Getting stains off clothing

[dorothean]

Specifically, deodorant stains.

I have a rather small number of shirts that are suitable for work, and some of them are becoming less fit for that purpose in the underarm area. I'm looking for advice about fixing them, if possible, and for preventing this problem in the future.

The pale-colored shirts have a yellowy stain that can be seen when I'm wearing the shirt, but what bothers me more is that some of the shirts seem to retain a musky deodoranty smell that, despite washing, comes back as soon as I start wearing the shirt.

I guess the problem is that the deodorant has built up on the fabric, trapping sweat, in a way that defeats ordinary washing.

I use odorless Dove deodorant for sensitive skin (anything stronger makes me itch; I tried Tom's of Maine organic deodorant but it didn't work for me). I don't shave, but I don't think that's relevant -- when I did, I didn't sweat or smell any differently, and I think I had the same problem with shirts but I just cared less. I usually wash my shirts in cold water with detergent and hang them up to dry, since I have problems with shrinking if I use heat. I did wash everything in warm water last time, but it didn't make any difference.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of the deodorant build-up? And is there anything I can do to prevent it? (Underarm shields seem a little fussy, but if anyone here has tried them, would you recommend it?)

Comments

[teigh_corvus]

One of the things I've done to deal with underarm stink build-up is periodically wash my shirts in sports wash. There's special detergent that you can get for tech fabric/sports gear that works when on non-sports gear too. It's a little expensive, but it's not something you have to use every time you wash your shirts, just when you notice the odor building up. And because it's meant for tech fabric, it's kind to most fabrics - I've used on two velvet shirts that like to hoard scent and had great success. You can get tech wash at outdoor gear shops.

[dorothean]

Thanks! I would never have thought of that, but it makes sense. I'll look into this next time I'm near the right kind of store.

[teigh_corvus]

Yeah, I won't have made the connection either, if I hadn't used the stuff on my winter gear. I think that gear stores would prolly have that stuff online too. [Though I totally understand wanting to label shop before buying.]

[smeddley]

Vinegar can help cut that if it's not too far gone, I used a spray bottle and soaked the area, let it sit, then hand-scrubbed it with some laundry (powder) soap. It worked on some shirts (these were t-shirts), and I think I could have made it work for more if I wasn't so lazy (takes a little elbow grease and/or repeated soakings).

[dorothean]

Thank you! Do you know if vinegar changes the color of the fabric at all? I don't want to get pale spots on my colored shirts.

*threadjumping* [sorry]

[teigh_corvus]

It's an acid, so it's possible. Though, I've used white vinegar for cleaning and not had a problem with it. Test it on a hidden place on the shirt first to check.

[grammarwoman]

+1 for vinegar. Dilute it with water in a spray bottle and mist the pits every time you launder them. It will both help break down what's there and prevent further incursions.

Note: we use this technique on my husband's T-shirts, which are cotton and come in all colors. I make no guarantees for other fabrics.

[dorothean]

Thank you! About what ratio of water:vinegar do you use for dilution?

[grammarwoman]

This site says 1 part vinegar to 8 parts water, but I usually go 1 to 4 or so.

That site also has other recs for underarm stains - it might be worth a look!

[dorothean]

Thank you!

[sporky_rat]

Thirding the vinegar. I use it with the Husbandthing's pillowcases and it gets rid of that smell very nicely. It also works well with my workout clothes and work trousers (it gets rid of the grease smell! I love it!) and those are cotton.

[dorothean]

Thanks! Vinegar is super stuff. I already use it (with a baking soda explosion) to freshen up my sink drain. So many uses!

[harpers_child]

there's a goop called M-30 that you can pick up at the dollar general. it takes stains out of all sorts of things. it's sort of oily so do a test spot first. i use it to get underarm stains off of my mostly cotton dress shirts.

[dorothean]

Oooh, thanks, I'll be on the lookout for this, especially if the vinegar doesn't work on everything!

[moizissimo]

I use pet carpet spray, like Nature's Miracle.

Yeah, I know. My mom uses sport wash, which is $$ and I use less expensive unscented pet spray. I haven't had any problems with bleaching, but always do a test spot first (I've actually started using the Nature's Miracle laundry detergent for workout clothes, but can't really recommend it because it's scented. UGH!).