Stain Guide | Washable Fabrics | Yellowing

Stain Guide for Washable Fabrics

 

Yellowing

Always read and follow the care instructions and any warnings on the garment label. And, follow the General Rules for stain removal.

Some fabrics which are white or pastel colored contain optical brighteners or fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) which were applied during manufacturing. These agents can decompose when exposed to light and atmospheric conditions, or prolonged storage conditions. In some cases the entire fabric becomes dingy or develops a yellow cast. In other cases the yellowing develops only where exposed to light. The FWAs can also be damaged by the use of chlorine bleach.

• Unfortunately, once the FWAs are damaged, the whitening agents can't be reapplied to the fabric.

• All fabric bleach or the use of speciality products available in grocery or drug stores, such as Rit's "Whitener and Brightener" may help. Carefully read and follow the instructions on the product label, and check for colorfastness first.

 

• Also see "Dinginess, Yellowing, Graying," in this list.

 

Return to Index