When your favorite shirts are getting armpit stains …

Ingredients, body chemistry and clothing can all contribute to armpit staining in our shirts. I hope this helps 🙂

Why do armpit stains show up on our favorite shirt?

• Commercial antiperspirant deodorants made with aluminum have chemical reaction between that ingredient and your sweat actually causes yellow stains.
• Switching to a natural, aluminum-free deodorant is the first step to helping alleviate arm pit stains. Natural Deodorants does not prevent the body from sweating, however, can help reduce sweating. Sweating is a natural function of the body to keep it cool, maintain salt levels, and remove toxins from the body.
• At times, even when you do make the switch to natural deodorant, you can experience some discoloration and/or oil marks in the pits of your shirts. You see, natural deodorant is made using unfiltered organic oils & waxes and excess deodorant can rub on your shirt causing a stain, so be sure not to over apply. Also, some  material will absorb the ingredients more readily regardless of how much or little you use. Just something to keep in mind.

Here are some tips to help you get rid of existing armpit stains and prevent future ones from happening.

Oil Stains

White Vinegar: Spray stained area with undiluted distilled white vinegar, let is sit for 10-15 minutes and wash as usual. Line Dry and if stain persists, repeat and it should come out. ( Just keep a spray bottle of vinegar in the laundry room to be prepared)

Dish Soap: Apply a degreasing liquid dish soap to the stained area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This will help release the oil from the shirt. Wash as usual and line dry. f stain still persists, repeat the process.

Yellow Stains

Baking Soda & Peroxide: Combine ¼ cup water, ¼ cup baking soda, and ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide. Using a toothbrush, rub the mixture onto the armpit stains. Allow the item to sit for 20 minutes. Repeat as necessary. Use for white shirts only.

Regardless of the method you choose, always wash in luke-warm water. Cold water doesn’t release the stain, and hot water will set the stain. A high heat dryer can set the stain too. Line dry is best.

3 Tips to help avoid stains in the first place

1.  Make sure your armpits are 100% dry. This will ensure proper absorption and less residue. Also, wait a couple minutes before putting in your shirt to allow for the deodorant to absorb.
2. Swipe twice and be done! Do NOT over apply the deodorant. Excess deodorant will stick to your shirt.
3. If you love tight-fitting shirts, you’re at a disadvantage. Material rubbing against your arm pits will take on the deodorant. Also, keep in mind that synthetic clothing is more susceptible to staining.