergent with Tinopal to help whites look brighter, washing and softening in one step, in a 3.6kg pouch and 5.2kg can, in Passion and Luxor.
• Dry completely before putting away, in an airy wardrobe.

Read more: Shirts that still smell of sweat: how to wash out underarm odour