We got our newborn-3 mo clothing out of storage this weekend and I was going through them and noticed the whites have yellow stains on them. I know they didn't have them when I put them away. I guess this is what happens when whites have been stored for 4yrs? What's a non-toxic way to get the stains out? I have Bio-Kleen version of oxy-clean...would that work? Or what about lemon juice on them in the sun? Anyone BTDT?

Thanks :)

sun them. it may take a few days. sunning works best when they are wet so rewet them each day. :) good luck!

Oh, the sun works like magic!!! I'm always surprised at how well that works. Give it a try! :wink

Yeah, how does this happen? Same with DD's infant clothes...curious.

Anyway, I'd wash in the BioKleen oxygen bleach and hang dry outside.

I have heard that frequently these stains are sugars or proteins that did not get completely removed when washed, and oxidized over time.

Edited to add:
I've had pretty good luck with Oxygen Bleach- OxiClean etc. The only thing is, some stains require a more concentrated soak and some require a paste in order to come out.

Also, I have found that mint green and lime green tend to fade with the use of oxygen bleach, as does pale aqua- not necessarily the first time, but with repeated use.

This weekend, I soaked my great grandmother's white table clothe in oxyen bleach and let it dry in the sun. I was amazed, every single stain in gone.

I used oxyclean on ours. Ours were only put away for 15 months or so.

I have heard that frequently these stains are sugars or proteins that did not get completely removed when washed, and oxidized over time.


Yup - from breastmilk. I have heard that lemon juice and sun works well. Haven't tried it tho but that's what my mom told me when I happened to go thru some baby clothes to lend them to a friend and found a lot of them were stained. :(

I used homemade oxyclean (washing soda & 40% peroxide) on some cheerleading shirts of mine from high school. They had been packed away for 20 years & had awful brown stains on them. They are bright & clean now. My daughter goes to the school I graduated from so I thought it would be cool for her to have them. I soaked in the laundry sink overnight & then washed the next day. Amazing!

Thanks everyone! I'll try the sun first and if that doesn't work I'll try the homemade oxyclean (thanks mgilleran@earth-co for that tip)!

mgilleran@earth-co how much washing soda and peroxide do you need to use to get stains out? is this only for whites?

I filled my laundry sink with hot water to about 3 inches deep (it is the typical square laundry sink). Then I added about a half cup of the 40% peroxide I bought at a beauty supply store. The stuff at the grocery store is 3% I think. Then I added about 1/4 of washing soda. I swiched it around with my hand to get it all sudsy, & just made sure the clothes were covered by the water & not floating. I will wear a glove next time, or use a spoon - it is rough on your hands when it is that stout. It worked great though. I also did this to some of DDs clothes from 10 years ago before I donated them to the women's shelter. They were good as new. I decided after all these years that I don't have enough room to keep all of her old stuff & sorted through it & just kept the special stuff & the stuff that both girls wore.

40% peroxide I bought at a beauty supply store.

Really? :idea I would not that thought of checking there. Thanks!!!