Perspiration stains are quite evident in white shirts. Sadly, even if you manage to stay cool, the odor and stains will linger in the fabric if you will not wash the clothes properly. The stains are caused by the reaction between the ingredients in antiperspirants and the salts in your sweat. Generally, antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds to lessen moisture. This is responsible for causing the build-up and yellowing on white fabrics. The stains will not manifest overnight, but incorrect washing after every wear will cause the yellowish tinge to become evident on white shirts. Read further to learn ways on how to remove perspiration stains from white shirts.
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Techniques on how to remove perspiration stains from white shirts
Some household products at home can be used to effectively deal with perspiration stains on clothes. Let us now take a look at the methods on how to remove perspiration stains from white shirts using different household products.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Baking soda can work wonders on eliminating yellowish underarm stains on shirts and restoring them to their original color.
- Prepare a mixture by combining 1-part baking soda, 1-part hydrogen peroxide and 1-part water. You need around ¼ cup of every ingredient to treat a single shirt.
- Rub this mixture into the perspiration stains and leave it to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Utilize a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to loosen any leftover residue by the scrubbing.
- Wash as usual using heavy-duty laundry detergent in cold or warm water.
Oxygen bleach and ammonia
The combination of oxygen bleach and ammonia can effectively deal with yellowish perspiration stains.
- Prepare the mixture in a properly ventilated room and wear gloves. Combine 1-part oxygen-based bleach and 1-part household ammonia. You need around 2 tablespoons of every ingredient for one shirt.
- Rub the solution into the stain using a soft-bristled brush for up to a minute.
- Leave the solution in place for at least 10 minutes before washing away.
- Launder as usual using heavy-duty laundry detergent in cold or warm water.
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How to prevent sweat stains
When faced with sweat stains, one solution is to use less deodorant or antiperspirant. Some believe that applying a thick layer can help prevent stains by controlling the sweating, but the excess deodorant or antiperspirant will only soak directly into the fabric in the armpit area. It is recommended to allow the deodorant or antiperspirant to fully dry before putting on clothes.
The last resort is to try a new deodorant. You can find one that is aluminum-free or contains less aluminum than other brands. The switch can help prevent perspiration stains.
Regardless of the preventive methods that you will use, make sure that you will wash or dry clean clothing that has been exposed to sweat immediately. Remember that a fresh stain is easier to remove than a dried one.
What causes yellow armpit stains on white shirts?
Yellow armpit stains on white shirts can be undesirable to look at and you might be forced to throw away a good shirt. Luckily, these stains can be removed from your clothes.
The stains develop when proteins in your sweat react with the aluminum and other chemicals present in the antiperspirant you are using. It is important to note that aluminum is the active component in most over-the-counter and prescription antiperspirants. As for sweat, it contains water, urea, ammonia, sugar, and salts. Remember that sweat alone is essentially colorless and odorless.
As your sweat combines with the ingredients of your antiperspirant, the outcome is the unappealing yellowish armpit stain that is stubborn to remove on clothes. For those who regularly wear white shirts, the stain is quite evident.
Does lemon juice remove perspiration stains?
When dealing with perspiration stains, you can use lemon juice. Take note that this is the simplest and most affordable option for cleaning garments stained with perspiration.
Simply combine equal parts of lemon juice and water. Dab this on the stained area to get rid of the perspiration stain. Salt is also an alternative that can scrub off the stain.
Does baking soda whiten clothes?
For those who do not want to use chlorine bleach due to undesirable effects, an alternative that can whiten clothes is baking soda.
It is important to note that baking soda can whiten, freshen, and softens fabrics. Simply follow these steps if you want to whiten clothes.
Add ½ cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent and use this to whiten fabrics. When dealing with spot stains, prepare a paste of baking soda and water. Dab this paste directly on the fabric.
Final thoughts
Perspiration stains on white shirts can be unappealing to look at. Some find it embarrassing to wave with the yellowish stain in the underarm area. With the methods discussed on how to remove perspiration stains from white shirts, you can effectively remove the stains and your shirt will look good as new.
