As warmer temperatures roll around, it’s time to break out the white jeans. But, many people are hesitant to wear them since they can get stained more easily and are harder to completely remove stains from. How do you get stains out of white jeans anyway?
When removing stains from white jeans, you want to use gentle methods to keep the jeans in good condition. Various household products, such as seltzer water, salt, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar, can all be used to remove stains from white jeans effectively and safely.
In this article, I’ll explain how to get stains out of white jeans using the methods above. I’ll also explain how to get yellow stains out of white jeans and how to keep your white jeans looking white. That way, you can wear your white jeans confidently and proudly.
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Will Stains Come Out of White Jeans?
White jeans are hard to get stains out of because, well, they’re white. The stains show up more easily and, especially with darker stains, it can be hard to get them out completely. With that being said, most stains, even darker ones, will come out of white jeans as long as you use the right products.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that stains are easy to get out of white jeans. Some stains will be harder to get out than others, depending on the color and source of the stain. What’s important is that you try to get the stain out before putting the jeans in the dryer, which can cause the stain to become permanent.
Will Stains Come Out of White Jeans in the Wash?
Some stains may come out in the wash, depending on the source of the stain and its color. But, you shouldn’t rely solely on the washing machine to remove stains from your white jeans.
It’s better to pretreat the stain before washing to better the chances of it coming out. Pretreating the stain will help break it down so that the washing machine will effectively remove it. And remember, don’t put the jeans in the dryer if they are still stained, even after washing them.
Can You Bleach White Jeans to Remove Stains?
It’s not a good idea to use any kind of bleach on white denim, even oxygen bleach which is generally safer on clothes. Bleach is a very strong cleaning product that can degrade fabrics or cause them to develop a yellow tinge over time, especially with repeated use.
If you have to use bleach to remove a stain or whiten your jeans, it’s better to use oxygen bleach than chlorine bleach. However, you shouldn’t rely on it to remove a stain from your white jeans every time for the reasons mentioned above. There are plenty of other products that you can use instead of bleach that are much safer while still effective.
How to Get Stains Out of White Jeans: 7 Ways
Washing white jeans to remove stains may not get all the stains out, and bleach can damage the fabric. So how do you get stains out of white jeans? It just depends on the stain and the situation. Below are several methods that you can use to remove stains from white jeans, including which methods to use with certain types of stains.
1. Seltzer Water
Seltzer water, also known as sparkling water, can be great for removing stains in a pinch. For example, let’s say you’re out and about and get something on your white jeans. You can purchase seltzer water from a store or in some cases, a restaurant and pour a little directly onto the stain.
Then, use a napkin to blot the stain and reduce its appearance. Depending on the size and type of stain, some may still be noticeable, but it may not be as noticeable as if you were to do nothing.
When you get home, you can follow up with other stain removal methods before washing the jeans. Or, you can use this method at home before using other methods. Either way, check the jeans after washing them to make sure the stain is removed before putting them in the dryer.
2. Salt
Before trying the methods below, you can pour a little salt on the stain if you wish. It’s worth noting that salt won’t do much for actually removing the stain, but it can provide some abrasion to help scrub the stain out of the fabric. Once you’ve applied salt to the stain, move on to one of the methods below.
3. Dish Soap
Dish soap is an effective stain remover for coffee, ink, grass, and food stains due to its containing enzymes and surfactants that help break down the stain and release it from the fabric. Just apply it to the stain and use a clean cloth to blot the stain.
Avoid scrubbing the stain as it can set the stain deeper into the fabric. After blotting as much of the stain as possible, turn the jeans inside out and rinse the soap out with cool water. If the stain is still there, you can wash the jeans to remove it further. If the stain is gone, it is not necessary to wash them as washing your jeans too often can deteriorate them.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
If the stain is caused by red wine or another dark substance, you can use hydrogen peroxide to remove it. Apply a little to the stain, then blot it with a clean, white cloth. Using a white cloth is preferable to see if the stain is coming up.
When one section of the cloth becomes colored, switch to a clean area and resume blotting the stain. If the rag is no longer picking up color or you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible, turn the jeans inside out and rinse off the hydrogen peroxide under cool water. Wash the jeans to further remove the stain, if necessary.
5. Vinegar
White vinegar can be an effective stain remover for removing pretty much any type of stain, and it can also whiten your jeans as well. Just add one cup of vinegar to a bucket or sink filled with water. Place the jeans in the water and vinegar solution and let them soak for about one hour.
After an hour, remove the jeans from the water and spray undiluted vinegar directly onto the stained area. If the stain persists, wash the jeans. You can add about ½ to 1 cup of vinegar directly into the washing machine.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a safer alternative to bleach, making it a great choice for whitening your jeans and removing stains that have been there a while. It works because it is highly acidic, which allows it to break down the stain. However, you’ll still want to dilute it to prevent potential damage.
To use this method:
- Add about 5 lemon slices to a pot of water.
- Place the water on the stove and heat it to boiling.
- Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and pour the water into a separate container.
- Place the jeans into the water and let them soak until the water has cooled.
- Wash the jeans after soaking, if necessary.
7. Stain Remover
If nothing else works, you can always use a commercial stain remover to remove stains from white jeans. However, commercial stain removers shouldn’t be used on white jeans too often since they are stronger than other products and can weaken the fabric over time.
Each stain remover is different regarding how it is applied and how long you should let it sit. With that being said, apply the stain remover according to the instructions on the packaging. After letting the stain remover sit, wash the jeans to remove the stain remover and the stain.
How Do You Get Yellow Stains Out of White Jeans?
White fabrics can turn yellow, especially if bleach is repeatedly used on them. There are a couple of ways to get the yellowing out and return your jeans to their original white color.
Baking Soda
The first way to get yellow stains on jeans is with baking soda. This method works best if you only have yellow stains on certain areas of the fabric. You’ll first want to mix 4 tbsps. of baking soda with one quart of warm water. Dip a cloth in the water and use it to gently scrub the stain.
Another method is to wet the jeans first and apply baking soda directly to the stain, then use a cloth to rub it in. In either case, let the baking soda sit on the stain for about 1-2 hours. Rinse it off and check to see if the stain has been removed. Repeat as necessary or wash the jeans as normal.
Vinegar
If the jeans have a yellow tinge as a whole, the best way to whiten them back up is to add one cup of vinegar to water and soak the jeans for one hour, as described by the vinegar method above. If you only have a yellow stain in one area, then you can spray vinegar directly onto the stain and let it sit for about an hour.
If the jeans are white and the yellowing is removed, wash and dry the jeans. If the yellowing persists, repeat the process as necessary.
How to Keep Your White Jeans White
One of the keys to making white jeans look good is to ensure that they maintain their bright, white color. There are several ways to care for your jeans to help preserve their color. One of the biggest things is not to wash them as often, as the heat and agitation from the washer and dryer can cause wear and tear, which can dull the color. Unless the jeans are dirty, it is not necessary to wash them after every wear.
If you do wash your jeans, make sure to only wash them with other white clothing to avoid colors from bleeding onto your jeans. Wash them with cool or cold water and avoid using bleach. When you dry them, dry them on a low heat cycle or let them air dry.
If it’s warm enough, you can also hang them outside to let the sun dry them, which can help preserve the color. If you want to make the jeans more stain-resistant, consider spraying them with a fabric protectant spray. You may have to re-spray them every couple of wears if they get washed, but they’ll be less likely to stain and if they do, the stain will be easier to remove.
Conclusion
White jeans only look good if they are stain-free, but it seems like stains are attracted to them more so than other types of clothing. Hopefully, this guide taught you how to remove stains from your white jeans with a variety of products to wear them more confidently. If you did find this article helpful, share it with others and leave a comment. Thanks for reading!