How to Get White Out of Clothes

Clothes’ stains are not only dark or brightly colored; they can also be white. White stains aren’t less frustrating or damaging than any other color, and getting them out should also be a priority.

The trick to removing white stains, like any other stain, is tackling them when they are fresh; dry ones are harder to remove.

5 Ways to Remove White Stains and Patches from Clothes

Each item is suitable for removing white stains from clothes, but you should perform a patch test first to see if they can handle the intensity.

Check for residual stains after the treatment and repeat the process if you find any before the clothes dry, or they will set and never come out again.

Stain Remover

There are many stain removers available that can get confusing. Choose one that is tough on stains but gentle on the clothes, even delicate fabrics.

Using a stain remover can be labor-intensive because you have to treat the stains individually.

Procedure:

  • Arrange the stained clothes on a flat surface to see the number of stains.
  • Read the instruction label and pour the recommended amount of stain remover on the stains.
  • Gently scrub the stains with a soft brush to work the stain remover into the fabric. Let it soak for ten minutes.
  • Rinse the stains with cold water and place the clothes in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a cleaning agent, degreaser, deodorizer, brightener, and stain remover, capable of removing white stains from clothes.

Method One:

  • Lay the stained clothes on a flat surface to expose the stains.
  • Saturate the stains with a mixture of equal parts cold water and vinegar, and gently scrub each with a soft brush to allow the vinegar to penetrate further.
  • After soaking for one hour, rinse the stains with cold water and wash the clothes in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.

Method Two:

  • Place the stained clothes in the washer and select the appropriate wash settings based on the clothes’ care label.
  • Pour one cup of vinegar into the washer with the laundry detergent.
  • If there is a separate rinse cycle, add another ½ cup of vinegar.
  • Check for remnant stains when the wash cycle ends.
  • Dry your clothes.

Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach brightens clothes and removes stains, and it is safer to use on various fabric types, unlike chlorine bleach, although it is slower-acting.

The slow process of oxygen bleach is why you should soak the clothes for hours before washing them.

Procedure:

  • Fill a tub, bowl, or bucket with water. The water should not be too cold, or the oxygen bleach will not dissolve.
  • Pour the recommended amount of oxygen bleach as stated on the instruction label of the container. Stir to mix the water and oxygen bleach.
  • Submerge the stained clothes into the solution and soak them for hours, even overnight.
  • Place the clothes to wash in the washer with a suitable detergent.

Aspirin

Aspirin is popular among many people as a painkiller, but it is also an effective stain remover. However, those with allergies should not use it as a stain remover.

Method One:

  • Place the stained clothes on a flat surface to expose the hidden stains.
  • Put five white Aspirin tablets in a bowl, crush them, and add a ¼ cup of warm water. Stir thoroughly till the mixture homogenizes.
  • Pour the paste on the stains and leave it to sit for an hour or two.
  • Rinse the stains and place the clothes in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.

Method Two:

  • Pour two liters of water into a bowl or bucket and add five or six crushed Aspirin. Stir till it forms a homogeneous mixture.
  • Submerge the stained clothes and leave them to soak for five hours.
  • Rinse the clothes and wash them in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is the other powerful cleaning agent, degreaser, and deodorizer on this list. Sometimes, it is preferable to mix baking soda with vinegar to get extra properties from both.

Procedure:

  • Mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a bowl to form a smooth paste.
  • Place the stained clothes on a flat surface to expose all the stains.
  • Pour the baking soda paste on the stains and gently rub it into the fabric.
  • Afterward, leave the baking soda to soak for two or three hours.
  • Rinse the clothes with cold water and check for any residual stains.
  • Place the clothes to wash in the washer with a suitable laundry detergent.
  • Dry the clothes.

How to Prevent White Stains on Clothes

Unlike other stains, white stains on clothes are usually the result of habit, and changing this default will leave your clothes without white stains.

  1. Reduce the Detergent in the Washer

When it comes to using detergent to wash clothes, less really is more. The detergent will thoroughly clean your clothes, but too much of it will leave residue on the clothes that can show as white stains.

The detergent container has specific wash instructions showing you the recommended amount and how to pour it into the washer. Always follow these instructions when washing because pouring detergent incorrectly in the washer can leave some undissolved, which will also cause white stains on the clothes.

Removing these stains is as easy as running a wash cycle without additional laundry detergent.

  1. Change Antiperspirants

The aluminum in antiperspirants that stop sweats also causes white stains on the underarm portion of your shirt. Luckily, many antiperspirants have eliminated this side effect.

If you are experiencing white stains on your shirts’ underarms, consider these options: change your antiperspirant to one that won’t cause stains or one that doesn’t contain aluminum antiperspirants.

  1. Adjust Laundry Practices Due to Hard Water

The minerals in hard water can leave residue in the washer and on the clothes during washing. Hard water can also trap detergent and other laundry additives, preventing them from washing away.

There is not much you can do about hard water in your home, but you can adjust your laundry behavior. Use a laundry detergent capable of bypassing the water effects, or add a hard water softener on top of your detergent.

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