How To Remove UV Brighteners From Clothing

UV (ultra-violet) brighteners in clothing gather energy from light and reflect that energy into a narrow band that causes a white or blue glow. Although this glow cannot be seen by the naked human eye, animals–particularly deer–are very sensitive to this reflective coloring. As a result, hunters in general, and deer hunters in particular, should take precautions to neutralize and remove these UV brighteners.

Advertisement

Step 1

Run a small black light over clothing. A glow caused by a black light will indicate the presence of UV brighteners in clothing.

Step 2

Spray clothing with a UV neutralizer spray such as U-V-Killer. These sprays neutralize and block the UV reflections.

Advertisement

Step 3

Verify with the black light that no glowing "hot spots" have been missed.

Step 4

Wash clothes in a UV-free detergent to prevent UV reflectors being redeposited. Regular detergents will redeposit UV brighteners and residue, so it is important to use a UV-free detergent such as Sport-Wash.

Things Needed

  • Small black light
  • UV neutralizing spray
  • UV neutralizing detergent

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

As long as a UV-free detergent is used, clothing should remain UV free. Occasional spot checks with a black light can verify that no UV hot spots exist.

Warning

If clothing is washed in regular detergent, it must be retreated with a UV-blocking spray.

Cite This Article

MLA

Leonard, Kristen. "How To Remove UV Brighteners From Clothing" sciencing.com, https://www.sciencing.com/remove-uv-brighteners-clothing-5950413/. 24 April 2017.

APA

Leonard, Kristen. (2017, April 24). How To Remove UV Brighteners From Clothing. sciencing.com. Retrieved from https://www.sciencing.com/remove-uv-brighteners-clothing-5950413/

Chicago

Leonard, Kristen. How To Remove UV Brighteners From Clothing last modified March 24, 2022. https://www.sciencing.com/remove-uv-brighteners-clothing-5950413/

Recommended

Advertisement