Fabric Discoloration (Yellowing) Causes and Restoration: Dealing with Color Change from Sunlight, Sweat, and Chlorine Bleach

☀️ The Mark of Time, Fabric Discoloration: Causes of Yellowing and Restoration Methods to Revive Clothes' Color

The phenomenon where clean, white or light-colored clothes suddenly turn yellow is called Yellowing. Yellowing mostly appears on clothes stored in the closet and is a major culprit that makes people discard garments, as it is difficult to remove with regular washing. We identify the main causes of yellowing and effective restoration methods to revive already discolored clothes.

🔑 3 Major Causes of Fabric Yellowing

Yellowing primarily occurs when chemical residues remaining in the fabric undergo oxidation over time, turning yellow.

1. Sweat and Sebum Residues:

Most Common Cause: Sweat, sebum, and protein components are not completely removed during washing and remain in the fibers. They oxidize during storage, turning yellow. It is concentrated in areas frequently exposed to sweat, such as the neck, armpits, and sleeves.

2. Detergent and Bleach Residues:

Detergent residues, especially alkaline components, remaining on the fabric after washing react with oxygen in the air, causing yellowing.
Chlorine Bleach: Using chlorine bleach on protein fibers like nylon, silk, and wool causes the fiber itself to turn yellow, known as 'chlorine yellowing.'

3. Direct Sunlight and Heat:

Sunlight (UV rays): Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight damages the fiber components (especially silk, wool), causing yellowing or fading.
High-Temperature Drying: The high heat of a dryer can set microscopic contaminants in the fiber, making them turn yellow.

💡 2 Restoration Solutions to Revive Yellowed Clothes

1. 🫧 Utilizing Oxygen Bleach (Sodium Percarbonate):

Principle: Breaks down the organic residue, the most common cause of yellowing, through the powerful oxidation of oxygen bleach.
Method: Fill a basin with hot water (50~~60°C / 122°F~~140°F) and dissolve enough sodium percarbonate. Soak the yellowed garment for at least 2 hours before proceeding with a regular wash.
Caution: Protein fibers like wool and silk are vulnerable to high heat and strong alkalinity, so this method should not be used on them.

2. 🍋 Utilizing Lemon or Vinegar (Sensitive Fibers/Natural Method):

Principle: The acidic component of lemon or vinegar neutralizes yellowing caused by alkaline residues and provides a bleaching effect.
Method: Soak the clothes in water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar and hang them out to dry in the sun. (The combination of UV rays and acid provides a natural bleaching effect.)
Caution: Undiluted lemon juice can cause localized fading, so it should be used diluted with water.

For yellowing prevention, perfect washing and drying without residue before storage is most important.