How To Undo Yellowing From Hydrogen Peroxide On Clothes

Hydrogen peroxide, a clear, viscous liquid with strong oxidizing properties, is commonly used as a stain remover and disinfectant. However, it can also cause yellow-colored stains on clothes and fabrics that require quick and immediate effort to be removed. It is important to work on the stain as soon as you see it. The faster it is treated, the easier it would be to remove it.

Step 1

Dip the stained cloth in a bucket of water to help dilute the hydrogen peroxide stain.

Step 2

Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to a bowl. Dip a clean piece of washcloth in the bowl and blot the yellow stain with it. Allow the vinegar to sit for about five minutes. Rinse the cloth with cold water and blot the yellow stain again until it's removed. Pour a few drops of dishwashing liquid on the stain and scrub the stain with a hard-bristled brush. Wash the cloth in the washing machine or hand wash the cloth as normal and allow it to dry.

Step 3

Add a quarter teaspoon of a commercial color remover to half a cup of cold water if you do not want to use vinegar. Dip a clean washcloth in the solution and use it to blot the yellow hydrogen peroxide stain. Continue blotting until the stain has gone. Launder the cloth as you normally would and allow it to air-dry.

Step 4

Use sodium thiosulfate, if vinegar or commercial color remover aren't used. Also called photographic fixer, this chemical helps balance bleaching effects and restore the color. The chemical can be purchased at hardware stores. Add the chemical to a bowl and dip a washcloth in the solution. Blot the hydrogen peroxide stain with this washcloth and rinse with cold water. Repeat the blotting step again until the stain is lightened or removed. Launder the cloth as normal and allow it to dry.