Removing Underarm Stains - Sweat Stain Removal

Nothing can be more disgusting than those yellow, dirty underarm stains on your newly purchased white shirt. As removing armpit stains can be quite challenging, it is better to prevent them in the first place. They should be removed as soon as possible before the stains set on the fabric permanently. Before discussing how to remove sweat stains or underarm stains, it is equally important to throw some light on what exactly causes them, so that we can take the appropriate measures to prevent them.

Causes of Underarm Stains

Underarm stains are caused by perspiration and the eventual use of antiperspirant products. Antiperspirants are products that reduce the production of sweat by the cells of the body. Generally, aluminum salts are added to antiperspirants to make them more effective. This particular ingredient of antiperspirant products reacts with salts present in our sweat and causes those ugly underarm stains. Gradually the ingredients of these products are absorbed by our clothing, which make these stains more stubborn. Therefore, it's important to remove sweat stains immediately.

Sweat Stain Removal Methods

If the underarm stains of your garments are not very prominent, you can try a detergent, preferably an oxygen based one, for removing armpit stains. Then dry them in sunlight, as sunlight also helps to take out such stains. However, make sure that your garment or shirt is washable, because if only dry cleaning is recommended by the manufacturer, washing is not an option.

For removing sweat stains, which are really stubborn, you would need more than just a simple detergent. Baking soda is regarded by many, as one of the most effective ways for sweat stain removal. You can apply some baking soda on the area and let it stay for about half an hour. Use a soft brush to gently rub that area and then rinse it off with warm or cold water. Besides removing underarm stains, it would also eliminate the unpleasant smell of sweat.

You can also apply a solution of baking soda, peroxide and water, mixed in equal parts. Apply the solution on the area, leave for about 20 to 30 minutes and then rub with a soft brush and rinse with warm or cold water. But do not use hot water for stain removal from clothes, as it causes the stains to set on the fabric. Also remember to try this solution first on an inconspicuous area of the garment, just to make sure that it does not cause any damage to the fabric or color. A paste of aspirin and water can also be used to remove armpit stains.

Another simple method employed for removing underarm stains involves the use of lemon juice. Lemon juice makes the stains lighter, while drying them in sunlight would help remove them completely. Vinegar can also be used for removing underarm stains. Just put some vinegar on the area and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. Then simply wash with water. Many people recommend the use of bleach, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia for stain removal. But it is advisable to take appropriate precautions while applying such substances, as they can fade the color and cause significant damage to the fabric, especially if your shirt or garment is made of delicate and expensive material.

Hope these simple cleaning tips would help you to get rid of those ugly underarm stains. But just make sure that you clean these stubborn stains at the earliest before they set on the fabric of your garments. Also try to prevent underarm or sweat stains by wearing an undershirt or using aluminum free or low aluminum containing antiperspirants or deodorants. Another important point, is not to iron stained clothes, as this will set the stains on the fabric and make them more difficult to remove.