Sometimes, even the most popular stain-removing detergent can’t eliminate the stains on your white T-shirts and fabrics. Still, on most occasions, despite countless attempts to wash them off, you may end up with a layered chemical stain that makes your shirts look off-white instead.

With the help of pure home remedies, below is a guide that could excite you into getting fresh white clothing as though they’re off the racks in-store. More importantly, we hope the guide could help you save some dollars and, of course, the frustration that happens especially when the rather costly detergent fails to meet its advertised solution.

Makeup stains

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Ladies, you aren’t alone when trying to figure out the best way to remove the makeup stains on your collars or even sleeves. Foundation, mascara, lipstick; you name it, we’ve got you covered.

Remedy 1: Dab rubbing alcohol and a couple of drops of nail polish remover onto the stained shirt. Once the stain has been evenly dabbed, top it off with a dash of vinegar and water solution before tossing the shirt into the washer as usual.

Remedy 2: Squirt some shaving cream onto the stain, rub the fabric against each other and wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat the steps till all the stain comes off.

Sweat stains

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Undeniably, Singapore is too humid that we’d end up sweating buckets the minute we step out of the house; what more if you are suited up in office wear and heading out for a meeting outdoors. Whilst there are many deodorants in the market said to prevent sweat stains, we’re ultimately only human.

Remedy 1: Cut up a lemon and scrub the sweat stains evenly with the juice. Dab a couple of drops of water and toss your outfit into the washer as usual.

Remedy 2: Form a paste of baking soda with water and apply it to the stains. Let that sit for a few hours before thoroughly washing your outfit.

Tip: Whilst you might have the urge to drop dead onto the sofa or bed the minute you’re home, it’s recommended to wash your white top as soon as you can. Also, these remedies work on light-coloured shirts as well.

Wine and sweet beverage stains

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We get how you’ll need a night out with your best pals over drinks after a hectic week at work. Then comes the mishaps of spilling beverages onto your outfit. Asian mothers would probably rush you to the restroom and get it washed off with soap when you were young but well, that perhaps isn’t feasible if you’re out on a business meeting.

In the meantime, maybe try to wipe it off with wet wipes and cover it up with a blazer and off you go to relieve your stress over the next round of drinks.

Remedy: Sprinkle some salt along with hot water on the stains before tossing your outfit into the washer with detergent as usual.

Coffee stains

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Here comes the number one mood booster beverage — coffee. We’re talking favourites like Cappuccino, Americano and the list goes on. One thing’s for sure; coffee stains are the most challenging to remove if they land on your white tops and bottoms.

We anticipate you getting all cranky after the spill, but, oh well, accidents do happen; thus, here’s how to remove the stains pronto.

Remedy: Combine a tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of detergent with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar. Mix it all up, spread the paste onto the stains, and let that sit for a while before washing everything off.

Yellow stains

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Ever fell into a situation where you excitedly picked out a “special occasions only” white top from your wardrobe only to find yellow stains on them?

Apart from blaming it on prolonged storage in the closet, it could have been caused by insufficient or excessive detergent use when washing them previously. Not forgetting, the past attempts of dipping the top into bleach, thinking it could whiten it to become as good as new. Oh well, no point dwelling on it but instead try these remedies below.

Remedy 1: Add 1/2 cup of vinegar along with 1/2 cup of salt into a basin of warm water. Dip the stained shirt into the solution for half an hour before washing it off as usual.

Remedy 2: Lemon Juice — it aids in brightening up both white or light coloured clothing. Apply pure lemon juice to the stained area and let it hang under the sun for the entire day. As soon as you bring it back in, toss it in the washer.

Ultimately, after trying out all these remedies, you must still wash the piece of clothing with detergent to achieve the best results.

Featured image from Tetra/Getty Images