Yellowing of bath towels is a common problem that many people face. Over time, white bath towels can develop a yellow or dingy appearance due to buildup of body oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Getting yellow stains out of towels can be challenging, but with the right techniques, it is possible to restore them to a like-new white appearance.
What Causes Yellowing of Bath Towels?
There are a few key culprits that contribute to yellowing of white bath towels:
- Accumulation of body oils – The sebum naturally produced by our skin can leave behind oily residue on towels that causes a yellowish discoloration over time.
- Dead skin cells – Shedding of dead skin cells on the towel fibers can trap dirt and oil leading to yellowing.
- Bacteria – Bacteria from the body that thrive in the moist, warm conditions of a used towel can produce a yellowish buildup.
- Hard water – Mineral deposits from hard water can also leave behind a yellowish residue.
- Dye transfer – Using fabric softener or washing towels with colored garments can cause dye transfer leading to yellow stains.
The longer a set of towels is used without being thoroughly cleaned, the more pronounced this yellow discoloration becomes. The fibers become dingy and appear dull rather than bright white.
How to Get Rid of Yellow Stains on Towels
Getting yellow out of bath towels takes a bit of effort, but it can be done through a combination of proper washing techniques and stain removal procedures. Here are the most effective ways to remove yellow from towels and restore them to bright white:
Wash in Hot Water
Washing towels in the hottest water setting safe for the material is one of the best ways to help remove embedded yellow stains. The high heat helps to dissolve oils and residue trapped in the towel fibers. Be sure to check the care tag – most cotton towels can be safely washed in very hot 140°F water.
Use an Alkaline Detergent
Laundry detergents specially formulated for whites are usually alkaline with ingredients like sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. These help saponify fatty acids from dirt and oils to allow them to be rinsed away more easily. An alkaline wash is more effective at removing yellow discoloration compared to regular detergent.
Add Bleach
For white cotton or linen towels, adding bleach is one of the most powerful ways to blast away yellow stains and disinfect the fibers. Opt for an oxygen-based bleach like sodium percarbonate which breaks down to hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to follow safety precautions when using bleach.
Soak in Borax Solution
Creating a hot borax soak can help lift out deeply set yellow stains in towels. Add 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup washing soda to a large tub or sink filled with very hot water. Place stained towels in the solution and let soak for at least 3 hours before washing as normal.
Scrub with Baking Soda
For stubborn yellow stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub it into affected areas before washing. The abrasive texture of baking soda loosens up embedded gunk while the alkaline pH helps whiten.
Hang in Sunlight
If possible, hang towels outside in direct sunlight after washing to make use of the bleaching power of UV rays. The sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and whitener.
Vinegar Rinse
Rinsing towels in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts cold water after the wash cycle can help remove any residual yellow tinge. The acidic vinegar helps neutralize alkaline detergent residue.
Oxygen Bleach Soak
For a deep cleaning soak, dissolve 1/2 cup oxygen bleach powder into a sink or bucket full of hot water. Place stained towels in the soak for 6-12 hours before washing normally.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Applying undiluted hydrogen peroxide directly onto yellow stains can help lift the discoloration after letting it sit for about 10 minutes before washing.
Lemon Juice
The natural acidity in lemon juice makes it useful for breaking down yellow discoloration. Rub diluted lemon juice onto stains and let sit in the sun before washing.
White Vinegar Soak
A soak in diluted white vinegar can help remove body oil buildup on towels. Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts warm water and soak towels for 1-2 hours before washing.
Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
For extra stain-fighting power, make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in equal parts. Apply it directly to stained areas for 5 minutes before washing.
Commercial Yellow Stain Removers
You can find specialty laundry products made to target yellowing and whitening at most supermarkets and drugstores. These usually contain stain-fighting enzymes, optical brighteners and oxygen boosters.
Daily Care to Prevent Yellowing
Once you’ve got those yellow stains out, you’ll want to be diligent with daily care to prevent a recurrence. Here are some handy tips:
- Wash towels frequently – Don’t let them go more than 3 uses without washing.
- Use less fabric softener – These can cause buildup leading to yellowing.
- Disinfect with white vinegar – Keep towels germ and bacteria-free.
- Don’t overload washer – Towels need plenty of space to get clean.
- Hang to dry outside – Sunlight naturally bleaches and disinfects.
- Wash on hot – Use the hottest setting safe for the material.
- Use non-chlorine bleach – Oxygen bleach is gentler than chlorine bleach yet still removes stains.
- Remove stains promptly – Don’t let stains set before washing.
- Replace old towels – Over time, all towels wear out and get dingy looking.
Home Remedies to Whiten Towels
In addition to commercial cleaning products, you can try these homemade whitening solutions:
Baking Soda
Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash cycle for a natural boost in cleaning power.
Borax
Add 1/4 cup Borax and 1/4 cup lemon juice to a hot wash cycle.
White Vinegar
Use 1/2 cup vinegar as a fabric softener in the rinse cycle to naturally soften and brighten.
Lemon Juice
Boil 3 cups water with 1/2 cup lemon juice. Turn off heat and add towels to soak before washing.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Add 1 cup hydrogen peroxide to the bleach dispenser for an all-natural whitening boost.
Baking Soda + Peroxide
Scrub a paste of baking soda + peroxide into stained areas before washing for concentrated cleaning.
When to Replace Old Towels
If you’ve tried every stain removal trick and home remedy but those towels still have a yellow tinge, it may be time to replace them. Here are some signs it’s time to get new bath towels:
- Towels are over 5 years old
- Discoloration remains after multiple washings
- Musty or mildewy odor
- Thin, ragged texture
- Permanent stains
- Shedding lint
High quality bath towels made of 100% cotton or linen can last many years with proper care. But eventually, the fibers give out and it’s more cost effective to replace them.
How to Keep New Towels White
Once you invest in plush new white towels, you’ll want to keep them looking pristine as long as possible. Here are pro tips for keeping towels bright white:
- Wash new towels before first use – This removes excess dye or chemicals from manufacturing.
- Wash in hot water – The highest temperature safe for the material removes more residue.
- Use an alkaline heavy duty detergent – Look for ingredients like sodium carbonate or borax for stain fighting power.
- Skip the fabric softener – These coatings can cause buildup and yellowing over time.
- Remove stains promptly – Don’t let stains set before washing.
- Disinfect with white vinegar – Helps kill bacteria that causes yellowing.
- Air dry in sunlight – The sun naturally bleaches and disinfects.
- Avoid overloading washer – Towels need space to move and get fully clean.
Conclusion
It is possible to get yellow out of bath towels and keep them looking fresh and clean with the right combination of cleaning techniques. Washing in hot alkaline water, soaking in whitening solutions, and using targeted stain removers can all help restore dingy towels to a like-new white appearance. But prevention is also key – regular hot water washing, prompt stain removal, and vinegar disinfecting will help keep new white towels looking bright.