6 Ways to Revive a White-Stained Shirt

Has your favorite white t-shirt lost its sparkle? Maybe it's turned a bit gray, or you've accidentally spilled some wine on it at a party. Don't worry, we've all been there!

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You might be tempted to just toss it in the back of your closet and forget about it. But buying a new shirt every time this happens isn't great for your wallet or the planet.

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You can revive your white clothes with some simple tricks.

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Before we dive in, remember to always check the care label first. These methods won't work for dry-clean-only items. And here's a pro tip: never use hot water or put stained clothes in the dryer. That'll just set the stain and make it harder to remove.

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Salt

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Salt effectively removes various stains from white clothes and revives yellowed garments. To use this method, create a salt and cold water solution, apply it to the stain, and let it soak for 20 minutes. Then, wash the garment thoroughly with cold water. If the stain is gone, you can wash the item as usual. This natural remedy works on blood, coffee, ink, and grease stains, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to replacing stained white clothing.

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Vinegar

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Vinegar is an effective method for removing stains from white shirts and other fabrics. To use this technique, dilute vinegar with water and apply it to the stain. Blot the area with a damp cloth, then wash out the vinegar solution with cold water. If the stain is gone, wash the garment normally. Be cautious when using vinegar, as it can damage the fabric if undiluted and should never be mixed with bleach. While vinegar is a natural stain remover and fabric softener, it may cause color fading in some fabrics.

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Also read: 6 Tips for More Eco-Friendly Laundry

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Hydrogen Peroxide

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Hydrogen Peroxide is another home remedy for removing stains from white clothes. To use it, dilute the solution as directed and apply it to the stain for 5-10 minutes. Gently blot the stain, rinse it with cold water, and repeat if necessary. Always handle with care, use gloves, and avoid using it on sensitive fabrics like wool or silk. After treating the stain, wash the garment normally, following the care instructions on the label. Remember to do a spot test first to ensure the fabric won't be damaged.

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Lemons

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Lemons are an effective natural whitener for cotton, linen, and polyester fabrics. To use this method, mix half a cup of lemon juice with a gallon of hot water. Soak the white clothes in this solution for at least an hour, or overnight for better results. The citric acid in lemons acts as a bleaching agent, helping to restore the brightness of your white garments. After soaking, wash the clothes as usual to remove any remaining lemon scent and residue.

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Baking Soda

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Baking soda is a powerful cleaning agent that can revive dingy white clothes. Create a solution by stirring one cup of baking soda into a gallon of boiling water. Once the mixture cools, submerge the stained or discolored white garments and let them soak for at least an hour or overnight. The sodium bicarbonate in baking soda effectively breaks down dirt and grime that dulls cotton clothing. After soaking, launder the items as you normally would to reveal brighter, cleaner whites.

Oxygen Bleach

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Oxygen bleach is a gentle, chlorine-free alternative for brightening laundry and removing stains from white and colored fabrics. It can be used in three ways: adding it to the washer before clothes, soaking garments, or during a regular wash cycle. Add bleach to the empty washer tub or mix it with water before adding clothes for best results. Soaking is particularly effective for tough stains, with a minimum soak time of one hour and optimal results achieved overnight. After soaking, run a normal wash cycle. Oxygen bleach is versatile and works in all water temperatures, though it may need to be dissolved in warm water first if it is used in very cold water.

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After applying one of these stain removal methods, wash your clothes using sustainable laundry detergents from brands like Blueland and EarthHero.

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