White Clothing, Garments and Fabrics Will Yellow Over Time

Memorial Day is right around the corner and, as always, marks the official start of the summer season and allows all of us to safely wear our favorite, kick off the summer season white clothing and outfits without being frowned upon. Here at Jimmy’s Cleaners and Alterations, our team of highly skilled and experienced dry-cleaning specialists fully understand that most bright white garments are typically not a natural fabric color but rather a dye. As a result, white garments tend to yellow over time, causing our favorite outfits to lose their style and grace.

UNDERSTANDING THE BRIGHT WHITE LOOK

At Jimmy’s Cleaners rest assured our team will make your white garments and summer attire whiter than the average white. The manufacturers of clothing will more times than not add some type of optical brightener to achieve the sparkling white finish on their product. These optical brighteners are also referred to as brightening agents, optical whiteners, and fluorescent whiteners, bleaches or brighteners. Whatever they may be called, they are chemical agents that absorb ultraviolet light and transform it into visible blue light that actually masks any type of yellowing that may affect your clothes and makes them appear the whitest of whites. If you have ever noticed, white garments tend to glow under black lights, and this would be the reason why.

The various brightening agents that are added to fabrics do not have much durability nor a very long lifespan. With that said, consumers should be aware of the fact that the fluorescent brighteners used will lose strength and decompose after an extended period of time. When this occurs, you are left with a garment that has a much duller appearance than it had when you first saw it in the store and purchased it. Your favorite white garments will surely need replacing over time.

WHAT CAUSES DAMAGE OR HARM TO YOUR WHITE FABRICS

There are a number of things that can accelerate the breakdown of brighteners with some dry-cleaning techniques and other laundering techniques coming in at the top of the charts. Typical exposure to light, as well as atmospheric gases and heat will also contribute to the overall breakdown of these brightening agents. Though there are some fabrics that are lightly colored such as silk that will yellow naturally with age, most white fabrics yellow as a result of the added fluorescent whiteners or bleach.

Our team of professionals wants to warn our valued clients that you should never bleach your white cotton and poly blends or your polyester garments at home. Why, you may ask. The answer is that the chemical reaction that will occur between the poly fabric and the bleach will nine times out of ten, produce with a yellowish color result.

TRUST OUR PROFESSIONALS WITH ALL YOUR WHITES

White clothing and garments are much cooler to wear in the warmer weather because of their ability to reflect light. There is truly no color that presents with a crisper or fresher look than that of the color white. Understanding these simple facts, we recommend you don’t omit white outfits and clothing pieces from your summer attire, but rather enjoy the style, the class and the charm they offer.

Yes, white will not stay entirely pristine and crisp forever, but when you choose to bring your white garments to the team here at Jimmy’s Cleaners and Alterations rest assured, we will help make your whites look the whitest of whites. Bring your white clothing garments to our trusted facility all summer long. As for the rest of your garments and wardrobe, whether winter, spring, summer or fall, put your trust into the hands of some of the absolute best in the industry here at Jimmy’s Cleaners and Alterations. You’ll be more than glad you did!