Unsightly yellow armpit stains can
destroy a white shirt quickly, and that
expensive shirt may be relegated to
the rag bag. Understanding the cause
of the stains is the first step to
prevention. Yellow underarm stains on clothing are caused by sweat
compounded by the use of
antiperspirants. Step 1 Wash your underarms with an
antibacterial soap twice every day.
According to “Fitness” magazine,
sweat contains bacteria that can
exacerbate underarm stains. Although
all sweat contains bacteria, the problem will be more pronounced for
some people, and antibacterial soap
can help. Step 2 Use antiperspirant sparingly. Apply an
even, thin later to your underarms and
allow the antiperspirant to dry
completely before getting dressed.
According to the website
SweatSolutions, antiperspirant works by plugging the sweat ducts just
below the surface of the skin. A heavy
application of deodorant is no more
effective than a thin layer, the site
notes. Step 3 Try deodorant instead of
antiperspirant. Antiperspirants contain
aluminum and other ingredients that
stick to the fabric and as a result,
sebum and oil are trapped in the
fibers, according to the “Chicago Tribune.” As the fabric dries, a yellow
stain is left behind. The ingredients in
deodorant, such as hydrogenated
castor oil and stearyl alcohol, are more
water-soluble. Test different brands of
antiperspirant or deodorant, as different brands have slightly different
formulations and one may work better
for you. Step 4 See a dermatologist if the problem
persists, advises “Fitness” magazine. A
dermatologist may prescribe a topical
antibiotic or a stronger deodorant
available only by prescription. Step 5 Rinse an affected white shirt with cold
water immediately after wearing,
suggests SweatSolutions. Hot or warm
water can set the stain, making the
situation worse. After rinsing with cold
water, launder the garment as usual, using the warmest water suggested
on the tag.