Chloe Zhang
White plastic can turn yellow over time due to exposure to light, oils, and certain foods. To keep white plastic items looking new, it is important to know how to remove yellow stains and prevent them from occurring in the first place. There are several methods for whitening yellowed plastic, ranging from easy to more difficult, and some methods are more suitable for certain types and sizes of plastic items.
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What You'll Learn
Soak in vinegar
Vinegar is safe to use on plastic and can be used to effectively remove yellow stains from plastic items. To do this, you should soak the plastic in a mixture of vinegar and water.
Firstly, you will need to mix equal parts of warm water and vinegar in a container. Distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar are recommended. You can also add a tablespoon of dish soap, such as Dawn, to the mixture.
Next, submerge the plastic item in the mixture. For smaller items, such as toys and utensils, you can leave them to soak for 2-3 hours. For larger items, such as plastic containers, you should leave them to soak for at least 15-30 minutes, but preferably overnight or for up to 24 hours for severe stains.
After soaking, scrub the container with a brush or sponge and then rinse with warm water and dry. The vinegar smell will disappear once the plastic is washed and dried.
It is important to note that this method is not suitable for electronics or items that cannot be submerged in water. For these items, you can use a dampened Magic Eraser or melamine sponge to scrub the surface instead.
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Bleach and water solution
Bleach can be an effective colour remover for yellowed plastic, but it may weaken the plastic over time. To make a bleach and water solution, mix equal parts water and bleach in a container and let it sit overnight. Rinse the bleach solution out of the container, then let the container sit outside in the sun for two full days. The sun will help remove any remaining stains and bleach smell.
Before applying the bleach solution, it is recommended to test the bleach on a small section of the plastic to make sure it doesn't harm the material. When using bleach, wear a respirator mask, gloves, and goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area.
If the plastic item cannot be soaked, wet a paper towel with the solution, squeeze out the excess, flatten the paper towel again, and press it against the item. The soaking time will vary, with most pieces whitening in 2-6 hours.
After removing the item from the bleach solution, rinse it thoroughly with soap and water to remove any remaining bleach residue.
It is important to note that bleach may not be suitable for all types of plastic and may not be effective in changing the colour of plastic to pure white. Other methods, such as using hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or baking soda, may be more suitable for certain types of plastic or specific stains.
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Lemon juice and salt scrub
To use this method, start by cutting a lemon in half and sprinkling it with salt. Then, scrub the lemon onto the stain, focusing on the affected area. You can also squeeze the lemon juice directly onto the stain and then pour salt over the lemon juice. Rub the fabric together to allow the salt to work the lemon juice into the stain.
Once you have scrubbed the stain, rinse the plastic with clean water. Then, place the item outside in direct sunlight for several hours. The ultraviolet rays from the sun will help to fade any remaining discolouration.
If you are using this method on clothing, you will need to wash the garment with hot water and your regular detergent once it is dry. Lemon juice can cause the fabric to become stiff, so this extra step will ensure your clothes are soft and comfortable to wear.
This method can also be used to remove rust stains. Simply hold the stained area over steam for a few minutes to loosen the rust before applying the lemon juice and salt scrub.
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Baking soda paste
Baking soda is a natural, gentle abrasive that can be used to effectively clean appliances and remove light staining from plastic. To make a baking soda paste, pour some baking soda into a small cup or container and slowly add water, mixing until it forms a thick paste.
For stained plastic items that you can't soak, the paste can be applied with a sponge or paper towel, pressing hard to get the paste inside the pores of the plastic. You can also use a clean cloth to wipe the paste onto the plastic. Let the paste sit for a few hours, or even a full day, before rinsing it off with warm water.
To ensure the paste doesn't dry out, you can add a tiny bit more paste after scrubbing. This gives the paste more time to "eat" the stains. You can also cover the paste with plastic wrap to keep it moist and activated. After removing the plastic wrap, scrub the container with a damp sponge, then wash and rinse well with hot, soapy water.
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Hydrogen peroxide
To use hydrogen peroxide to restore white plastic, start by finding a container large enough to fit the plastic item. If the item has any metallic parts, it is best to remove them. Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into the container and submerge the plastic item completely. If the item floats, weigh it down with something heavy, such as a glass or a stainless steel bolt. Leave the item to soak for at least a few days, and up to 12-24 hours. The peroxide will remove the yellow layer, exposing the lower layers of plastic to oxygen, which may cause them to yellow faster.
It is also possible to use a spray-on method, where you spray the peroxide onto the plastic and leave it to work. This method may require more than one application. After soaking or spraying, scrub the item with a brush or an old toothbrush to remove any remaining stains. Finally, rinse the item thoroughly with clean water and dry it.
It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that requires careful handling. When using it to clean plastic, wear plastic gloves to protect your skin from the oxidizer. If using direct sunlight or a UV lamp to activate the whitening reaction, wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from UV radiation.
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Frequently asked questions
Keeping white plastic out of direct sunlight and storing it in a cool, dark place will help to prevent discolouration.
There are several methods to whiten yellowed plastic, including:
- Soaking the plastic in a mixture of vinegar and water
- Soaking the plastic in lemon juice, then leaving it in the sun
- Soaking the plastic in a mixture of bleach and water
- Soaking the plastic in hydrogen peroxide, then leaving it in the sun
Some methods for whitening plastic may be unsafe for certain items, such as children's toys. Safer alternatives to bleach and peroxide include vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.
To prevent discolouration, spray the insides of plastic food containers with cooking spray before adding food.
