Stain Guide | Washable Fabrics | Dinginess
Stain Guide for Washable Fabrics
Dinginess, Yellowing and Graying
Always read and follow the care instructions and any warnings on the garment label. And, follow the
General Rules for stain removal.
There are several reasons why fabrics gray, yellow, and become dingy, including not using the right amount of detergent (i.e., using too much or too little detergent), insufficient rinsing, and/or the wash water temperature is too low. To reburbish clothing from these discolorations:
- Wash with a permanent press cycle in hot water, use a cool-down rinse on permanent press and use one cup of water conditioner instead of detergent.
- If the discoloration remains, either repeat this procedure or wash with the correct amount of detergent and either all-fabric bleach or chlorine bleach, if safe for the fabric. (always check for colorfastness first.)
- If the fabric is white, consider speciality products available in grocery or drug stores, such as Rit's "Whitener and Brightener" to whiten the fabric.
- Always separate and wash your whites separate from colors. And, don't put heavily soil garments with lightly soiled items.
- Also see "Yellowing" in this list.
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