How to Remove Armpit Stains: A Complete Guide

 

Introduction

If you've ever struggled to remove a deodorant stain from a white shirt, you know how frustrating it can be. But fear not; removing a sweat stain isn't too complicated if you know which steps to follow. 

One thing you need to keep in mind when dealing with a sweat stain is not to scrub the fabric too hard. You don't want to damage your clothes in the process of trying to remove a stain. 

Instead, use special cleaners like vinegar and dish soap to tackle these stubborn stains. Below, we take a look at some tried and tested methods to remove a deodorant stain. 

What Causes Sweat Stains?

The simple answer would be sweat. But there are more than one culprit.

The first is your body's sweat, which contains salt and other minerals. Sweat is largely composed of water, but also has electrolytes like potassium and sodium. Upon evaporation, these minerals leave behind stains.

The second cause is using a deodorant or antiperspirant. Some products contain aluminum chloride, which can react with sweat, causing yellow or white stains. 

Your body oils and bacteria also contribute to this by breaking down the compounds in sweat and antiperspirants. These byproducts can discolor your clothes. 

Some fabric types are also more prone to staining than others. For example, natural fibers, such as cotton, aren't as susceptible to sweat stains. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics and silk tend to retain stains.

5 Methods to Remove Armpit Stains

As we've already mentioned, you'll need specific materials to remove armpit stains. Let's take a look at some methods that use everyday household items.

Method 1: Using Baking Soda

Baking soda has a two-way action on stains. One, it removes them. Two, it deodorizes clothes, making them smell fresh. Here's how to use baking soda on an underarm stain.

Step 1: Make a Paste 

Create a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, mixing one part of each in a bowl. Then, add one part of the water. 

If you need to clean the underarms on a single shirt, a quarter cup of each solution should suffice. For multiple shirts, increase the quantity proportionately.

Step 2: Apply the Paste and Let It Sit 

Using a toothbrush, apply the paste to the underarm stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse

Rinse the shirt in warm water. Do this process twice if the stain is stubborn.

Step 4: Wash in Hot Water

Now, wash the garment in your washing machine as you would normally. Use warm water and your regular detergent.

Method 2: Using White Vinegar and Baking Soda 

If the stain is a little old, it might have turned yellow. White vinegar comes to the rescue. The acetic acid can help break down the stain and restore your garment to its original color.

Step 1: Soak Your Garment 

Start by adding two cups of water to a cup of white vinegar to dilute it. Soak the stain in this solution for about 30 minutes. 

Step 2: Wring 

Take the garment out and wring it to remove as much liquid as possible. 

Step 3: Make a Paste

Create a paste by mixing half a cup of baking soda, a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, and a tablespoon of salt. Stir well until it forms a smooth paste. 

Step 4: Apply and Let It Sit 

Using your fingers or a toothbrush, apply the paste to the underarm stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes. 

Step 5: Wash in Hot Water

Wash the garment in the hottest water possible for the fabric. You can use your everyday laundry detergent for the load. 

The key is not to dry the garment in the dryer. Instead, line-dry it. The heat from the dryer can set in the stain, making it permanent. 

Method 3: Using Oxiclean 

We'll preface this section by saying that this method is NOT calling for chlorine bleach. That's the last thing you want to use on a sweat stain. Instead, we're talking about oxygen bleach like Oxiclean.

Step 1: Make a Soak 

Make a soak by dissolving a scoop of Oxyclean in two tablespoons of household ammonia. 

Step 2: Rub 

Rub the affected area for at least 60 seconds with a toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes. 

Step 3: Rinse and Wash 

Rinse the garment thoroughly and then wash it in cold or hot water. Check if the stain is gone before putting it into the dryer. If it is still present, repeat the same process until the stain is completely removed. 

Method 4: Using Lemon Juice 

Yes, the good old-fashioned lemon juice can also help remove sweat stains. 

Step 1: Make a Solution 

Mix equal parts of lemon juice, water, and baking soda to form a paste. 

Step 2: Apply the Paste 

Work the lemon juice paste into the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. 

Step 3: Wash as Usual 

Wash the garment as usual and air dry it. The combination of lemon juice and baking soda will help lift the stain, leaving your clothes smelling fresh. 

Method 5: Using Meat Tenderizer 

We know this may seem like an odd method, but trust us, it works! A meat tenderizer breaks down proteins. If you think about it, aren't sweat stains protein-based, too? 

Step 1: Dampen the Stain  

Start by dampening the stain with cold water. 

Step 2: Apply the Meat Tenderizer 

Sprinkle a generous amount of meat tenderizer onto the dampened stain, covering it completely. 

Step 3: Let it Sit and Wash 

Allow the meat tenderizer to sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes before washing as usual. The enzymes in the meat tenderizer will help break down the proteins in the stain, making it easier to remove during the wash. 

Although this method works, you should use it as your last resort. Try lemon juice, baking soda, or white vinegar first. 

How to Prevent Armpit Stains: 5 Tips

We've now seen there are a few ways to remove a deodorant stain or sweat marks. But wouldn't it be better if you could just avoid them altogether? Making a few changes to your clothing and deodorant use can help keep sweat stains at bay. 

Here are a few tips to help prevent armpit stains in the first place:

• Use aluminum-free deodorants. One of the main causes of armpit stains is the reaction between aluminum in antiperspirants and sweat. By switching to an aluminum-free deodorant, you can reduce the chances of this happening. 

• Wear breathable fabrics. Although they can occur in winter, sweat stains are most common in summer. Wear cotton or other breathable fabrics, as they allow air to circulate and reduce the amount of sweat trapped in your armpits. 

• Let the deodorant dry. When using stick deodorants, let them dry completely before putting on your clothes. It will prevent them from rubbing off onto your clothes and causing stains. 

• Wear an undershirt. If you know you'll be sweating, wear an undershirt. It will stop sweat from absorbing into your shirt.

• Don't put stained clothes in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can set in the stains, making it practically impossible to remove them later. Wash and air-dry stained clothes instead.

Experience Impeccable Stain Removal

When it comes to stain removal, especially for sweat stains, you should be prepared to spend an extra hour on laundry day. However, if you already have a hectic schedule, this could be problematic. 

Fortunately, Rinse has a solution for your problem. At Rinse, our cleaning professionals know which stain remover to use for each stain and fabric type. We also use advanced techniques and high-quality cleaning products to ensure your clothes come out looking fresh and clean without any traces of sweat stains. 

You don't even have to go through the trouble of bringing your stained clothes to us. Simply drop us a text or book a pickup through our app, and we'll take care of the rest. 

We also offer dry cleaning services for those special garments that you can't risk tossing in the washer. Let Rinse handle your laundry and stain removal needs so you can focus on the more important things in life.

Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.

Image Source: Church & Dwight Co., Inc., McCormick & Company, Inc.