Yellow stains from can be a real headache for white shirts. Many of us instinctively reach for bleach, but it doesn’t always do the trick and can even damage the fabric. According to the Daily Mail, Japanese scientists have proven that there’s a more effective and safer method: blue LED light.
How the New Method Works
Researchers recreated typical stains on various fabrics—from cotton to silk. These included sweat stains as well as orange and tomato juice marks. They then treated the stains using three methods: soaking them in hydrogen peroxide (bleach), exposing them to ultraviolet light, and shining blue LED light on them.
The results were clear: blue light significantly brightened the stains more effectively than bleach or ultraviolet light. Moreover, in some cases, ultraviolet light even created new yellow compounds, worsening the situation.
Why Blue Light?
According to the lead researcher, Tomohiro Sugahara, the method is based on the combination of blue light and oxygen, which initiates a process of natural “photo-bleaching.” This approach avoids harsh chemicals, making the technology not only effective but also safe for delicate fabrics.
Future Prospects
The method has also proven successful with other stubborn stains, including fatty acids found in skin oils. Most importantly, the fabric remains undamaged even after intensive treatment.
In the future, scientists plan to commercialize the technology and make devices available for both household and industrial use. This could provide a genuine alternative to traditional bleaches, which can harm both clothing and the environment.
Photo: pixabay.com
