Why do my husband's coloured shirts (button down and t-shirts) keep bleaching out under the arms?

Question

They don't get yellow stains, rather the colour fades out altogether and leaves a sort of bleach-out patch under the arm. Can anyone tell me what might be causing this and how to prevent it? He does use deo/anti-perspirant. I'm tired of having to get rid of otherwise perfectly good shirts!

Answer 1

I would also try changing deoderant.  Sometimes the combination of the deoderant and the chemical makeup of someones sweat creates an acid,

Found this on

http://www.howtogetridofstuff.com

Preventing Deodorant Stains

Here are a few suggestions scrounged up from some professionals to help keep armpit stains and deodorant stains at bay:

* Thicker applications of any deodorant or antiperspirant aren’t necessarily more effective, and they increase the chances of you getting those stain-causing chemicals on your clothes. Applying a very thin, even layer of antiperspirant to your armpits will help prevent the acids and aluminum salts from getting on your clothes.

* Before donning your daily attire, make sure to let the deodorant or antiperspirant dry thoroughly. This may require you to walk around the house without a shirt on for a while, but if your significant other complains, just tell them you’re saving them from an agonizing day in the laundry room.

* Try using just plain old cold water to rinse the armpits of your shirts when you get home. Apparently cold water is just enough to neutralize the acids eating away at your shirts, and simply soaking the armpits before putting your shirts in the wash should help keep your shirts free of deodorant stains.

Answer 2

It's probably his deodorant.  Check the ingredients - if there's a lot of alcohol in it, this could be the reason.

Answer 3

I am on a lot of medications which react with the chemicals in deoderants and discolor the armpits of everything from t-shirts to dresses.  Sometimes it is a matter of chemistry.  But, I read a hint in Linda Cobb's book, Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean that worked for me.  The first time I launder a garment before I wear it, I lather up some Fels Naptha soap in the armpits.  Somehow it prevents the discoloration.  Then, every time I wash the garment thereafter, I repeat the process and lather up the soap to remove the deoderant and perspiration from the arm pit areas.  It has worked to stop the problem completely.

Answer 4

Hi mizbiski,

It could be his deodorant. Has he always used the same brand?

Answer 5

change the brand of deoderent