Sweat & Deodorant Stains
Yellow sweat stains on the armpit on white t-shirts and shirts are not only frustrating but they are also inevitable, especially in the humid weather here in Singapore. As the colour of stains caused by sweat and deodorant may vary in color, it is important to examine the stain to determine the appropriate approach for removal.
White stains
If the stain is white, hard and/or brittle, a stain remover can likely assist in eliminating it. Treat the stain as soon as you notice it. Begin by rinsing it under cold water for a while, then gently apply some stain remover and wash it as normal. For colored garments, make sure to use color-safe stain remover, that is free from chlorine or bleach.
Yellow stains
If the stains are yellow, they be more challenging to tackle. A trick to removing them is by creating a solvent using three parts baking soda with one part water. Apply the solvent onto the stain and allow it to sit for about one hour, then rinse the garment thoroughly or wash it normally. If the stain persists, repeat this process until it is gone completely.
Avoid Bleach
While many of us would assume bleach would be the most effective solution for treating such stains on white clothing, it is in fact, not recommended. Bleach has the potential to react with the stain, worsening it.
Stain Prevention
As you can already tell, these stains can be quite challenging, and the best thing you can do if you frequently encounter this issue is to try and prevent them from happening in the first place. To do so, it is important to:
- Ensure that you only put on your clothes after the deodorant has completely dried
- Consider switching to a deodorant that does not contain aluminum salts
- Avoid excessive application of deodorant
