How to Remove Underarm Stains

Underarm stains occur when excessive sweat is allowed time to seep into the underarm area of the shirt. This often results in yellow stains that are not easily removed. The stains can be even more difficult to remove if washed prior to treating. Apply these remedies immediately after the stain has formed on the shirt, for optimal results.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Bucket
• Dish detergent
• Powdered meat tenderizer
• Ammonia

Instructions

1. Fill a clean spray bottle with white vinegar. Spray the underarms of the stained shirt with the white vinegar immediately after removed. Run the shirt through the laundry as usual.

2. Fill a medium-sized bucket with warm water and 1 cup of white vinegar. Put the stained shirt into the bucket, and allow it to soak for several hours. Remove the shirt from the vinegar water and wash regularly to remove the underarm stains.

3. Squirt a mild dish detergent directly onto the underarm stains. Rub the detergent in, and then soak the shirt in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the shirt from the water and wash in a hot water cycle to remove the stain.

4. Form a paste of one part meat tenderizer to one part water. Rub the paste into the underarm stains. The meat tenderizer will break down the proteins in the sweat, allowing them to wash out. Launder the shirt as usual.

5. Pour a moderate amount of liquid ammonia directly onto the underarm stains on the shirt. Rub it in thoroughly while wearing gloves, and wait for two to three hours. Check to see if the stains are removed or faded. Repeat the process until the underarm stains are removed.

Tips & Warnings

• If the shirt with underarm stains has been washed since the stains occurred, use hydrogen peroxide to bleach the stain from the fabric. Use cautiously though, as hydrogen peroxide may alter the color of some fabrics. Apply a thick layer of deodorant to your underarms prior to strenuous activity that may cause sweating. The excess deodorant will rub onto the underarms of the shirt, and prevent the sweat from causing stains.

References

• Book: Organic Housekeeping; Ellen Sandbeck; 2006