Yellow spots on white shirts or light clothes are a recurring problem. Normally, the solution is to resort to the lixivia, but this method is aggressive for the fabrics and can shorten the life of the clothing. Now Japanese researchers have announced an innovative alternative that dispenses strong chemicals and gets effective results.
Light as an unexpected solution
According to the British newspaper Daily Mail, the key lies in the use of high -intensity blue LED light. Scientists tested the method in different tissues stained by substances such as sweat, orange juice and tomato juice. The blue LED proved to be significantly more effective than simple water or even exposure to ultraviolet rays.
The study explains that blue light, combined with the oxygen present in the environment, acts as an oxidizing agent capable of conducting the photobranque process.
According to Tomohiro Sugahara, author of the investigation, this approach avoids the use of strong chemicals used in traditional bleaching, becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The origin of yellow spots
The spots appear due to naturally produced compounds by the body, such as squalene, a lipid liberated by the skin, and oleic acid present in sweat. Both oxidize over time and leave persistent marks on clothes.
To simulate this process, researchers applied a square to cotton fabrics and warmed them to reproduce the aging of the stain. Subsequently, they tested different treatments: hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet light and blue LED.
Promising results
The analysis showed that the blue LED significantly reduced the spots, overcoming the other methods. In the case of UV radiation, the results were even worse, as new yellowish compounds emerged.
Another relevant data was the effectiveness in delicate tissues, such as silk and polyester, where the blue LED could lighten the spots without compromising the integrity of the fibers. It was found in samples with aged oleic acid, tomato juice and orange juice.
A more sustainable alternative
The discovery shared by the way for new forms of clothing treatment both domestic and industrial. In addition to prolonging tissue durability, this technique reduces the environmental impact associated with the use of aggressive chemicals.
Still in the study phase, the method may be adapted for practical cleaning solutions in the future.
For now, there is the promise that science can offer safer and more effective alternatives to keep white clothes as new, without the need to resort to the lobby.
Also read:
