How to Remove Yellow Underarm Stains from Shirts – Tips to Rescue the White Shirt You Thought You Had to Throw Away

Correctly bleaching yellow armpit stains will help restore your shirt to its bright white state without fading, fraying, or losing its shape.

When White Shirts Start to Get Yellow Armpits

It could be your favorite white shirt, the T-shirt you wear every day, or the blouse you used to be so confident wearing to work. But after a few months, you notice that the armpits of the shirt start to have faint yellow stains , and then… you don’t dare to wear it anymore.

This is a very common situation – and completely understandable. Armpit stains are not only unsightly, but also make you feel embarrassed and lack confidence. But the truth is: not all stains are beyond saving . With a few simple ingredients, you can completely remove yellow armpit stains from your shirt and bring your shirt back into your wardrobe every day.

Why Are Armpits Easily Yellow?

1. Sweat + salt + body oil

When sweat is secreted, salt and oil combine with bacteria from the skin to create a chemical reaction that causes the armpit area to oxidize and gradually turn yellow. This stain is more obvious on white or light-colored cotton .

2. Deodorant or perfume residue

Antiperspirants containing aluminum or parabens can react with fabric fibers, especially when combined with sweat, resulting in hard stains and a dark yellowish discoloration in the armpits of shirts.

3. Not washing thoroughly, leaving the shirt damp

Washing in a hurry, not rinsing thoroughly, or leaving damp clothes in the washing machine for too long causes undissolved dirt to seep back in, accumulating most in the armpit area - an area that easily retains moisture and comes into contact with the skin.

3 Effective Ways to Remove Yellow Stains from Armpit Shirts at Home

1. Baking Soda + Lemon Juice

Making:
– Mix baking soda with lemon juice to form a thick mixture
– Apply evenly to the yellowed area, scrub gently with a soft brush
– Leave for 15–30 minutes
– Wash again with warm water mixed with mild soap

Effectiveness: Removes light to moderate sweat stains, kills bacteria and deodorizes

2. White Vinegar + Hydrogen Peroxide

Making:
– Mix white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio
– Use cotton or a soft towel to absorb the solution and apply it to the armpits of the shirt.
– Wait 20–30 minutes, then rinse with cold water and dry in a cool place.

Note: Do not use on colored fabrics as hydrogen peroxide may cause slight fading.

3. Toothpaste + fine salt

Making:
– Apply a thin layer of white toothpaste to the stained area.
Sprinkle with fine salt and scrub gently with a brush.
– Wait 10 minutes then rinse with warm water

Suitable for: Cotton shirts, t-shirts, dress shirts – fast treatment, low odor

After Cleaning – What Should I Do To Prevent The Shirt From Yellowing Again?

• Always wash clothes immediately after wearing , especially white shirts.

• Avoid spraying perfume and deodorant directly on fabrics.

• Dry clothes in a windy, light sunny place - avoid moisture

• For people who sweat a lot, should use disposable armpit pads

Wearing White Is Not Difficult – The Important Thing Is Knowing How To Keep It

You don’t need a lot of white clothes in your wardrobe. But each item you have – know how to keep it in the best condition . A clean armpit area, no yellow stains, no stiff fibers – sometimes the detail that creates the feeling of “clean, elegant” when wearing.

Sustainable fashion doesn’t start with big things. It starts with choosing to keep a piece of clothing you love – instead of throwing it away because of a small stain.

Brands like Root Rotation believe in the spirit of “wear long – wear carefully – wear with care”, and you can start today, with one proper white shirt bleaching.

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