June 25, 2025, 4:16 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Dark clothing has the advantage of not showing stains easily. However, dark laundry can sometimes come out of the washing machine with new white spots. MyHOMEBOOK explains in this article how to remove white spots from dark clothes and prevent them from forming.
Black, dark brown, and dark gray textiles are generally classified as black laundry. The problem: White spots are particularly visible on them. These are usually residues. Learn how to avoid these spots and properly clean dark laundry here.
Where Do White Spots on Dark Laundry Come From?
When white spots appear on dark laundry, there are usually three main causes:
- Detergent Residues: Excessive use, especially of powdered detergents and fabric softeners, can leave residues on clothing. Dark laundry should generally be washed at low temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. However, if too much detergent is used, it may not dissolve completely.
- Hard Water: Hard water generally refers to water with a high mineral content. Consumers have no control over the source of tap water. In areas with hard water, minerals can react with detergent and cause white deposits on textiles.
- Deodorant and Sweat Residues: Aluminum-containing deodorant reacts with sweat, which can lead to white streaks or spots. These white spots are usually found under the arms of tops.
Removing White Spots from Dark Laundry
To successfully remove white spots from dark laundry, you can use simple home remedies that many already have at home. To eliminate mineral or detergent residues, vinegar essence is suitable. Dilute it in a 1:2 ratio with water. Treat the spot with the vinegar solution before washing the garment again in the washing machine.
Lemon juice can also effectively remove mineral spots. Dissolve a teaspoon of lemon juice in a liter of warm water. The textile can be soaked in it for about half an hour. Then rinse thoroughly and wash as usual.
To remove deodorant stains, gall soap is suitable. It is an effective and environmentally friendly soap that can remove various types of stains. First, moisten the stain, then apply the gall soap to the affected area and work it in. Rinse thoroughly afterward and wash the garment as usual.
5 Home Remedies to Remove Sweat Stains
Can a Laundry Ball Really Replace Detergent?
Do Not Put Vinegar in the Washing Machine Under Any Circumstances
Avoiding White Spots
White spots on dark laundry usually result from residues of detergent, minerals, or deodorant. To avoid such spots, the detergent should be dosed correctly. Measuring aids or cups can help with this. Key factors are water hardness, laundry amount, and degree of soiling.
In regions with hard water, an additional softener can help prevent mineral deposits. To avoid mineral residues in the washing machine, it is advisable to clean the machine regularly. The detergent drawer and drum can be cleaned with vinegar water about once a month. Deodorant residues can be avoided by waiting until the deodorant is completely dry before putting on clothes.