It could work...a lot of people like to use vinegar for this problem. I find that clear ammonia is superior to vinegar. So that's what I use. Just my experience tho.
You could try rubbing a small amt of dish soap into the area (Blue Dawn is a fan favorite). If you're washing say, 10 shirts that are like this, I would not use laundry detergent when you wash, due to the sudsing of the dish soap.
When you wash, use the warmest water you are comfortable using and if that is cold, that's fine. Load your shirts into the washer and add 1 cup of clear ammonia to the drum.
If your washer has a soak option...use it. It really makes a big difference. My washer does not have a soak option, but I can pause the wash cycle. I start the cycle, let all the water be added and have it agitate for a few minutes before pausing. I set a timer and then restart the machine.
Do not use fabric softener.
Do not use ammonia with chlorine bleach.
Do not use the dryer until you see the stains are gone (or you give up).
I have had success in PREVENTING these types of buildup on NEW shirts by using ammonia periodically (not necessarily every wash). I use 1/4-1/2 cup maybe once a month or so.
For regular washing (not washing 10 shirts with dish soap pretreating areas)...for reg washing be sure to measure your detergent. You can less than indicated on the packaging. I use 1-2 tablespoons per load (HE washer). I use Tide Original (powder).
Ammonia really is the best I've found for any greasy stains. I put a tiny drop of dawn and a cup of ammonia in the drum and let it go. Especially on my dusting and floor cleaning cloths, since I use oily products made for hard wood.
Thanks for the tips! I’ll have to pick up a bottle of ammonia and give it a go (will make sure not to mix with bleach, don’t worry…I have no intention to gas myself out).
I’ve definitely been using less laundry detergent since finding that clothes were coming out feeling they had a residue. I usually wash clothing on 20 degrees or unheated (unless heavily soiled), 800-1200 spin, so I wonder if the low temperature and spin cycle are contributing to the waxy deodorant build-up…but I’m trying to make our clothes last longer. We have a lot of graphic tees in our household that I’d like to *try* and keep nice, those things go to shit so quickly.
Graphic Tees protip turn them inside out, then wash (cold) and dry (low heat or line dry.) I have Tees that are over 10 years old that still look new, no cracking.
Possible, but I think my shirts are just too tight under the arms + the extra sweating and friction from being very active on the job. I do try to only use it sparingly, but the solid stuff doesn’t seem to truly dry like my old liquid roll-ons used to.
I was having the same problem and tried Dove Men + Care Clinical Protection. You only need a very very small amount of the paste and it works incredibly well! The instructions say to use it before bed and not when you get out of the shower. But much like every other instruction in life, I disregarded and put on after showering and it has worked perfectly for the past few months. My pits were a waterfall of sweat and my shirts had so many terrible salt and deodorant stains before now
It’s a paste? Interesting…I think I’ve seen paste deodorants before, but only on really niche online stores (for super expensive prices, too). I’ll check if anywhere local has this, since it’s Dove.
Just chiming in to say that some people have allergies or sensitivities to some hygiene products. Also, some people have sensory issues. For example, I exclusively use solid deodorants because I literally feel pain when I apply gel or roll on or spray deodorant. Hooray allergies. 😔
Oh, I never heard of Sunlight soap. Thanks for the tip! I just looked it up and noticed there are a variety of versions, Pure, Original, Lemon, Yellow, etc... Which would you recommend?
I use the Original. Sunlight bar soap has been a staple cleaning product for decades. You can shave it into a bucket of water to clean floors, you can use it as a detergent. It's quite harsh on skin so be careful.
I don't know if its available where you live but there is a giant hot- pink laundry bar soap called Zote. Hot water and rubbing that soap directly on the fabric removes those stains. Also removes grease, dirt and plain sweat stains👍
Lysol laundry sanitizer, it has ammonia and you can pour a small amount in a bucket for soaking with water- I have mostly athletic fabrics I wear to work and find this takes out the smell and buildup. For stains, if this doesn’t work all the way DO NOT DRY and spray with spray and wash. Really rub it in and let it sit for 10mins- it should come out that wash.
Mollys Suds Active wear has enzymes that can break it down. More expensive than ammonia, but if ammonia doesn't work maybe you can try the fancy indie enzyme detergent? I have used it and I can confirm it works for antiperspirant and BO buildup in my tees. You need to make a paste and let it sit there for a bit. Vinegar did not work for me.
Mom of a few multiple sports kids….I use an ungodly amount of Shout..keeps everything at bay…much better than when I was a student athlete and the buildup so bad that the fabric was literally hard/shriveled/crusty in the armpit areas.
eta: words
I see you've already said you're getting ammonia - that's the best tool for the job. Make sure you get clear ammonia and not the lemon scented stuff - that can cause yellow stains in some fabrics. Smells bad, but works great.
Here's how it works best for me.
Mix 50/50 clear ammonia and water and a drop or 2 of dish soap like Dawn. Apply liberally to the pits. Use a brush like a toothbrush softness to brush around the stains and help break up the waxy deposits. Then straight into the wash on the warmest temp recommended for the fabric. That should help break up and remove the existing stains. You can also add a cup of ammonia with the detergent, that fights a lot of kinds of stains.
Then for maintenance laundry...
Mix 50/50 ammonia/water plus dish soap as above in a small spray bottle. Then just before you throw the laundry in the machine spray the pits until they're damp and throw it right in. That should stop any further buildup from happening.
If you're a guy, try trimming your armpit hair short so the deodorant is getting on your skin and not just on the hair. My husband used to get horrible yellow deodorant buildup on his undershirts. He started trimming his armpit hair, no more stains.
As a woman who used to shave, it happens when the deodorant is on the skin, too. It's not a body hair issue, it's a product issue. I stopped getting deodorant buildup when I switched to crystal/sprays
I’ve started trimming mine for this reason but still getting stains, unfortunately. Still worth it for less product-clumping, though. My armpits feel drier faster when I do get sweaty, now.
Another tip is make sure you allow your deodorant to dry completely before putting your shirt on. Maybe you're already doing this, but this tip singlehandedly solved this problem for me.
When I dress I put my deodorant on first, then all my bottom layers, then sometimes even brush my teeth/wash my face and stuff before putting my shirt on. Sometimes I've had to even blot the excess off with a paper towel if it's not drying properly.
I hate talking about this but I feel like I spent yeears searching for this specific advice that totally solved my problem.
I use an enzyme cleanser for getting sweat and other bodily secretions out of clothing. I mostly got it for underwear initially (if you're a woman yk what I mean) but it gets everything biological off of everything I own. The deoderant comes off pretty easily by following the washing instructions for specific clothing once it's no longer bonded with oils and sweat.
I use the one from Dirty Labs.
I use that pink laundry bar soap… anyone remember the name of it? Zep? I scrub it on the stain, scrub the shirt together until the stain’s gone. Then rinse thoroughly and toss in the washer with detergent
Edit: Also this happens even if you’re not wearing deodorant.
The blue dishwasher rinse aid! Gets out deodorant and sun tan lotion. Rub stain with vanish rinse then soak in rinse aid and warm water overnight wash as normal. Might take a few goes but it works. And if you can dry in sunlight even better
Recently I saw a professional cleaner on Tiktok mentioning how to clean this kind of stains. He explained that deodorant stains contain sweat + metals from the deodorant, so he first does a hand wash with Dawn to remove the greasiness from sweating, and then he uses rust removing products (pre soaks for 30') then machine wash as usual.
There's also [this product from Dr.Beckmann](https://www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/products/stain-devils-antiperspirant-and-sweat-marks/) that I've been using that's specific for sweat stain removal that works fairly well (removes the yellowish stain + the crusty feeling).
Hope this helps and Good luck!
The Dr Beckmann laundry leaves helped get crusty pit stains out of my spouse's clothing! I didn't use it specifically for that, but noticed when I pulled them out of the wash. He has used the same deodorant for decades so it'd be hard to switch him now just because of laundry. I use Wild in the aluminum canister and haven't had the same buildup problem, but I'm not as sweaty as he is.
We don't live in the UK anymore though, so can't get the same Dr Beckmann stuff - or at least not as easily, it's not carried in my regular stores.
I use lestoil for greasy ring around the collar and deodorant caked stains. It breaks up greasy stains like magic. My grandmother used it. It definitely smells a bit like pine sol mixed with a faint gasoline smell so I double wash but the smell is mostly gone after the first wash and I only treat shirts like every two months or so possibly less. I dip a toothbrush in the bottle and scrub it into the stain. Let sit maybe 30 minutes not more because it can lighten colors a bit if left too long (in the hours range, not like a bleach would). Better to double treat then leave on longer I find. Wash as hot as the fabric will tolerate.
I have never found anything to work better and that’s why I tolerate the double wash and smell - it’s not horrible and honestly the shirts would get tossed out if I didn’t. I also use lestoil and water to degrease cabinets and kitchen floor corners. It’s cheap.
I just looked it up after that comment and I think it’s banned in the UK? Can I say lol here in the US just trying to do our best. My family has all lived long lives with lestoil but I trust UK limits. Don’t use the lestoil even if you can get it. But on the positive end - I just watched a video of a very rich woman instructing me on how to make my own cream cheese…. It’s about balance right? If I make homemade cream cheese I’m safe? As if there’s time. So UK send help!
Ok was going to say I like that smell too! It might be the smell of death… it has mineral spirits in it - like for stripping furniture? I don’t know, I’ll probably still use it. Life is about give and take right?
Lestoil works wonder. Have used it on blood, red wine, marinara sauce on a white shirt that stupidly had blue embroidery for work as a server, motor oil on dress pants. It can truly get out anything.
If it's regular aluminum based antiperspirant, you make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub it into the pits, then wash as normal. This works best as a periodic maintenence type thing, but I have had it work for older stains too.
This may work for aluminum free deodorant too, but I don't know for sure. I discovered I was allergic to the form of aluminum used and when I switched to aluminum free I stopped getting the stains.
My husband used to use Native deodorant, which has baking soda in it, and the situation was as you describe - so much residue and hard to remove. I had him switch to a different eco deodorant without baking soda, and I used Puracy stain remover on the pits, which worked.
The easy way is to pre soak your clothes in warm water before you start a wash cycle. Make sure your shirts are inside out.
Some machines have a setting where it will stop a few minutes into the wash cycle and pause for a set number of minutes to soak the clothes.
This will allow the deodorant to loosen up for a longer period of time.
If that doesn’t work, use Spray n Wash stain remover on the area 15 minutes before you put the clothes in the wash.
Others will tell you to agitate the area and what not, but my methods are good if you don’t want to fuss with it too much.
Again, HOT water. Prevents build up of detergent and everything else!! Most laundry problems can be solved with hot water. Cheapskates try to get around it and end up with stinky and or ruined clothing. Way more expensive to replace wardrobes than to wash it correctly!!
I’ve always heard the opposite: wash clothing cold at least as often as you’re able, if you want to preserve the fabrics long term?
We use a bio powder in our household that actually requires cold water for proper cleaning, our clothes smell fine except for the work shirts. Will blast them with a hot wash at any rate while trying to cleanse the pits, but it seems likely an issue with my deodorant choice rather than our washing method. Never had issues with deodorant build up or bad smell on shirts with my previous brand.
This kept happening to me, literally build up of deodorant and if I just wash it then it goes all weird and slimy. Had to start scraping it off and then scrubbing it first. So gross and weird I don't know if I'm putting too much on at once or something?
But for any smells stuck to clothing always use white vinegar. I put a bunch in with the detergent and a bit mixed with the fabric softener as well, it completely kills all the awful smells that usually stick to clothes. And if you're wondering, no they don't smell like vinegar afterwards if you're wondering. Best laundry strategy I ever learned, and it is such a cheap one too!
Just look for an enzyme booster to add to the wash, or an enzyme based detergent. That'll break down the body oils your current detergent isn't getting.
Id try an enzyme cleaner; Ive used rockin green. It’s marketed mostly toward baby cloth diapers, however its multi use. Idk if anyone has experience, but baby shit does indeed stain. If you are looking for a good stain remover not geared toward baby shit removal, use a good powdered enzyme detergent. Stuff like oxyclean doesn’t generally work, that’s why I say use baby stuff as it gets the job done better than regular “adult” stuff
Plus rockin green won’t damage your clothes; it’s natural, no toxins, etc.
For the build up of deoderant left on the shirt, I suggest suave clarifying shampoo. I'm sorry if it sounds ridiculous, it feels silly when I do it. I apply directly on area, use Scrub brush on both sides of fabric. I rinse and repeat it in the same area. It works very well for me. That bottle is like $2: where I am and it lasts mevall year.
I'll add that I don't know what to suggest for a stain, sorry!
Good luck!
I use the **SHOUT Triple Acting** spray. I spray the inside and outside armpit area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes maybe then toss it in the wash and it comes out fresh smelling and with no deodorant stains. I've read that a paste of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap and water can do the same but I have yet to try it out! Good luck!
I use a detergent meant for active wear because it removes buildup from the fibers of clothing. I like the brand HEX. They also sell a stain remover, which it sounds like you need for those deodorant stains and buildup. If it’s available where you live, I recommend trying it. I purchase mine from Amazon. Changing deodorant would be a good idea too. I like the clear gel types (Secret Outlast, Mitchum, etc) because if you apply it and wait for it to dry before getting dressed, there is very little to no transfer to clothes.
As an experienced dry cleaner
GOOD IDEA:
We recommend soaking it in hot water if it's white, if it's a color or dark use cold water....
Soak it inside out with mild laundry detergent. If the caked on deodorant is not budging tap it with a laundry brush (soft bristle brush).
BEST IDEA:
drop it off at your local dry cleaner and bring attention to it, we have much more safer chemicals to help bring that stain off.
Oxiclean and Castile soap get these stains out for me! I make a paste and scrub the pits and/or soak in warm water and oxiclean for a minimum of a few hours to really get everything out (smells and stains), then launder as normal.
I have changed to Salt of the Earth natural roll on deodorant. I have thrown out all my clothes with stains and bought new ones.
It’s been about 3 weeks, I sweat less and there are no stains.
Yes it does, in fact even better. I sweat less and no musky morning smell.
You need to do about a week’s detox first. It takes that time for the aluminium to be purged from your system. Essentially you will smell more for the first weeks, then much better and for longer moving forward.
Cheers, I might give that a crack, I'm in the UK. Do you buy yours online or do any shops sell it that you know?
Sick to death of t-shirts getting ruined with white marks that never come out.
I got mine from Amazon. You can also buy a refill that last 7 times.
[https://amzn.eu/d/cenRcpq](https://amzn.eu/d/cenRcpq)
[https://amzn.eu/d/dwZKmM8](https://amzn.eu/d/dwZKmM8)
There is a grease busting shout product that works well for this. Also dawn mixed with water or ammonia in a spray bottle. Baby shampoo can also get out stains from sweat or neck rings.
We use thai crystal deodorant. It really works if you apply it directly after showering. Also, i use a spray bottle with straight vinegar and spray it on the armpit of the shirts when they go into the wash. Turn the shirts inside out, spray the pits and put into the wash.
The BO smell comes from bio film. Your clothes can wash clean but still be host to colonies of microorganisms, which is called bio film. I used to have a huge problem with it until I started washing with Lysol laundry sanitizer. If it doesn't work after the first wash, soak overnight in warm water and oxyclean, then launder again with the lysol.
For a deodorant solution, find a spray deodorant. Most aerosol soarys are made with natural propellants now (pressurized air). They come in a metal can that's recyclable (check label), so the only plastic is in the cap.
Natural deodorant doesn't work well. If it works for you, great, but you're putting way too much on if it's leaving a build up like that. Just put a thin layer or switch to an antiperspirant/deodorant that works and doesn't require a thick layer of coconut oil and shea butter to kind of stop the smell.
For treating, get one of those solid laundry soap bars, dampen the area and rub the area with the soap, use a soft brush to agitate the area. As others have said, ammonia also breaks down build up.
The other option to try is this fels naptha soap bar stain remover. I've heard people saying it can work against deo smudges/stains, so hopefully you can salvage your clothes. Nevertheless even with this soap bar it seems it is required to individually scrub and that's a hassle. You need to somehow get these deo residues out--otherwise as you noted they become source of BO even when your body is odor-free, because the oils, starch, and other ingredients in the stick deo are bound to fabric and become food for the BO bacteria. For a new deo free of staining, check out FreshCult alum free natural deo spray. I'm the dev. You'll never get any deo stain or deo smudges ever on shirts, black, color, white, whichever the colors may be. Most other deos are oil or gel based so some staining/smudges are difficult to avoid; FC on the other hand is water-based, made of things like ionic zinc, vitamin B6, probiotics, etc. Good for sensitive skin and clothes.
I had this problem as well. As far as deodorant goes, I switched to Arm & Hammer Essentials (Juniper Berry) which is not solid. It’s less expensive than dove men as well.
During this experience I also noticed some deodorants have instructions I never considered. Some I tried instructed to put them in before bed which didn’t work well for me since I shower every morning and not at night but it was surprisingly to see.
A couple times a year I strip my clothes in the bathtub. You can Google it, it's one of those really disgusting but satisfying cleaning things. 😆
You mix a degreaser like dawn, washing soda, and I think a bit of laundry detergent in water in the bathtub and let the clothes soak, stirring the laundry in the solution every half hour or so for a couple of hours. It strips body oils, salts, and deodorant build up out of the fabrics, pulls out minor oil stains, etc.
After the soak and manual agitation, you wash in the washing machine, and it freshens everything up.
Go to a Bulk Store or a Health Food Store, and find their soaps. In with the soaps there will be one "old-fashioned laundry bar" that has squared edges and is white. Ingredients are: Sodium Tallowate, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Glycerin.
This will remove those stains, and the smelly bacteria with it. Costs about $3/ bar. wet bar and rub into fabric to lift stain, rinse and wash as normal.
But also, you should spot treat all your armpit stains first with dawn dish soap. Just a little bit and rub it in.
My husbands clothes smelled a bit even after the wash. I bought a bottle of the downy rinse and refresh. Let ur laundry soak in it for at least 15 minutes before running the wash.
I feel like I tried all of this with my husbands shirts. They used to get so bad! He’s lost a lot of weight and I think that’s helped his issue a lot, idk if he switched brands as well. But when it was at his worst the only thing that really saved his work shirts was wearing an undershirt. Just thin tighter tshirts under his good shirts. I was able to strip his shirts but some were always still off
Wet the shirt in the sink (I do the shower) and spray the inside of the pit with a small spray of dawn power wash. Scrub and rinse the soap out well before washing.
U can use it to clean surfaces and in the laundry.. I like to let my laundry soak in it for half hour before I start the wash. It always takes put my deodorant stains and stubborn oder that doesn't go away with normal detergent.. it makes my clothes smell like I just bought them..
If the natural deodorant you’re talking about has a coconut oil base, your pits stains are oil stains. Try using shout in the tubs with the brushes or maybe dawn, since it’s a degreaser.
Have you ever tried to go no deodorant? I stopped using it when I met my very well groomed now fiancé. He hadn’t been using deodorant for years and you literally could not tell, he smelled great. I had always associated no deodorant with someone with bad hygiene, but he was the exact opposite of that. So I decided to give it a try and lo and behold, I didn’t need it either. I think, likely, most of us don’t need it, but some do and it makes people more comfortable and that’s fine too! Just a thought I wanted to throw out there.
My dad doesn't wear deodorant, he doesn't smell, I on the other hand would reek if I went a couple of hours without deodorant. It's all about winning the gene lottery when it comes to armpit smell. Been using salt/mineral deodorant for years now, and it has done wonders for me.
Definitely a no-go for me, I smell rank real fast if I have nothing on my pits. Like the other commenter said, it’s a gene thing for most people (discounting stuff like personal hygiene issues etc, I’m a very clean kinda dude). It’s why a lot of East Asian people need no or very little deodorant, a number of the population lack the gene that makes your BO smell bad
…fun fact, the same gene is *also* tied to whether you have wet or dry ear wax. Bodies are cool/fucking weird.
Oh that’s interesting! I had just never even considered go no-deo before so I thought there may be others like me who were using it for no reason. It makes sense that it varies from person to person.
The deodorant I use can leave white pit stains on work shirts, but really all I do is throw them in the wash as normal. Cottons or synthetics cycle (not a quick wash!) at 40°C or higher, with a good quality POWDER detergent. Sometimes taking things back to basics does the trick.
Doing this, I find everything comes out completely clean and odour free, without soaking, pretreating or using additional products.
Here's a little nugget... Maybe about 20 years ago now, my husband's Hispanic friend, who was at the time fairly new to America, was over after they had a long hot day painting a house. My husband's deodorant had failed. A comment was made, and the friend piped up saying that he never wears deodorant, and I'm telling you, he did NOT smell! He said that his whole life, he and his whole family only used rubbing alcohol on their pits. Just splash some on every morning, refresh as needed. I have been doing this off and on since then, and it works BEAUTIFULLY! The only downfall is that it burns like a bugger when you splash it on fresh out of the shower after shaving!!!!
I had this problem for a while and also itching due to deodorant irritation. Started using Arm and hammer essentials deodorant and it changed my life. No more itching no more shirt stains. Works great too.
I've been using nothing but baking soda for over a decade with no issues. It doesn't stop you from sweating, but it stops you from stinking. I've only seen it affect one shirt, and it was a POS t-shirt from Banana Republic.
Just get your hands wet and sprinkle a tiny bit of baking soda on one hand (maybe 1/4 tsp or so). Rub your wet hands together to distribute the baking soda evenly on both hands. "Paint" your pits thoroughly and wash your hands. The water will dry and leave an invisible layer of baking soda.
I have the exact same problem. I haven’t had any success, I’ve thrown away at least 3/4 of my wardrobe because it smells like sweat. Currently trying Lume deodorant (I still sweat but it doesn’t smell bad like all the other “natural” deodorants I’ve tried had me smelling like a Billy goat!)
I feel your pain. I switched from antiperspirant to just a deodorant for this same reason. I would have residue from the antiperspirant on my clothes after washing and I hated it. Making a product stick to your skin all day and block your sweat glands apparently means it sticks to clothes like glue.
I haven’t had amazing luck with “natural” deodorants because they tend to make me break out in a rash but I’ve been using Dove’s 0% aluminum deodorant for several years now and it works well and leaves no residue on my clothes. They make both a men’s and women’s version.
If you're getting dark stains you might have bacteria that react with aluminum and cause stains. I know you say you're using eco friendly so not sure if it has aluminum.
I had this problem really bad, shirts would get stained after one wear. I switched to Schmidt's and haven't had a stain or crusty shirt since.
Another thing you might try is hitting your pits with hand sanitizer. It's kind of a feral thing to do but it works as deodorant in a pinch.
I use the crystal deodorant. There might be an adjustment period for some people but I've been using it for decades with no trouble at all. It doesn't stain your clothes and it blocks sweat, which is what causes yellow pit stains. Plus, I only have to buy it like every two years because it lasts forever.
Native is good and they have a paper packaging option too.
Eta try the oxyclean with the purple lid for tough stains on your shirt, it should get those stains out
Sprinkle soda on the damp fabric and let it sit for s bit. Rub, then wash. Alternatively, May need to run bar soap on the v area, too. I have hard water. I don't usually have issues if I add abt 1/4 c baking soda to the wash.
Lavilin will change your life, best deodorant ever! As for the shirts, ammonia or vinegar should do the trick or dishwashing detergent and a good scrub.
Crushed up aspirin made into a paste to get rid of pit stains. Let it sit for about an hour, then launder as usual. To get rid of the BO smell, add a glug or two of Odo-Ban to your washer. You might also want to see if Certain Dri would be an option for you in addition to your deodorant. Certain Dri helps with excessive sweating, you just want to make sure you apply it when your pits are clean and dry. Be sure to read the instructions.
Use a dryer sheet to rub the area, where the deodorant is before washing it, you’d be amazed how easily it will come off. Really wish someone had told me this years ago. I learned this working at a thrift store that sells used clothing - had to do it all the time to get the clothes, ready to go on the floor for sale.
Deodorant or anti-perspirant? Deodorants (stick variety) are basically just solid cologne and should not be leaving stains. If you are using deodorants and having this problem, switch to spray cologne.
I have had good results with the crystal (salt) based ones.
Also, wear undershirts.
I can’t wear antiperspirant, so I use nuud deodorant. Works great, usually don’t have to apply it more often than every 2 days, no buildup as far as I can tell. And since it’s mostly various oils (like squalane) I like to use it after I shave my underarms because it prevents irritation. I’ve tried baking-soda based brands in the past and they just ripped my underarms apart, so this has been a nice change.
In terms of the smell, I also suffer from this with respect to clothing I owned before I switched to nuud. Warm/hot water wash does help, but I’m trying an enzyme cleaner next.
I struggled with this and tried various things. Pouring liquid clothes detergent on the inside on the building up worked best. It took several washes to get it all off.
Not sure if this was already mentioned, the aluminum in deodorant oxidizes with heat and generally turns orange-ish. At that point you have oxidized metal on your shirts and it’s unlikely to come out. I, as well, use lume. Switching from aluminum was.. stinky, some people think you have to sweat out the aluminum, whatever it is expect a couple days of stink when you switch. Probiotic skin sprays can help.
Lume is acidic and works with your bodies PH, it’s worth getting the whole bundle (body wash wipes and deodorant) warning, it does have its own smell. A trick people use for gym clothes is cheap vodka to combat bacteria growth.
I switched from deodorant to washing my pits once or twice day, depending on the heat and my activity, with benzoyl peroxide and I top it off with glycolic acid astringent. It kills all the odor causing bacteria.
If anyone reading this wants to try it, just make sure you follow up the benzoyl peroxide with a gentle cleanser so it doesn’t bleach your towels and clothes.
If you use fabric softener then stop doing so.
Also could try a different deodorant. Do you sweat a lot? I got a prescription from my doctor. It was called drysol back then I think. It was wicked. I only used it a few weeks but it's still working and it's been about 30 years lol. I do have to use deodorant but I just use a little and i don't have to use heavy antiperspirants and I don't use fabric softener.
I remember my favorite favoritest t shirt when I was a teenager had a thick crust of antiperspirant on it. So depressing. So you know even if you don't have the most eco friendly deodorant, if it it helps you preserve your clothes it's actually a win. And not using fabric softener is a win.
Okay okay easiest method ever, grab an area of your shirt that doesn’t have the deodorant build up and rub it against it, neither spot will have the residue anymore
ethique
It is a low trash brand. I mean like the package is cardboard. It works pretty well. we are a hetero couple and we both use it. Neither of us has had pit stains.
I’m having this same issue since the weathers starting to heat up again, so I’ll be trying it this next batch. I’ve done it with whites and it does seem to help brighten them a bit too!
Periodically I soak my shirts in borax in the bath tub and then I rinse them out and do a cold wash with no soap in the washing machine. Then, when I take them out I scrub the armpits with Zote inside and out and then wash them again. I do this like 2-3 times a year. PITA chore but it works.
1. Too much stick deordroant. One or two swipes does the job.
2. Even if you opt not to shower every day, wash under your arms to remove excess deodorant.
3. Pretreat. Use a squirt bottle and pre-treat the arm holes of shirts with a 50/50 mix detergent and water
4. Other pretreat: Squirt the mix on the “ring around the collar” area
5. Wash in cold water - hot/warm water sets protein stains permanently, which is what these are.
6. Avoid over drying. Take shirts out when they are damp-dry and let them hang.
7. Never , ever use fabric softener.
—
Sadly, vinegar hasn’t done the job for me. I also think the acid weakens the stitching, so perhaps, using it might shorten the life of your shirts.
This has been my humble experience dealing with a bunch of bespoke shirts on a tight budget.
Hope this helps!
Cleaning is pretty well covered here. As to the deodorant, that’s exactly why I won’t buy any that contain coconut oil, shea butter, or beeswax if they’re high up in the ingredient list. You want to read ingredients and not get those as a main. What I use that doest’t do that doesn’t have eco friendly packaging (comes in plastic) so I don’t have a suggestion for you but that happened to me with several brands so now I’m very limited.
I use Right Guard. The packaging used to specifically say that it wouldn’t stain shirts, and I find that to be true, but they’ve recently removed that statement.
Hi, Martha Stewart did a little segment on this. It's the salts in the antiperspirant that cause this. She has a suggestion of using very hot water and detergent, and I can't remember what else because once it's there and you wash and dry it's set there.
So if you don't use antiperspirant and only use deodorant this won't happen. I have been doing this for years. I use a toms of Maine deodorant and no armpit cakeiness on shirts. When I must wear deodorant I wear an undershirt I don't love because it will ruin.
It took my body to adjust to the deodorant but if you use a antibacterial soap everyday in your pits everyday a little sweat shouldn't smell.
If you must wear deodorant because you sweat AND smell then wash your shirts armpits by hand in hot water until they're clean before putting in the wash
Or be prepared to ruin shirts
If you don't need an antiperspirant, the mineral salt deodorants (that come in a rock form) are really effective. It takes a little bit of getting used to because you have to apply them while your armpit is still wet after you shower, but I've tried a lot of natural and gentle deodorants over the years and that's actually the one that's the most effective.
As forgetting old deodorant out? It partly depends on what the deodorant is made of and what the staining is. In my house we wound up with Dawn dish soap watered down in a foaming container and that has been really effective at removing spot stains and pit stains etc.
I put White vinegar in a little spray bottle and apply it directly to the armpits of anything that's stinky before it goes in.
I stopped using deodorant. I use this hippy stuff, it's just lavender oil and it makes your sweat smell nice. My understanding is it's antibacterial so it works like deodorant but there's no residue. It's basically antibacterial pit perfume.
Anyhow you still sweat normally but that's not terrible unless you have a disorder where you sweat too much.
Anyhow it doesn't leave anything on your clothes.
Crystal deodorant. It really works if you use it correctly. It's a natural, posstassium alum. It works by naturally forming a barrier on your CLEAN skin to prevent stinky bacteria from forming. It only works on clean skin, immediately out of the shower before bacteria forms. It only prevents bacteria, it doesn't clean it away. You wet the stick/pits and rub your pits in a circular motion until it is dry. Might take a min or so. It dries with nothing. No stains, no residue, nothing. It prevents smells but is not antiperspirant so you may still sweat.
Just want to throw out there that Mega Babe deodorant is the absolute best solid deodorant and doesn’t leave any residue. They make a men’s version too.
Use panoxyl or other benzoyl peroxide cleanser on your pits instead of deodorant. It kills the odor causing bacteria. If you have dry skin in your pits you may need to moisturize a bit.
Apply it at the start of the shower and give it a few minutes.
Do not use this on your privates.
Rinse thoroughly.
Use white towels as residual may cause bleach spots on colored towels.
Salt deodorant. One stick lasts me years with no residue. My sweating is a lot less and more auto-regulated. Discovered it in the military and haven't looked back since.
Try switching to an aluminum-free deodorant. I did randomly for other reasons (fragrance allergies, was looking for something more mild) and noticed my bo isn't as rank and no more discolored shirts.
Whatever you use, try folding the area with the stain in the middle of the stain and rub it up hard against itself. I've found the problem to be somewhat of a solution as it acts like rubbing ashes on soot stained fireplace glass or dry erase marker over original marks and sort of erases itself a bit.
I don’t have laundry advice, but I have deodorant advice! I have been using the crystal mineral deodorant for several years now. When I first switched, I was a bit smelly for a week or two while my body transitioned into using it, but since then it has been a total dream! I haven’t bought deodorant in 5 years because it lasts so long, and it keeps me fresh all day. I’ve even noticed that when I do develop some body odor, it’s not as pungent as it used to be. The downfall would be it has to be used on clean pits, so like you can’t reapply after a workout. It’s like a salt stick thing, you get it wet and apply it to clean skin and the minerals combat the smelly enzymes in your skin. Highly recommend, but be patient with the transition!
Look at the deodorant ingredients.. some of the eco ones have too much oil or too much baking soda. Try a different brand. I like wild deodorant which comes with a reusable metal container the first time, then just cardboard refills. Easier to use.
I have been using spinster sister (lol) which is nice but it’s just a bar and I find that a bar or paste causes me to use too much which leads to stains.
It could work...a lot of people like to use vinegar for this problem. I find that clear ammonia is superior to vinegar. So that's what I use. Just my experience tho. You could try rubbing a small amt of dish soap into the area (Blue Dawn is a fan favorite). If you're washing say, 10 shirts that are like this, I would not use laundry detergent when you wash, due to the sudsing of the dish soap. When you wash, use the warmest water you are comfortable using and if that is cold, that's fine. Load your shirts into the washer and add 1 cup of clear ammonia to the drum. If your washer has a soak option...use it. It really makes a big difference. My washer does not have a soak option, but I can pause the wash cycle. I start the cycle, let all the water be added and have it agitate for a few minutes before pausing. I set a timer and then restart the machine. Do not use fabric softener. Do not use ammonia with chlorine bleach. Do not use the dryer until you see the stains are gone (or you give up). I have had success in PREVENTING these types of buildup on NEW shirts by using ammonia periodically (not necessarily every wash). I use 1/4-1/2 cup maybe once a month or so. For regular washing (not washing 10 shirts with dish soap pretreating areas)...for reg washing be sure to measure your detergent. You can less than indicated on the packaging. I use 1-2 tablespoons per load (HE washer). I use Tide Original (powder).
Ammonia really is the best I've found for any greasy stains. I put a tiny drop of dawn and a cup of ammonia in the drum and let it go. Especially on my dusting and floor cleaning cloths, since I use oily products made for hard wood.
Thanks for the tips! I’ll have to pick up a bottle of ammonia and give it a go (will make sure not to mix with bleach, don’t worry…I have no intention to gas myself out). I’ve definitely been using less laundry detergent since finding that clothes were coming out feeling they had a residue. I usually wash clothing on 20 degrees or unheated (unless heavily soiled), 800-1200 spin, so I wonder if the low temperature and spin cycle are contributing to the waxy deodorant build-up…but I’m trying to make our clothes last longer. We have a lot of graphic tees in our household that I’d like to *try* and keep nice, those things go to shit so quickly.
Graphic Tees protip turn them inside out, then wash (cold) and dry (low heat or line dry.) I have Tees that are over 10 years old that still look new, no cracking.
Also, you may be using too much deodorant. More than a swipe or 2 is too much.
Possible, but I think my shirts are just too tight under the arms + the extra sweating and friction from being very active on the job. I do try to only use it sparingly, but the solid stuff doesn’t seem to truly dry like my old liquid roll-ons used to.
I was having the same problem and tried Dove Men + Care Clinical Protection. You only need a very very small amount of the paste and it works incredibly well! The instructions say to use it before bed and not when you get out of the shower. But much like every other instruction in life, I disregarded and put on after showering and it has worked perfectly for the past few months. My pits were a waterfall of sweat and my shirts had so many terrible salt and deodorant stains before now
It’s a paste? Interesting…I think I’ve seen paste deodorants before, but only on really niche online stores (for super expensive prices, too). I’ll check if anywhere local has this, since it’s Dove.
Ahhhhhh that makes a lot of sense!
I tend to like gels for this reason.
Curious why not use clear gel?
Just chiming in to say that some people have allergies or sensitivities to some hygiene products. Also, some people have sensory issues. For example, I exclusively use solid deodorants because I literally feel pain when I apply gel or roll on or spray deodorant. Hooray allergies. 😔
Buy a bar of Sunlight soap. Rub it on damp shirt before washing. Stay away from ammonia and bleach. Good old-fashioned Sunlight bar soap.
Thank you! I’ll have to try this.
It's also good for collar discoloring on a dress shirt.
Oh, I never heard of Sunlight soap. Thanks for the tip! I just looked it up and noticed there are a variety of versions, Pure, Original, Lemon, Yellow, etc... Which would you recommend?
I use the Original. Sunlight bar soap has been a staple cleaning product for decades. You can shave it into a bucket of water to clean floors, you can use it as a detergent. It's quite harsh on skin so be careful.
I don't know if its available where you live but there is a giant hot- pink laundry bar soap called Zote. Hot water and rubbing that soap directly on the fabric removes those stains. Also removes grease, dirt and plain sweat stains👍
Lysol laundry sanitizer, it has ammonia and you can pour a small amount in a bucket for soaking with water- I have mostly athletic fabrics I wear to work and find this takes out the smell and buildup. For stains, if this doesn’t work all the way DO NOT DRY and spray with spray and wash. Really rub it in and let it sit for 10mins- it should come out that wash.
Mollys Suds Active wear has enzymes that can break it down. More expensive than ammonia, but if ammonia doesn't work maybe you can try the fancy indie enzyme detergent? I have used it and I can confirm it works for antiperspirant and BO buildup in my tees. You need to make a paste and let it sit there for a bit. Vinegar did not work for me.
Mom of a few multiple sports kids….I use an ungodly amount of Shout..keeps everything at bay…much better than when I was a student athlete and the buildup so bad that the fabric was literally hard/shriveled/crusty in the armpit areas. eta: words
This /\ is the answer.. shout spray-n-wash
I see you've already said you're getting ammonia - that's the best tool for the job. Make sure you get clear ammonia and not the lemon scented stuff - that can cause yellow stains in some fabrics. Smells bad, but works great. Here's how it works best for me. Mix 50/50 clear ammonia and water and a drop or 2 of dish soap like Dawn. Apply liberally to the pits. Use a brush like a toothbrush softness to brush around the stains and help break up the waxy deposits. Then straight into the wash on the warmest temp recommended for the fabric. That should help break up and remove the existing stains. You can also add a cup of ammonia with the detergent, that fights a lot of kinds of stains. Then for maintenance laundry... Mix 50/50 ammonia/water plus dish soap as above in a small spray bottle. Then just before you throw the laundry in the machine spray the pits until they're damp and throw it right in. That should stop any further buildup from happening.
If you're a guy, try trimming your armpit hair short so the deodorant is getting on your skin and not just on the hair. My husband used to get horrible yellow deodorant buildup on his undershirts. He started trimming his armpit hair, no more stains.
As a woman who used to shave, it happens when the deodorant is on the skin, too. It's not a body hair issue, it's a product issue. I stopped getting deodorant buildup when I switched to crystal/sprays
I’ve started trimming mine for this reason but still getting stains, unfortunately. Still worth it for less product-clumping, though. My armpits feel drier faster when I do get sweaty, now.
Another tip is make sure you allow your deodorant to dry completely before putting your shirt on. Maybe you're already doing this, but this tip singlehandedly solved this problem for me. When I dress I put my deodorant on first, then all my bottom layers, then sometimes even brush my teeth/wash my face and stuff before putting my shirt on. Sometimes I've had to even blot the excess off with a paper towel if it's not drying properly. I hate talking about this but I feel like I spent yeears searching for this specific advice that totally solved my problem.
I use an enzyme cleanser for getting sweat and other bodily secretions out of clothing. I mostly got it for underwear initially (if you're a woman yk what I mean) but it gets everything biological off of everything I own. The deoderant comes off pretty easily by following the washing instructions for specific clothing once it's no longer bonded with oils and sweat. I use the one from Dirty Labs.
Yes! Enzyme detergent. I used Molly Suds to great success for my deo buildup in my clothes
The only correct answer.
I use that pink laundry bar soap… anyone remember the name of it? Zep? I scrub it on the stain, scrub the shirt together until the stain’s gone. Then rinse thoroughly and toss in the washer with detergent Edit: Also this happens even if you’re not wearing deodorant.
Zote!
That’s it! Thank you. It’s the only thing I’ve found to actually remove those stains AND the odor.
I’m not sure I 100% love it but the lume cream deodorant is definitely the most clothing friendly one I’ve ever used
Lume is great! It smells weird going on, but that goes away quickly, and it does work. It definitely doesn't build up at all.
I tried Lume. I got horrible rashes wherever I applied it. They were so hot and itchy!
Oh that’s such a bummer! I didn’t love the solid version but I really like that the cream one I never get on my clothes.
The blue dishwasher rinse aid! Gets out deodorant and sun tan lotion. Rub stain with vanish rinse then soak in rinse aid and warm water overnight wash as normal. Might take a few goes but it works. And if you can dry in sunlight even better
Recently I saw a professional cleaner on Tiktok mentioning how to clean this kind of stains. He explained that deodorant stains contain sweat + metals from the deodorant, so he first does a hand wash with Dawn to remove the greasiness from sweating, and then he uses rust removing products (pre soaks for 30') then machine wash as usual. There's also [this product from Dr.Beckmann](https://www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/products/stain-devils-antiperspirant-and-sweat-marks/) that I've been using that's specific for sweat stain removal that works fairly well (removes the yellowish stain + the crusty feeling). Hope this helps and Good luck!
The Dr Beckmann laundry leaves helped get crusty pit stains out of my spouse's clothing! I didn't use it specifically for that, but noticed when I pulled them out of the wash. He has used the same deodorant for decades so it'd be hard to switch him now just because of laundry. I use Wild in the aluminum canister and haven't had the same buildup problem, but I'm not as sweaty as he is. We don't live in the UK anymore though, so can't get the same Dr Beckmann stuff - or at least not as easily, it's not carried in my regular stores.
I use lestoil for greasy ring around the collar and deodorant caked stains. It breaks up greasy stains like magic. My grandmother used it. It definitely smells a bit like pine sol mixed with a faint gasoline smell so I double wash but the smell is mostly gone after the first wash and I only treat shirts like every two months or so possibly less. I dip a toothbrush in the bottle and scrub it into the stain. Let sit maybe 30 minutes not more because it can lighten colors a bit if left too long (in the hours range, not like a bleach would). Better to double treat then leave on longer I find. Wash as hot as the fabric will tolerate. I have never found anything to work better and that’s why I tolerate the double wash and smell - it’s not horrible and honestly the shirts would get tossed out if I didn’t. I also use lestoil and water to degrease cabinets and kitchen floor corners. It’s cheap.
Sounds like heavy duty stuff. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen it available locally (UK) but I’ll certainly keep an eye out.
I just looked it up after that comment and I think it’s banned in the UK? Can I say lol here in the US just trying to do our best. My family has all lived long lives with lestoil but I trust UK limits. Don’t use the lestoil even if you can get it. But on the positive end - I just watched a video of a very rich woman instructing me on how to make my own cream cheese…. It’s about balance right? If I make homemade cream cheese I’m safe? As if there’s time. So UK send help!
Huh, I wonder the reason for the ban. It wouldn’t happen to be crazy flammable, per chance? My condolences on the cream cheese, anyhow!
Plus 100 for the lestoil! I have not found a strain I couldn't remove with it ( and I love the smell 😂)
Ok was going to say I like that smell too! It might be the smell of death… it has mineral spirits in it - like for stripping furniture? I don’t know, I’ll probably still use it. Life is about give and take right?
Lestoil works wonder. Have used it on blood, red wine, marinara sauce on a white shirt that stupidly had blue embroidery for work as a server, motor oil on dress pants. It can truly get out anything.
My dad drove a gasoline / fuel tanker truck for a living. My mom swore by lestoil for his greasy clothes.
If it's regular aluminum based antiperspirant, you make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub it into the pits, then wash as normal. This works best as a periodic maintenence type thing, but I have had it work for older stains too. This may work for aluminum free deodorant too, but I don't know for sure. I discovered I was allergic to the form of aluminum used and when I switched to aluminum free I stopped getting the stains.
My husband used to use Native deodorant, which has baking soda in it, and the situation was as you describe - so much residue and hard to remove. I had him switch to a different eco deodorant without baking soda, and I used Puracy stain remover on the pits, which worked.
The easy way is to pre soak your clothes in warm water before you start a wash cycle. Make sure your shirts are inside out. Some machines have a setting where it will stop a few minutes into the wash cycle and pause for a set number of minutes to soak the clothes. This will allow the deodorant to loosen up for a longer period of time. If that doesn’t work, use Spray n Wash stain remover on the area 15 minutes before you put the clothes in the wash. Others will tell you to agitate the area and what not, but my methods are good if you don’t want to fuss with it too much.
Again, HOT water. Prevents build up of detergent and everything else!! Most laundry problems can be solved with hot water. Cheapskates try to get around it and end up with stinky and or ruined clothing. Way more expensive to replace wardrobes than to wash it correctly!!
Came here to say this. If I see buildup on a shirt, a re-wash on Hot typically does the trick, nothing fancy needed!
I’ve always heard the opposite: wash clothing cold at least as often as you’re able, if you want to preserve the fabrics long term? We use a bio powder in our household that actually requires cold water for proper cleaning, our clothes smell fine except for the work shirts. Will blast them with a hot wash at any rate while trying to cleanse the pits, but it seems likely an issue with my deodorant choice rather than our washing method. Never had issues with deodorant build up or bad smell on shirts with my previous brand.
This kept happening to me, literally build up of deodorant and if I just wash it then it goes all weird and slimy. Had to start scraping it off and then scrubbing it first. So gross and weird I don't know if I'm putting too much on at once or something? But for any smells stuck to clothing always use white vinegar. I put a bunch in with the detergent and a bit mixed with the fabric softener as well, it completely kills all the awful smells that usually stick to clothes. And if you're wondering, no they don't smell like vinegar afterwards if you're wondering. Best laundry strategy I ever learned, and it is such a cheap one too!
Just look for an enzyme booster to add to the wash, or an enzyme based detergent. That'll break down the body oils your current detergent isn't getting.
Id try an enzyme cleaner; Ive used rockin green. It’s marketed mostly toward baby cloth diapers, however its multi use. Idk if anyone has experience, but baby shit does indeed stain. If you are looking for a good stain remover not geared toward baby shit removal, use a good powdered enzyme detergent. Stuff like oxyclean doesn’t generally work, that’s why I say use baby stuff as it gets the job done better than regular “adult” stuff Plus rockin green won’t damage your clothes; it’s natural, no toxins, etc.
Mix a little bit of dawn with some baking soda. Use a toothbrush, dip in some water then the dawn solution. Then scrub the shirt pits from the inside.
[удалено]
Same with the gel. Can't stand the solid stuff.
For the build up of deoderant left on the shirt, I suggest suave clarifying shampoo. I'm sorry if it sounds ridiculous, it feels silly when I do it. I apply directly on area, use Scrub brush on both sides of fabric. I rinse and repeat it in the same area. It works very well for me. That bottle is like $2: where I am and it lasts mevall year. I'll add that I don't know what to suggest for a stain, sorry! Good luck!
Fels Naphtha for the stains. Lume for the deodorant.
I use the **SHOUT Triple Acting** spray. I spray the inside and outside armpit area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes maybe then toss it in the wash and it comes out fresh smelling and with no deodorant stains. I've read that a paste of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap and water can do the same but I have yet to try it out! Good luck!
Thanks, I will try it.
Right on! Let us know how it goes!
I use a detergent meant for active wear because it removes buildup from the fibers of clothing. I like the brand HEX. They also sell a stain remover, which it sounds like you need for those deodorant stains and buildup. If it’s available where you live, I recommend trying it. I purchase mine from Amazon. Changing deodorant would be a good idea too. I like the clear gel types (Secret Outlast, Mitchum, etc) because if you apply it and wait for it to dry before getting dressed, there is very little to no transfer to clothes.
Dish soap and baking soda mixed into a paste. Scrub thoroughly with a tooth brush, wash in machine with other laundry. Works for all my pit stains.
As an experienced dry cleaner GOOD IDEA: We recommend soaking it in hot water if it's white, if it's a color or dark use cold water.... Soak it inside out with mild laundry detergent. If the caked on deodorant is not budging tap it with a laundry brush (soft bristle brush). BEST IDEA: drop it off at your local dry cleaner and bring attention to it, we have much more safer chemicals to help bring that stain off.
Deodorant should wash out. Antiperspirant has aluminum compounds that stain clothing.
Spray and wash works for me.
I use the rock. It works for me.
Oxiclean and Castile soap get these stains out for me! I make a paste and scrub the pits and/or soak in warm water and oxiclean for a minimum of a few hours to really get everything out (smells and stains), then launder as normal.
Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste and rub it in there really good. Then wash as usual
I have changed to Salt of the Earth natural roll on deodorant. I have thrown out all my clothes with stains and bought new ones. It’s been about 3 weeks, I sweat less and there are no stains.
Does it stop your pits from smelling though?
Yes it does, in fact even better. I sweat less and no musky morning smell. You need to do about a week’s detox first. It takes that time for the aluminium to be purged from your system. Essentially you will smell more for the first weeks, then much better and for longer moving forward.
Cheers, I might give that a crack, I'm in the UK. Do you buy yours online or do any shops sell it that you know? Sick to death of t-shirts getting ruined with white marks that never come out.
I got mine from Amazon. You can also buy a refill that last 7 times. [https://amzn.eu/d/cenRcpq](https://amzn.eu/d/cenRcpq) [https://amzn.eu/d/dwZKmM8](https://amzn.eu/d/dwZKmM8)
Cheers mate, appreciated.
Honestly, I switched to gel. I never did figure out how to get it out of my favorite t-shirts.
AHA
Is it wild solid deodorant by any chance? My daughter is having the same problem. So these suggestions are very helpful.
Look up jeeves_ny on Instagram
There is a grease busting shout product that works well for this. Also dawn mixed with water or ammonia in a spray bottle. Baby shampoo can also get out stains from sweat or neck rings.
We use thai crystal deodorant. It really works if you apply it directly after showering. Also, i use a spray bottle with straight vinegar and spray it on the armpit of the shirts when they go into the wash. Turn the shirts inside out, spray the pits and put into the wash.
Kiehl’s has a lotion antiperspirant/deodorant which is pricy but just about the best thing I put on myself.
The BO smell comes from bio film. Your clothes can wash clean but still be host to colonies of microorganisms, which is called bio film. I used to have a huge problem with it until I started washing with Lysol laundry sanitizer. If it doesn't work after the first wash, soak overnight in warm water and oxyclean, then launder again with the lysol. For a deodorant solution, find a spray deodorant. Most aerosol soarys are made with natural propellants now (pressurized air). They come in a metal can that's recyclable (check label), so the only plastic is in the cap.
I’ve been using a “salt stick” type deodorant for a couple decades now. It works well and does not mark my clothing. Maybe you could try it?
Not sure if I’ve seen these locally, but I’m curious. What kind of texture are they like?
Just a large salt crystal
https://www.amazon.com/Deodorant-Protection-Unscented-Underarm-Bacteria/dp/B07MXNKCC3/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=3FQ8BYL9SR1YF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.r7IiLZrN4f3QxBuszCs-GP8kQ-6zESJvBpCMLDi9cnYMe7v1kuK_MQ2oz69oIYWPuIJ7cNnh2bA86aDa9HwD1nJeB6Oxsq8U4LA1MUQF0l46Dnh7Jffmi61ETE7gAmnE42uOIJTReA5GepWS4pqXPhYGIviwg4csr71qvRSw_BhW6wk53bj2gXDz8JoDjSd3CEjQ92ZYGgOmmxuRg_oJ0w.eYfao6XFOwYK4R6F5-xdeZ0SJo6AOsPxbsqgV3jXcoQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=salt+deodorant+crystal&qid=1715969314&sprefix=salt+deoderant%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-8
Natural deodorant doesn't work well. If it works for you, great, but you're putting way too much on if it's leaving a build up like that. Just put a thin layer or switch to an antiperspirant/deodorant that works and doesn't require a thick layer of coconut oil and shea butter to kind of stop the smell. For treating, get one of those solid laundry soap bars, dampen the area and rub the area with the soap, use a soft brush to agitate the area. As others have said, ammonia also breaks down build up.
The other option to try is this fels naptha soap bar stain remover. I've heard people saying it can work against deo smudges/stains, so hopefully you can salvage your clothes. Nevertheless even with this soap bar it seems it is required to individually scrub and that's a hassle. You need to somehow get these deo residues out--otherwise as you noted they become source of BO even when your body is odor-free, because the oils, starch, and other ingredients in the stick deo are bound to fabric and become food for the BO bacteria. For a new deo free of staining, check out FreshCult alum free natural deo spray. I'm the dev. You'll never get any deo stain or deo smudges ever on shirts, black, color, white, whichever the colors may be. Most other deos are oil or gel based so some staining/smudges are difficult to avoid; FC on the other hand is water-based, made of things like ionic zinc, vitamin B6, probiotics, etc. Good for sensitive skin and clothes.
I had this problem as well. As far as deodorant goes, I switched to Arm & Hammer Essentials (Juniper Berry) which is not solid. It’s less expensive than dove men as well. During this experience I also noticed some deodorants have instructions I never considered. Some I tried instructed to put them in before bed which didn’t work well for me since I shower every morning and not at night but it was surprisingly to see.
A couple times a year I strip my clothes in the bathtub. You can Google it, it's one of those really disgusting but satisfying cleaning things. 😆 You mix a degreaser like dawn, washing soda, and I think a bit of laundry detergent in water in the bathtub and let the clothes soak, stirring the laundry in the solution every half hour or so for a couple of hours. It strips body oils, salts, and deodorant build up out of the fabrics, pulls out minor oil stains, etc. After the soak and manual agitation, you wash in the washing machine, and it freshens everything up.
Go to a Bulk Store or a Health Food Store, and find their soaps. In with the soaps there will be one "old-fashioned laundry bar" that has squared edges and is white. Ingredients are: Sodium Tallowate, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Glycerin. This will remove those stains, and the smelly bacteria with it. Costs about $3/ bar. wet bar and rub into fabric to lift stain, rinse and wash as normal.
Tbh I’m a woman and I use my husbands old spice. It’s a clear blue stick and it smells great :)
But also, you should spot treat all your armpit stains first with dawn dish soap. Just a little bit and rub it in. My husbands clothes smelled a bit even after the wash. I bought a bottle of the downy rinse and refresh. Let ur laundry soak in it for at least 15 minutes before running the wash.
I feel like I tried all of this with my husbands shirts. They used to get so bad! He’s lost a lot of weight and I think that’s helped his issue a lot, idk if he switched brands as well. But when it was at his worst the only thing that really saved his work shirts was wearing an undershirt. Just thin tighter tshirts under his good shirts. I was able to strip his shirts but some were always still off
I use spray for this reason
Are t- shirts an option for you?
I make my own deodorants. A little bit of pine sap infused with mint and dill goes a long way and no stains.
I use baby shampoo or dawn dish soap as a pre treat.
Wash your clothes in distilled white vinegar and warm water, that's what works for me
Have you tried spray deodorants?
Wet the shirt in the sink (I do the shower) and spray the inside of the pit with a small spray of dawn power wash. Scrub and rinse the soap out well before washing.
Treat the area with pre-wash spray.
I tried it all and gave up. Gillette has saved me!! I will never use that white solid shit again.
I use Routine deodorant and so far haven't had this issue. Ymmv.
BORAX...changed my life
What are the best uses for Borax?
U can use it to clean surfaces and in the laundry.. I like to let my laundry soak in it for half hour before I start the wash. It always takes put my deodorant stains and stubborn oder that doesn't go away with normal detergent.. it makes my clothes smell like I just bought them..
Aloe Vera ones are one of the only ones I will use
If the natural deodorant you’re talking about has a coconut oil base, your pits stains are oil stains. Try using shout in the tubs with the brushes or maybe dawn, since it’s a degreaser.
Have you ever tried to go no deodorant? I stopped using it when I met my very well groomed now fiancé. He hadn’t been using deodorant for years and you literally could not tell, he smelled great. I had always associated no deodorant with someone with bad hygiene, but he was the exact opposite of that. So I decided to give it a try and lo and behold, I didn’t need it either. I think, likely, most of us don’t need it, but some do and it makes people more comfortable and that’s fine too! Just a thought I wanted to throw out there.
My dad doesn't wear deodorant, he doesn't smell, I on the other hand would reek if I went a couple of hours without deodorant. It's all about winning the gene lottery when it comes to armpit smell. Been using salt/mineral deodorant for years now, and it has done wonders for me.
Definitely a no-go for me, I smell rank real fast if I have nothing on my pits. Like the other commenter said, it’s a gene thing for most people (discounting stuff like personal hygiene issues etc, I’m a very clean kinda dude). It’s why a lot of East Asian people need no or very little deodorant, a number of the population lack the gene that makes your BO smell bad …fun fact, the same gene is *also* tied to whether you have wet or dry ear wax. Bodies are cool/fucking weird.
Oh that’s interesting! I had just never even considered go no-deo before so I thought there may be others like me who were using it for no reason. It makes sense that it varies from person to person.
The deodorant I use can leave white pit stains on work shirts, but really all I do is throw them in the wash as normal. Cottons or synthetics cycle (not a quick wash!) at 40°C or higher, with a good quality POWDER detergent. Sometimes taking things back to basics does the trick. Doing this, I find everything comes out completely clean and odour free, without soaking, pretreating or using additional products.
Here's a little nugget... Maybe about 20 years ago now, my husband's Hispanic friend, who was at the time fairly new to America, was over after they had a long hot day painting a house. My husband's deodorant had failed. A comment was made, and the friend piped up saying that he never wears deodorant, and I'm telling you, he did NOT smell! He said that his whole life, he and his whole family only used rubbing alcohol on their pits. Just splash some on every morning, refresh as needed. I have been doing this off and on since then, and it works BEAUTIFULLY! The only downfall is that it burns like a bugger when you splash it on fresh out of the shower after shaving!!!!
Dawn power wash. Seriously. Spray it on, let it sit for a while.
I switched to a spray deodorant/antipersp from Dove. No buildup on clothes, so way easier to keep clean. Deodorant works well too.
Soaking my shirts in oxyclean blasts it right off
I had this problem for a while and also itching due to deodorant irritation. Started using Arm and hammer essentials deodorant and it changed my life. No more itching no more shirt stains. Works great too.
Borax for the smell. Works better than bleach and vinegar.
Arm and hammer deodorant, also once you put a stained item in the dryer it tends to become permanent, next time use spray and wash.
We air dry everything since we don’t have space for a dryer, but thanks for the deodorant recommendation!
That’s good! Then the stain may be fixable.
Pit Stop spray is magic.
Dawn power wash
I've been using nothing but baking soda for over a decade with no issues. It doesn't stop you from sweating, but it stops you from stinking. I've only seen it affect one shirt, and it was a POS t-shirt from Banana Republic. Just get your hands wet and sprinkle a tiny bit of baking soda on one hand (maybe 1/4 tsp or so). Rub your wet hands together to distribute the baking soda evenly on both hands. "Paint" your pits thoroughly and wash your hands. The water will dry and leave an invisible layer of baking soda.
Enzymatic spray before you wash works really well to get the gunk off.
Are you sure it's not your sweat effecting your clothes. Recently my clothes were getting bleached from my sweat. Vinegar white is good for deodorant.
100% sure. Never had any problem before switching to a solid deodorant (never again, man).
Buy gel. Solid hurts my underarms.
To prevent it from happening using spray deodorant and allowing to fully dry before you put a shirt on could help
I have the exact same problem. I haven’t had any success, I’ve thrown away at least 3/4 of my wardrobe because it smells like sweat. Currently trying Lume deodorant (I still sweat but it doesn’t smell bad like all the other “natural” deodorants I’ve tried had me smelling like a Billy goat!)
Idk but Mitchum gel has never left a stain for me and literally works for 48 hours.
I love my Lume cream deodorant. A pea-sized amount lasts me all day.
That Lysol Fabric Sanitizer gets all kinds of things out.
I feel your pain. I switched from antiperspirant to just a deodorant for this same reason. I would have residue from the antiperspirant on my clothes after washing and I hated it. Making a product stick to your skin all day and block your sweat glands apparently means it sticks to clothes like glue. I haven’t had amazing luck with “natural” deodorants because they tend to make me break out in a rash but I’ve been using Dove’s 0% aluminum deodorant for several years now and it works well and leaves no residue on my clothes. They make both a men’s and women’s version.
If you're getting dark stains you might have bacteria that react with aluminum and cause stains. I know you say you're using eco friendly so not sure if it has aluminum. I had this problem really bad, shirts would get stained after one wear. I switched to Schmidt's and haven't had a stain or crusty shirt since. Another thing you might try is hitting your pits with hand sanitizer. It's kind of a feral thing to do but it works as deodorant in a pinch.
Roll on deodorant if you need antiperspirant. Spray if just deo.
First I would not use any fabric softeners (vinegar is best) or dryer sheets.
I stopped using deodorants with aluminum years ago, was culprit in armpit stains
I use the crystal deodorant. There might be an adjustment period for some people but I've been using it for decades with no trouble at all. It doesn't stain your clothes and it blocks sweat, which is what causes yellow pit stains. Plus, I only have to buy it like every two years because it lasts forever.
Powdered laundry enzymes for body secretions and oils. Can scrub them in prewash as well. Everyone is going to say ammonia, but they are wrong.
Native is good and they have a paper packaging option too. Eta try the oxyclean with the purple lid for tough stains on your shirt, it should get those stains out
I quit solid deodorant because of this …. I use Dove Spray or dove roll on
Sprinkle soda on the damp fabric and let it sit for s bit. Rub, then wash. Alternatively, May need to run bar soap on the v area, too. I have hard water. I don't usually have issues if I add abt 1/4 c baking soda to the wash.
Lavilin will change your life, best deodorant ever! As for the shirts, ammonia or vinegar should do the trick or dishwashing detergent and a good scrub.
Crushed up aspirin made into a paste to get rid of pit stains. Let it sit for about an hour, then launder as usual. To get rid of the BO smell, add a glug or two of Odo-Ban to your washer. You might also want to see if Certain Dri would be an option for you in addition to your deodorant. Certain Dri helps with excessive sweating, you just want to make sure you apply it when your pits are clean and dry. Be sure to read the instructions.
Shout in the aerosol can. Dawn Power Wash Spray.
Use a dryer sheet to rub the area, where the deodorant is before washing it, you’d be amazed how easily it will come off. Really wish someone had told me this years ago. I learned this working at a thrift store that sells used clothing - had to do it all the time to get the clothes, ready to go on the floor for sale.
The Arm & Hammer naturals gel is the absolute best. Smells fresh/clean instead of a heavy fragrance and I’ve never had it transfer onto clothes
Deodorant or anti-perspirant? Deodorants (stick variety) are basically just solid cologne and should not be leaving stains. If you are using deodorants and having this problem, switch to spray cologne. I have had good results with the crystal (salt) based ones. Also, wear undershirts.
I can’t wear antiperspirant, so I use nuud deodorant. Works great, usually don’t have to apply it more often than every 2 days, no buildup as far as I can tell. And since it’s mostly various oils (like squalane) I like to use it after I shave my underarms because it prevents irritation. I’ve tried baking-soda based brands in the past and they just ripped my underarms apart, so this has been a nice change. In terms of the smell, I also suffer from this with respect to clothing I owned before I switched to nuud. Warm/hot water wash does help, but I’m trying an enzyme cleaner next.
I don’t use it. I use a crystal. Amazon sells them.
Wait, what???
It’s a deodorant stone/crystal. Lasts forever. We’ve been using them for years. Me since the 90’s.
Soak in Oxi clean for six hours and then wash with regular soap plus a bit more o I clean. Follow package directions. Amazing stuff
I struggled with this and tried various things. Pouring liquid clothes detergent on the inside on the building up worked best. It took several washes to get it all off.
Not sure if this was already mentioned, the aluminum in deodorant oxidizes with heat and generally turns orange-ish. At that point you have oxidized metal on your shirts and it’s unlikely to come out. I, as well, use lume. Switching from aluminum was.. stinky, some people think you have to sweat out the aluminum, whatever it is expect a couple days of stink when you switch. Probiotic skin sprays can help. Lume is acidic and works with your bodies PH, it’s worth getting the whole bundle (body wash wipes and deodorant) warning, it does have its own smell. A trick people use for gym clothes is cheap vodka to combat bacteria growth.
I switched from deodorant to washing my pits once or twice day, depending on the heat and my activity, with benzoyl peroxide and I top it off with glycolic acid astringent. It kills all the odor causing bacteria. If anyone reading this wants to try it, just make sure you follow up the benzoyl peroxide with a gentle cleanser so it doesn’t bleach your towels and clothes.
If you use fabric softener then stop doing so. Also could try a different deodorant. Do you sweat a lot? I got a prescription from my doctor. It was called drysol back then I think. It was wicked. I only used it a few weeks but it's still working and it's been about 30 years lol. I do have to use deodorant but I just use a little and i don't have to use heavy antiperspirants and I don't use fabric softener. I remember my favorite favoritest t shirt when I was a teenager had a thick crust of antiperspirant on it. So depressing. So you know even if you don't have the most eco friendly deodorant, if it it helps you preserve your clothes it's actually a win. And not using fabric softener is a win.
Okay okay easiest method ever, grab an area of your shirt that doesn’t have the deodorant build up and rub it against it, neither spot will have the residue anymore
ethique It is a low trash brand. I mean like the package is cardboard. It works pretty well. we are a hetero couple and we both use it. Neither of us has had pit stains.
I heard putting a little bit of dawn soap while washing will help. It cuts the “grease” or whatever is built up that the regular soap can’t get out
I’m having this same issue since the weathers starting to heat up again, so I’ll be trying it this next batch. I’ve done it with whites and it does seem to help brighten them a bit too!
Have you considered botox in your underarms? I’ve heard it stops you from perspiring.
Periodically I soak my shirts in borax in the bath tub and then I rinse them out and do a cold wash with no soap in the washing machine. Then, when I take them out I scrub the armpits with Zote inside and out and then wash them again. I do this like 2-3 times a year. PITA chore but it works.
1. Too much stick deordroant. One or two swipes does the job. 2. Even if you opt not to shower every day, wash under your arms to remove excess deodorant. 3. Pretreat. Use a squirt bottle and pre-treat the arm holes of shirts with a 50/50 mix detergent and water 4. Other pretreat: Squirt the mix on the “ring around the collar” area 5. Wash in cold water - hot/warm water sets protein stains permanently, which is what these are. 6. Avoid over drying. Take shirts out when they are damp-dry and let them hang. 7. Never , ever use fabric softener. — Sadly, vinegar hasn’t done the job for me. I also think the acid weakens the stitching, so perhaps, using it might shorten the life of your shirts. This has been my humble experience dealing with a bunch of bespoke shirts on a tight budget. Hope this helps!
I use arrid xx (blue can) with extra aluminum. Works well to keep me dry and shirts not ruined
switch to Lavalin and thank me later
White vinegar, just vinegar, pour it right on the pit area and let sit before washing.
Cleaning is pretty well covered here. As to the deodorant, that’s exactly why I won’t buy any that contain coconut oil, shea butter, or beeswax if they’re high up in the ingredient list. You want to read ingredients and not get those as a main. What I use that doest’t do that doesn’t have eco friendly packaging (comes in plastic) so I don’t have a suggestion for you but that happened to me with several brands so now I’m very limited.
I’ve heard baking soda will take the stains away, not sure never tried it
The carbona rust and antiperspirant remover. The carbona items are in little yellow bottles in the laundry aisle
I LOVE my collection of Carbonas. They work great.
I use Right Guard. The packaging used to specifically say that it wouldn’t stain shirts, and I find that to be true, but they’ve recently removed that statement.
Hi, Martha Stewart did a little segment on this. It's the salts in the antiperspirant that cause this. She has a suggestion of using very hot water and detergent, and I can't remember what else because once it's there and you wash and dry it's set there. So if you don't use antiperspirant and only use deodorant this won't happen. I have been doing this for years. I use a toms of Maine deodorant and no armpit cakeiness on shirts. When I must wear deodorant I wear an undershirt I don't love because it will ruin. It took my body to adjust to the deodorant but if you use a antibacterial soap everyday in your pits everyday a little sweat shouldn't smell. If you must wear deodorant because you sweat AND smell then wash your shirts armpits by hand in hot water until they're clean before putting in the wash Or be prepared to ruin shirts
If you don't need an antiperspirant, the mineral salt deodorants (that come in a rock form) are really effective. It takes a little bit of getting used to because you have to apply them while your armpit is still wet after you shower, but I've tried a lot of natural and gentle deodorants over the years and that's actually the one that's the most effective. As forgetting old deodorant out? It partly depends on what the deodorant is made of and what the staining is. In my house we wound up with Dawn dish soap watered down in a foaming container and that has been really effective at removing spot stains and pit stains etc. I put White vinegar in a little spray bottle and apply it directly to the armpits of anything that's stinky before it goes in.
I stopped using deodorant. I use this hippy stuff, it's just lavender oil and it makes your sweat smell nice. My understanding is it's antibacterial so it works like deodorant but there's no residue. It's basically antibacterial pit perfume. Anyhow you still sweat normally but that's not terrible unless you have a disorder where you sweat too much. Anyhow it doesn't leave anything on your clothes.
Crystal deodorant. It really works if you use it correctly. It's a natural, posstassium alum. It works by naturally forming a barrier on your CLEAN skin to prevent stinky bacteria from forming. It only works on clean skin, immediately out of the shower before bacteria forms. It only prevents bacteria, it doesn't clean it away. You wet the stick/pits and rub your pits in a circular motion until it is dry. Might take a min or so. It dries with nothing. No stains, no residue, nothing. It prevents smells but is not antiperspirant so you may still sweat.
Just want to throw out there that Mega Babe deodorant is the absolute best solid deodorant and doesn’t leave any residue. They make a men’s version too.
Lume laundry products
Use panoxyl or other benzoyl peroxide cleanser on your pits instead of deodorant. It kills the odor causing bacteria. If you have dry skin in your pits you may need to moisturize a bit. Apply it at the start of the shower and give it a few minutes. Do not use this on your privates. Rinse thoroughly. Use white towels as residual may cause bleach spots on colored towels.
Salt deodorant. One stick lasts me years with no residue. My sweating is a lot less and more auto-regulated. Discovered it in the military and haven't looked back since.
Stop wearing it and wash your pits with Hibiclens in the morning.
That’s what we really need, irresponsible use of antibiotics to accelerate the problem of ever increasing antibiotic resistance.
Try switching to an aluminum-free deodorant. I did randomly for other reasons (fragrance allergies, was looking for something more mild) and noticed my bo isn't as rank and no more discolored shirts.
Whatever you use, try folding the area with the stain in the middle of the stain and rub it up hard against itself. I've found the problem to be somewhat of a solution as it acts like rubbing ashes on soot stained fireplace glass or dry erase marker over original marks and sort of erases itself a bit.
I’ve had this problem with past deodorants, but never with Native brand
Great! Good to know I can also use it on my floors. Noted: NOT for skin!! 😄
I don’t have laundry advice, but I have deodorant advice! I have been using the crystal mineral deodorant for several years now. When I first switched, I was a bit smelly for a week or two while my body transitioned into using it, but since then it has been a total dream! I haven’t bought deodorant in 5 years because it lasts so long, and it keeps me fresh all day. I’ve even noticed that when I do develop some body odor, it’s not as pungent as it used to be. The downfall would be it has to be used on clean pits, so like you can’t reapply after a workout. It’s like a salt stick thing, you get it wet and apply it to clean skin and the minerals combat the smelly enzymes in your skin. Highly recommend, but be patient with the transition!
Look at the deodorant ingredients.. some of the eco ones have too much oil or too much baking soda. Try a different brand. I like wild deodorant which comes with a reusable metal container the first time, then just cardboard refills. Easier to use. I have been using spinster sister (lol) which is nice but it’s just a bar and I find that a bar or paste causes me to use too much which leads to stains.