No matter how jealously we guard our linens so as not to ruin them, they tend, over time, to yellow especially when locked in the closet. How many times, in fact, have you happened to spot yellow stains that are not at all pretty to look at? I imagine often. You will be happy to know, however, that it is possible to make yellowed linens look like new again by resorting only to these homemade and all-natural ingredients. Let’s see them together!

  • Baking soda

The first remedy we propose is to use baking soda, known starting with our grandmothers precisely for its cleaning, stain removing and whitening properties. All you need to do, then, is to pour half a cup of baking soda into the washing machine tub or directly into the drum and start the washing cycle. For hand washing, on the other hand, you will need to add 2 tablespoons to a bucket containing hot water and let your laundry soak for a few hours. After that, proceed to ordinary washing: goodbye yellow stains!

  • Sodium percarbonate

In addition to baking soda, however, there is a cousin ingredient that can bleach more effectively. What are we talking about? Sodium percarbonate, which is considered a natural substitute for bleach! So, to use it in the washing machine, add a scoop of the product directly into the drum or detergent tub.  Remember, however, that in order to reach its maximum effectiveness, it is important to have a temperature of 120 °F. For hand washing, on the other hand, follow the dosage indicated on the package according to the amount of water you will be using. Then, let the laundry soak overnight as well, and in the morning rinse it. Your laundry will be as good as new again!

N.B Percarbonate is suitable for both white and colored clothes, but you should avoid using it for microfiber, rayon, wool and silk fabrics. Also, it is advisable to always use gloves. Always check if garments can be washed at temperatures as high as 120 °F.

  • Vinegar

After baking soda, could vinegar, the ingredient with whitening and degreasing properties, ever be missing from the roll call? As if that were not enough, then, it is also a godsend for removing the bad odors we often find on laundry. Pour, then, a small cup of vinegar into the washing machine tub and you’re done! If, on the other hand, you want to try it for hand washing, then add 1 cup of white vinegar to a basin full of warm water and soak, then, your laundry, leaving it to soak for a few hours or even overnight. Finally, proceed to the common washing.

  • Lemon juice

Ah the lemon, the citrus fruit known for its ability to carry an intoxicating scent, remove limescale and whiten and scent our laundry! In short, a must have in eco-friendly household cleaning! Then pour the juice of 2 lemons inside a bucket containing lukewarm water, after which soak your yellowed laundry overnight. The next day, rinse it and proceed with ordinary hand or machine washing. Not only will your linens have the whiteness they once had, but they will also be super fragrant!

  • Hydrogen peroxide

Although hydrogen peroxide is not a properly natural remedy, it still has an eco-friendly approach and, therefore, can be used in case of very stubborn yellow stains. You will, in fact, only need to add one tablespoon of this product in the washing machine during washing and your laundry will be as white as snow!

N.B Remember, however, to use it only on white clothes, because it may fade the shades of colored ones. Also, use hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations, because that at high concentrations could be toxic.

  • Grandma’s trick

Finally, let’s see a bonus trick that comes directly from our grandmothers’ remedies: milk, which can restore your garments to their original whiteness! Soak, then, your laundry in a basin filled with milk and let it soak for a few hours. After that, proceed to wash with Marseille soap. In addition, the milk will also be able to soften the fabrics!

N.B Obviously, this method is advisable only in the case of a few pieces of laundry or small linens, so as not to waste too much milk.

Warnings

Always check well the type of fabric and its delicacy before proceeding with cleaning with the suggested ingredients, it will help you to consult the washing labels. Finally, we recommend that you do not lay the laundry in the sun, but always in the shade so that it will not turn yellow again.