How to Remove Sweat Stains from White T-Shirts

Armpit stains in white T-shirts can make them look dirty and unkempt. Don't worry, though! With the right prep work and washing tricks, you can make your shirt look good as new. Follow these steps to carefully pre-treat and wash the shirt, ensuring it stays fresh for years.

Part 1: Pre-Treating the Stain

Step 1: Soak the Shirt

Start by soaking the shirt in a mixture of 1 gallon of warm water and 3 spoonfuls of liquid detergent for 30 minutes. This helps to loosen the stain before washing. You don’t need any special detergent; your regular brand will work fine. This method is also safe for colored shirts.

Step 2: Apply Stain Fighter

After soaking, take the shirt out and lay it flat. Spray or pour a pre-treating stain fighter onto the armpit stains. Ensure the stains are fully covered. Common products like OxyClean, Tide, or Carbona work well. Don’t forget to check around the neckline for any hidden stains.

Step 3: Baking Soda and Peroxide

If you don't have a commercial stain fighter, mix one part baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Apply this paste to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes. This method is effective but should only be used on white fabrics as it can bleach colors.

Step 4: Use Vinegar

For a natural remedy, pour white vinegar onto the stains and let the shirt soak for a few minutes. This can be used on colored shirts, though it may not be as effective on set-in stains.

Step 5: Aspirin Solution

For newer stains, dissolve 2 aspirin tablets in warm water and pour the solution onto the stains. Let it soak in for a few minutes. Note that aspirin may stain colored clothes, so it’s best used on whites.

Step 6: Scrub the Stain

Use a sponge or toothbrush to scrub the stain in a circular motion. This helps to lift the stain and work the treatment into the fabric. You might notice the stain starting to fade as you scrub.

Step 7: Let It Sit

Allow the shirt to sit for 5 minutes to give the spot treatment time to soak in and start lifting the stain. Follow any specific timing instructions on your stain fighter product if they differ.

Part 2: Washing the Shirt

Step 1: Hot Water Wash

Set your washing machine to the hot water setting. Hot water is more effective at lifting stains and also helps to kill bacteria and reduce odors. Check the care label on your shirt to ensure it can withstand hot water.

Step 2: Undersized Load

Avoid overloading the washing machine. Keeping the load small ensures that each item gets ample water and detergent coverage, which helps to lift stains more effectively. Do not mix colors with whites in this load.

Step 3: Regular Detergent

Wash the shirt with your usual detergent. As long as you’ve pre-treated the stain correctly, there’s no need for special detergent. Follow your usual washing routine.

Step 4: Air-Dry

Instead of using a dryer, air-dry the shirt. The heat from the dryer can set any remaining stains. By air-drying, you give yourself the chance to re-treat any stubborn spots.

Conclusion

By following these simple pre-treating and washing steps, you can effectively remove sweat stains from your white T-shirts and keep them looking fresh and clean. Whether you use commercial products or home remedies, the key is in the careful pre-treatment and appropriate washing techniques. With the right care, your favorite white shirts can stay stain-free for years to come.

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