If you are like most people, you probably have at least a few plain white t-shirts hanging in your closet. There is also a pretty good chance that you have some that you no longer wear because of embarrassing yellow stains in the armpits. We all sweat and, unfortunately, that can lead to unpleasant underarm stains–especially on white garments.
When throwing your white shirts in the washer isn’t enough to remove stains, don’t sweat it! Here are a few methods to remove underarm stains from your favorite white t-shirt.
Dish Soap
When you have sweat stains that just will not budge, your kitchen may have the answer. Combine one part dish soap with two parts hydrogen peroxide and apply to the stain. Scrub and then let sit for an hour. Rinse thoroughly before washing.
Meat Tenderizer
This one may sound a bit unusual, but a bit of meat tenderizer could eliminate stubborn underarm stains. This common kitchen ingredient helps break down proteins and can make stains a thing of the past. Before you wash your stained shirt, dampen it and sprinkle some meat tenderizer on the stain. Then, wash as usual.
Aspirin
Is that unsightly stain giving you a headache? Take two aspirins for yourself and use two more to treat the stain! Crush two aspirin tablets into powder and mix with one-half cup warm water. Apply the solution to the stain and let sit for two to three hours and then wash as usual.
Lemons
In addition to making your clothes smell fresh and fruity, a lemon can get rid of an unsightly underarm stain. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water and then use the solution to scrub away the stain.
Salt
Salt is another common kitchen ingredient that many people swear by when it comes to getting rid of underarm stains. To try this trick, dissolve four tablespoons of salt in a quart of hot water. Apply the solution to a sponge and then dab at the stain until it disappears.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a cleaning powerhouse. It seems like you can use it for just about everything, and laundry is no exception. If you are dealing with yellow sweat stains, pour a bit of vinegar directly on the stain. Rub it into the fabric and then throw the garment in the washer. As a bonus, white vinegar will also remove deodorant stains. Score!
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerful stain remover. Make a paste by combining four tablespoons of baking soda and about one-fourth cup of warm water. Rub the paste in the shirt and then launder. For especially stubborn stains, let the paste dry for at least two hours prior to washing the shirt.
Borax
While it isn’t safe for delicate fabrics, Borax is an effective stain remover for sturdier garments like polyester shirts. Combine about a tablespoon of the powder with enough water to create a paste. Rub into the underarm area and let sit for about a half hour. Scrub the dried paste off and then wash the shirt as usual.
Vodka
Having your favorite shirt ruined by underarm stains could be enough to make you need a drink, but that is not why we are suggesting vodka. Believe it or not, combining equal parts vodka and warm water can help you eliminate sweat stains. Mix up the solution in a spray bottle and spray on the stain prior to washing as usual.
Ammonia
Ammonia is effective for removing underarm perspiration stains as well as urine and blood stains. Combine equal parts ammonia and water and dab on the stained area. Launder as usual. Ammonia works well for removing stains, but remember that you should never combine ammonia and bleach.
Cold Water
Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones. By rinsing stain-prone clothing under cold water prior to washing it, you can prevent stains before they happen. Gently rub the armpit area while rinsing to help loosen up stains before throwing your shirt in the washing machine. If there are already signs of yellowing, don’t wash in hot water as it could set the stain.
Conclusion
Don’t let underarm stains get you down. Even if your laundry detergent and normal pre-treatment products aren’t doing the trick, you probably have at least one of the products listed above to try. There are a lot of great stain-removing tools in your kitchen and bathroom. Feel free to experiment to figure out which one works best for you.
