Why do the armpits of my white undershirts turn yellow? Is there a way to clean it?

Question

Happens over the coarse of a year or two. The rest of the shirt is white. Happens to most of my white undershirts. I do perspire more than average.

Answer 1

I have had great results when I soak in oxiclean, It doesn't hurt any fabric, whites or colors. Whites and colors come out looking bright and new.

This is what I do for stains;

It takes out most every stain, in an hour to three days.

Dissolve 1/2 cup oxiclean powder in some hot water, in a bucket or large bowl. Add enough water so the item can soak. Add cold water after the oxiclean is dissolved when the item should not be in hot water. Let soak till the stain is gone.

Each day Refresh the oxiclean and water. By draining the water and making a new mixture.

I got hair dye, food stains, mold & mildew, grass stains, yellowing from age, UNDER ARM stains out, also bleeding from other colors out ( remember to use cold water), just to name a few tough stains that can be gotten out!

Answer 2

Pour vinegar straight on the stains and leave for about 5 minutes then wash as usual. The stains should come out.

If that doesn't work then try a little peroxide right on it. It really depends on how bad they are.

Answer 3

Perspiration is the cause, and bleach should take the stain out.

Answer 4

The stains are a mix of sweat, body oils and salts from your deo.

To remove them soak your shirts in a strong solution of OxyClean overnight.



To prevent the stains in the first place launder your whites and pastels the minute you take them off.  If you toss them in the hamper and wait til later that's when the staining process begins.  If you can't throw them in the washer right away ay least handwash them in Woolite or dishwashing liquid or even shampoo to stop the staining process.  I used to have a horrible problem with my whites staining like that.  It is no longer a problem since I learned to launder them right away.

Answer 5

Yeah, it's a pit stain caused by perspiration. A soak in white vinegar should take care of them. Soak them for about 20 or 30 minutes. You can add some laundry soap after soaking and scrub with a toothbrush then launder.