Yellowed white plastic on appliances

[pumper]

Is there something that gets the yellow out of white plastic control panel on dishwasher & washer?

 

[vacerator]

Light does this to plastic

I've had other things also turn yellow, like my ho scale model vehicles that are white on my railroad layout. Only the side facing the light turned yellow. I tried using bleach, but it didn't work. Beats me. I'm not about to paint over ones with vintage lithograph advertising on them. They are more valuable yellowed.

 

[rp2813]

This is an issue with vintage white telephone cases and handsets.  Collectors have had success using salon grade peroxide, but I think it usually involves soaking, which isn't likely an option for control panels. 

 

If you'd like to give it a shot without soaking, I can try to dig up a link that provides more information on the process.  IIRC, it requires a few steps and takes a day or two.

 

[heytony]

I have whitened yellowed nylon parts with a jar of hydrogen peroxide and sunlight. A clear container with the parts submerged and left in a sunny spot for a few days.

 

[ken]

I've read where people have had good results with a paste of hydrogen peroxide and corn starch. Slather it on and set in the sun.

 

[panthera]

The 8-bit guy

Did an elaborate review of the various methods and a good job explaining how the bromide causes it. The link is to an easy to follow method I've used with success.

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU7vXMezW_I

 

[appnut]

This is exactly why I refuse to have modern white appliances.

 

[circlew]

It's so strange that the newer plastic parts will yellow. The plastic knobs on my '53 Westinghouse range are as white as the day they were made; I wonder what kind of plastic they are?

 

[askolover]

My 1998 Estate SxS fridge did this.  When I replaced it with a new black one just like it, I took the handles off and sprayed them with white plastic paint...then I sold it.  I gave my white microwave to MIL who's still using it today.  Gave my white trash compactor to Goodwill when I got the black one.  I just like black better than stainless.

 

[retro-man]

I have a washer and only 1 of the knobs have yellowed. All the others look clean new and bright. Maybe something to do with the mix of the plastic when they were created.

Jon