Millie Bull, Deputy Editor of Spare Time, successfully removed yellow stains from white clothing using Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White, a £3.98 product from Sainsbury's. The pre-wash treatment eliminated collar and sleeve stains in a single wash, though armpit stains required a stronger remover.
Stain Removal Method
Bull pre-soaked two items—her white top and her husband's T-shirt—in a kitchen sink half-filled with warm water (below 40°C) and half a scoop of Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White. The instructions recommend half a scoop per two litres of water. After soaking for three to four hours (up to six hours with occasional stirring), she transferred the clothes to a washing machine.
She added regular detergent, fabric conditioner, and an additional scoop of Vanish Oxi Action to the machine drawer. The cycle ran at 30°C for one hour, followed by air drying on a rack.
Results and Observations
After treatment, the yellow marks around the collar and sleeves were completely gone, and the clothes appeared visibly whiter and brighter compared to untreated white items. However, stains under the armpits remained, indicating a need for a stronger stain remover. According to Bull, yellow stains often stem from sun cream, deodorant, sweat, and skincare products.
Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White is chlorine- and bleach-free and claims to make clothes 'up to three shades whiter'. It is available at Asda for £3, Amazon for £6.50, and Sainsbury's for £3.98.
