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.

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.

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.