May 22, 2024 by Mulberry Maids
Pit stains can leave an unsightly mark on all shirts, but especially on white and other light colored shirts. Luckily, these can be remedied with a couple of different cleaning tricks. Similar to effectively cleaning stains in your home, these solutions will use all natural cleaning products to help get the job done.
As the top professional Loveland CO cleaning company, we have ample experience in not only cleaning stains in your home, but deep cleaning your whole house. For those of you reading who are pressed for time, maybe it is time to try out a cleaning service to take that load off of your shoulders.
Read on to learn more about all the tips and tricks to remove pit stains from your clothing!
What is the root cause of pit stains on my shirts?
Just like toilet seat stains, pit stains on shirts are a very common occurrence that can happen to anyone. They are not a sign of poor hygiene, and have more to do with antiperspirant choices than anything else. When the aluminum in non-aluminum free antiperspirants reacts with sweat, it can create the yellow staining seen on white shirts.
- Aluminum and sweat react to create yellow staining.
- Yellow staining is not a problem with hygiene nor with excessive sweating.
How can I effectively tackle these stains?
These stains can be tackled in similar ways as other household stains. Before you get started treating these stains, make sure that your washing machine is in good working order and deeply cleaned.
One method to try for stains that have been set in for a while, is to use an oxygen bleach powder mixed with hot water. Use this method to form a thick paste to rub into the stain. You can then cover the stain with plastic wrap to retain the moisture of the paste, and let it sit for several hours. Follow this up with regular laundering of the garment.
If the stain is still present, you can then repeat the process again.
For quicker alternatives, you can try some of the following household stain removal techniques:
- Make a 1:1 water to vinegar solution, and let the stained garment sit in the solution for about an hour. Take it out, and try to scrub the stain with a soft brush. Launder the garment as normal after.
- You can follow the same process above, but use lemon juice instead of vinegar.
- Hydrogen peroxide can also be applied to the stain. Simply wet the stain with water, and pour hydrogen peroxide on top of it. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, and launder normally afterwards.
- You can use a baking soda paste to help scrub the stain. Simply soak the stain in a vinegar and water solution, and then apply a baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and salt paste to the stain. You can then scrub it with a toothbrush, and launder it afterwards.
Is there anything I can do to prevent these stains?
Pit stain prevention is pretty easy, but will involve a couple lifestyle changes. If you would like to continue using antiperspirant, you can try to switch to an aluminum free one to prevent the stain causing reaction between the aluminum and sweat.
You can also forgo the antiperspirant altogether to avoid the aluminum. It may be best to try these out to see how your body reacts. Additionally, if you do have staining, it is best to tackle it right away. Like all stains, they are easier to get out when they are fresh. If the stain is fresh, you may be able to try a store bought clothing stain remover, which is easier and quicker than the process of removing set in stains.
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