Dealing with armpit stains and odor in your clothes can be annoying and embarrassing. With regular wear, the buildup of sweat, deodorant residue, and bacteria can leave yellow, brown, or white stains under the arms of shirts, dresses, blouses, and other garments. The odor from these stains can also linger in the fabric. Getting rid of these stains and smells in clothes can seem daunting, but with the right techniques and products, you can freshen up your wardrobe and save your favorite garments.
Why Do Armpit Stains and Odor Happen?
Armpit stains and odor occur due to a combination of sweat, deodorant ingredients, and bacteria buildup on clothing. Here’s a breakdown of what causes underarm stains and smells:
Sweat
Sweat itself is odorless. It’s made up mostly of water with small amounts of salts, amino acids, and minerals. But when sweat comes into contact with bacteria on your skin, it can start to smell. These bacteria feed on the sweat and bodily oils produced in your armpits, causing body odor. The bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment under your arms.
As you sweat throughout the day, the sweat soaks into the fabric under your arms, bringing odor-causing bacteria with it. This leads to staining and smells over time. The sweat interacts with products you apply like deodorant and antiperspirant too.
Deodorant and Antiperspirant Residue
Deodorant and antiperspirant keep sweat and odor at bay, but they can also contribute to staining. Aluminum salts found in antiperspirants, for example, can react with sweat to create a yellow buildup on fabric. The waxy or oily nature of deodorant sticks, gels, and creams means they can transfer to clothing and discolor fabrics too. As the residues build up with repeated wear, stains become more noticeable.
Bacteria
The bacteria naturally present in our armpits are the main culprit behind odor. When these bacteria interact with sweat, they multiply quickly and release pungent-smelling substances. The bacteria remain stuck in the fibers of clothing worn, causing ongoing odor issues over time.
How to Remove Armpit Stains from Clothes
If you’ve noticed yellow, brown, or white stains building up under the arms of your shirts, dresses, blouses, suits, or other garments, try these methods to tackle the staining:
1. Check Clothing Labels First
Before using any stain removal methods, check the care label on your garment for instructions. Take note of what materials it’s made from and if there are any warnings about bleach or other chemicals. This will help you choose a suitable stain removal technique.
If the label says “dry clean only,” take the item to a professional rather than trying to remove stains at home. Machine washing and harsh chemicals can damage delicates. For dry clean items, point out any stains to your cleaner.
2. Try a Laundry Pre-Treatment Spray or Gel
Pre-treatment sprays and gels help break down and lift stains before washing clothes. Check the product label to make sure it’s suitable for your fabric, then:
- Hang or lay the garment flat and spray or rub the pre-treatment directly onto stains.
- Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes. This gives the active ingredients time to work.
- Machine wash as normal, using the warmest recommended water setting. The heat helps release stains.
- Avoid using fabric softener, as this can leave residue.
- For tough stains, re-apply pre-treatment and wash again. Multiple applications may be needed.
Look for pre-treatments with ingredients like enzymes, surfactants, and solvents designed to dissolve and remove body soils. Oxygen-based bleaches can also help whiten discoloration without using harsh chlorine bleach.
3. Make a DIY Pre-Treatment Baking Soda Paste
For a natural alternative, try making a paste with baking soda:
- Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with enough water to form a paste.
- Spread this directly onto the stained area.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing. This allows the baking soda to lift and draw out stains.
- Launder as usual with detergent and the warmest allowed water temperature.
The abrasive texture of baking soda can help scrub away discoloration without fading or damaging fabrics. Its alkaline properties also help freshen up odors.
4. Use Laundry Booster Crystals or Pods
Laundry boosters enhance your regular detergent by pre-treating tough stains. They generally contain stain-fighting ingredients like percarbonate (a whitening agent) and surfactants. For armpit stains, use them as follows:
- Add booster crystals or a laundry pod along with your usual detergent.
- Wash in the hottest water recommended for the fabric.
- For heavy stains, try rubbing the crystals directly into the stain 5-10 minutes before washing.
- Booster pods can also go straight in the drum with clothes. Follow package instructions.
- Don’t use bleach at the same time, as this can damage fabrics.
Boosters offer an easy extra kick when washing clothes as normal. Look for non-chlorine options to avoid fading.
5. Make a Lime and Salt Treatment
For white fabrics, try this natural stain-fighting duo:
- Cut a lime in half and dip the cut edge into salt.
- Rub the lime edge directly onto stained areas until damp.
- Place garment in bright sunlight for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Rinse the item thoroughly then wash as usual.
The salt draws moisture out of the stain, while the lime juice’s acidity breaks down discoloration. Sunlight also helps whiten and disinfect. This works well for light stains on white cotton, linen, or polyester. Avoid using this method on silk or wool.
6. Use Chlorine Bleach as a Last Resort
If all else fails, chlorine bleach can remove stubborn stains on white clothes. But take care, as it can damage fabrics with repeated use.
- Check your item’s care label first – if bleach is not recommended, avoid this method.
- Dilute chlorine bleach with water as per the package instructions.
- Pre-treat stains by spraying bleach solution directly onto them.
- Let it soak 5-10 minutes, then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
- Never use undiluted bleach, and don’t leave it on for longer than 10 minutes.
- Rinse clothes thoroughly after washing to remove all bleach residue.
For colored fabrics, try oxygen bleach instead. This won’t fade clothes like chlorine bleach can. Test bleach products on an inside seam first to check for damage.
7. Replace Old Stained Garments If Needed
With repeated wear, some clothing can become too stained for home removal methods to work. The pores of the fabric become ingrained with bacteria, sweat, and deodorant residue over time. If you have old shirts or garments with heavy staining under the arms despite multiple washings, it may be time to replace them.
How to Remove Odor from Clothes
Aside from stains, bacteria trapped in clothing fibers can cause ongoing odor issues. Here are some tips to freshen smelly clothes and get rid of lingering underarm odors:
Wash Regularly in Hot Water
Wash your garments every 1-2 wears if prone to underarm odors. Use the hottest water recommended for the fabric. This helps kill bacteria responsible for smells. Whites can be washed in very hot water above 140°F (60°C) to sanitize, provided the fabric won’t shrink.
Use a Laundry Sanitizer
Laundry sanitizers kill 99.9% of bacteria in clothes that cause odors. They come as liquid additives or powder crystals. Simply add to the wash cycle with your regular detergent and wash as normal in hot water. This disinfects items and leaves them fresh.
Give Clothes a Hot Machine Dry
Tumble drying on a hot setting helps eliminate odors by speeding up evaporation of moisture where bacteria grow. Take clothes out of the dryer immediately so smells don’t settle back in. Avoid over-drying items, as this can damage fabrics.
Try White Vinegar in the Rinse Cycle
The acidic properties of white vinegar make it a natural deodorizer and sanitizer. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to your machine’s rinse cycle to neutralize odors. The smell dissipates as clothes dry. Distilled white vinegar is safe for most washable fabrics.
Let Items Dry in the Sun
Sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Letting clothes dry outside in the sun for 30 minutes to an hour can help freshen them up. The UV rays and fresh air help destroy odor-causing bacteria. Just check clothing labels first, as sunlight can fade some fabrics.
Sprinkle Baking Soda Over Fabrics
Baking soda absorbs odors instead of just masking them. After washing smelly items, sprinkle a light coating of baking soda over them and let sit 1-2 hours before drying. Vacuum off the baking soda – don’t rinse it down the drain.
Clean Your Washing Machine
Over time, residue and bacteria can build up in your washer. Run a hot wash cycle monthly with bleach or other machine cleaning products to disinfect it. This prevents odors transferring between loads. Leave the door open between washes to allow moisture to evaporate.
How to Prevent Underarm Stains in Clothes
Preventing armpit stains and odors from taking hold in the first place will save you hassle down the track. Here are some handy tips:
Use an Antiperspirant and Apply it Correctly
Wearing an antiperspirant blocks sweat, minimizing staining and odor issues. Apply it at night before bed so it has time to fully absorb into the skin, as this makes it more effective. Reapply in the morning too for all-day protection.
Make sure to apply antiperspirant on clean armpits – not directly after shaving or showering when skin is still damp. Change old shirts that have buildup before reapplying.
Wear Undershirts and Dress Shields
Wearing an undershirt that absorbs sweat and deodorant residue before it reaches your outer garments is a game changer. Choose undershirts in technical fabrics that wick moisture away from the body. For formal wear, adhesive dress shields also prevent stains.
Keep Clothes Clean Between Washes
To prevent buildup between washes, spot clean armpits as needed. For shirts, rub a little liquid detergent into stains then rinse. Vinegar and baking soda solutions also help freshen clothes between wears. Avoid over-washing items, as this can fade fabrics.
Turn Garments Inside Out Before Washing
Flipping clothes inside out concentrates cleaning on stained underarm areas. The friction from other garments helps rub away debris during the wash. Don’t overload the machine, so clothes can move freely.
Change Out of Sweaty Workout Wear ASAP
The longer sweat sits on clothing, the more it sets in. After exercise or heavy sweating, change out of damp tops and innerwear soon as possible. This stops sweat from drying and bacteria from multiplying. Wash activewear after each wear.
Use a Clinical-Strength Antiperspirant
For excessive sweating, use an extra-strength clinical antiperspirant. These contain a higher percentage of active ingredients to block more sweat glands. Reapply clinical antiperspirants at night to target odor and wetness.
Consider Underarm Botox Injections
For excessive sweating that no antiperspirant can control, ask a dermatologist about Botox for armpits. Botox injections temporarily block sweat glands, reducing sweat production for up to 6 months. This minimizes staining issues. Repeat injections are needed to maintain results.
FAQs About Removing Armpit Stains and Odor from Clothes
How do you remove old armpit stains?
For stubborn, set-in stains:
- Soak garments overnight in an oxygen bleach solution. This helps lift staining and deodorize.
- Rub liquid dish soap, baking soda paste, or powdered laundry detergent directly onto stains before washing. Let it soak in.
- Try pre-treating with an enzymatic cleaner. Enzymes break down organic stains.
- Use a laundry booster or bleach alternative in a hot wash cycle if safe for the fabric.
How do you get odor out of clothes that have been stored?
To remove musty smells from clothes stored away, try:
- Hanging items outside in fresh air and sunlight for a few hours.
- Machine washing with hot water, laundry sanitizer, and white vinegar added to the rinse cycle.
- Sprinkling baking soda over stored fabrics overnight before brushing off.
- Placing absorbents like baking soda, charcoal, or tea bags in storage containers.
Can vinegar remove armpit stains?
Yes, white vinegar is effective at removing underarm staining and odor. Its high acidity kills bacteria and breaks down deodorant residue. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to your machine’s rinse cycle or soak garments before washing. Avoid using vinegar on delicate fabrics.
What removes yellow armpit stains?
To remove yellowing:
- Use an oxygen bleach, as this whitens without harsh chemicals.
- Make a paste with baking soda and water and rub it into stains before washing.
- For white fabrics, try scrubbing with a lemon half dipped in salt before rinsing.
- As a last resort, use diluted chlorine bleach if safe for the fabric.
How do you keep clothes from getting underarm stains?
Prevent armpit stains by:
- Using an effective antiperspirant and applying it correctly.
- Wearing undershirts to absorb sweat and debris.
- Spot cleaning garments between wears.
- Turning clothes inside out before washing.
- Changing out of damp garments soon after heavy sweating.
How do you get smell out of clothes without washing them?
To freshen clothes without washing, try:
- Hanging items outside in the sunlight and fresh air.
- Spritzing lightly with white vinegar or vodka and letting air dry.
- Sprinkling generously with baking soda, leaving overnight, then brushing off.
- Stuffing damp clothing with dryer sheets or tennis balls overnight.
- Steaming over areas where odor lingers.
Conclusion
Dealing with pesky armpit stains and odors in clothing can be frustrating. However, with the right targeted stain removal methods and laundry practices, you can keep your wardrobe looking and smelling fresh. Test products and approaches on hidden areas first to ensure they are safe for your fabrics.
Prevention is also key – wearing antiperspirant, changing after sweaty activities, and washing garments regularly will help minimize staining and smells before they take hold. With some consistent laundry care, you can avoid having to toss otherwise good clothing items.