Wearing a shirt with yellow armpit stains can be embarrassing. It’s unsightly and just smells funny.
But don’t toss that shirt in the trash just yet.
Baking soda is effective in removing yellow armpit stains.
In this article, I’ll show you how I remove armpit stains from my shirts with the help of baking soda. Both whites and colors. These methods worked pretty well for my clothes.
Before starting, check out the shirt tags for laundry instructions just to be on the safe side.
Try these out and see for yourself.
For White Shirts
What you’ll need:
4 tsp. Baking Soda
4 tsp. Hydrogen peroxide
1-2 tsp. Water
Soft brush
A shallow container
Laundry basin or sink
Steps:
1. Make a paste by mixing 4 teaspoons baking soda, 4 teaspoons hydrogen peroxide, and 1-2 teaspoons of water.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stained area. Do both sides of the shirt. Leave the paste on for 1-2 hours, depending on the severity of the armpit stain.
3. After that, scrub the area with a soft brush like a toothbrush. You can sprinkle a little more baking soda if you want. Keep brushing until the stain is gone. Don’t brush too hard, or you might damage the fabric.
4. Rinse the paste off and launder as usual.
For Colored Shirts
What you’ll need:
6 tsp. Baking soda
4 tsp. Water
Soft brush
A shallow container
Laundry basin or sink
Steps:
1. Create a paste by combining 6 teaspoons of baking soda and 4 teaspoons of water.
2. Apply the paste on the armpit stain area. Make sure you rub it in there. Reverse the shirt and do the same on the other side.
3. Let it sit for at least an hour or more, depending on the toughness of the stain.
4. Brush the stained area. Use a soft brush when doing this. Don’t scrub too hard, or you’ll ruin the fabric.
5. Keep scrubbing until you remove all the stains, then launder in the washer like usual.
What Causes Armpit Stains?
Yellow armpit stains or “pit stains” form when the aluminum in your antiperspirant mix with your sweat. It is then absorbed by the fabric, leaving an undesirable yellow build-up.
7 Ways to Prevent Armpit Stains
Here are seven ways to prevent armpit stains from forming on your shirts.
- Use an aluminum-free deodorant. There are tons of options out there. You can try organic roll-on or sprays.
- Keep your armpit hair trimmed. It will help keep your armpits cooler so you don’t have to use too much antiperspirant.
- Don’t overuse roll-on deodorant. 2-4 swipes for each armpit should do.
- Wash your shirt immediately after you use them. It’s easier to remove armpit stains if you don’t give it time to settle.
- Wear an undershirt with your dress shirt. Undershirts provide an extra layer of protection between your dress shirt and armpits.
- Let your antiperspirant dry before wearing a shirt so that the excess won’t stick to the sleeves.
- Practice good hygiene. Change your shirt every day.
Can I Use Baking Soda with Hydrogen Peroxide for Colored Shirts?
Hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties, so I wouldn’t use it on colored clothes. You risk the color fading and ruining your shirt.
However, I know people who’re successful in removing armpit stains from colored shirts by combining the two.
I suggest you spot test first if you decide to try it.
Conclusion:
Yellow armpits stains can be embarrassing but remember, all you need is a little baking soda to make it go away.
If you’re having problems with funky clothes, please check out my article on how to pre-soak smelly clothes with baking soda.
I hope that you try out the methods in this article on your next laundry day.
Thank you for reading!
-Baking Soda guy
Top Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels
