When it comes to laundry, we've all faced the challenge of keeping our whites bright and free from those pesky yellow stains that seem to appear out of nowhere. But before you throw out your favourite white shirt or pillowcase, there's a secret weapon that might just be sitting in your medicine cabinet, and it costs less than a cup of coffee!


Hydrogen peroxide, a common antiseptic known for its use in first aid, has been hailed by a professional dry cleaner as an essential laundry aid. Available at Coles for around $4.30 and Woolworths for $4, and also found at your local chemist, this humble item is a game-changer for turning yellow stains bright white.


In a revealing TikTok video, a dry cleaner from the prestigious Jeeves New York shared his insider tips on how to use hydrogen peroxide to breathe new life into your yellowed fabrics. 'Spray hydrogen peroxide on it and air dry inside,' he advised. This simple yet effective method works wonders on white caps and shirts that have fallen victim to yellow sweat stains.


Patience is key, as the process can take anywhere from four to eight hours, and you may need to repeat it to achieve the desired results. It's crucial to check the care label of your garment to ensure it's washable before applying hydrogen peroxide, which is 97 per cent water. For those cautious souls, a spot test in a hidden area is always a wise move.

If you're dealing with a mountain of yellowed items, another tip from the dry cleaning expert is to soak them in powdered oxygen bleach and hot water. 'Sodium per-carbonate creates hydrogen peroxide when exposed to hot water,' he explained, recommending an overnight soak for a mass whitening session.

Hydrogen peroxide is a non-chlorine bleach that is also colour-safe, making it suitable for most coloured clothes without the risk of discoloration. For general cleaning tasks, a three per cent solution, which is readily available at supermarkets and chemists, will suffice.


One crucial piece of advice when using hydrogen peroxide for stain removal is to air dry the items indoors. This is because hydrogen peroxide is sensitive to light, and exposure to sunlight can diminish its effectiveness. This sensitivity is also the reason why it's sold in those distinctive brown bottles. If you're transferring it to a spray bottle, opt for a dark one to maintain its potency.

Beyond the laundry room, hydrogen peroxide has a multitude of uses. It's an excellent disinfectant for kitchen sponges, can tackle toilet bowl stains, and when mixed with baking soda, it becomes a powerful solution for cleaning and whitening grout.
So, before you give up on your dingy whites, give this affordable and versatile first aid staple a try. It might just save your favourite items from the rag bin and keep your laundry looking pristine. Have you tried using hydrogen peroxide in your laundry routine? Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments below – we would love to hear how it worked for you!