How to Treat White T-Shirts for Stains (Including Yellow Pit Marks)
White t-shirts are a wardrobe essential — until they start to show stains. Whether it’s a splash of coffee, a mystery smudge, or the dreaded yellow underarm discoloration, here’s how to treat them so they stay crisp and wearable.
Step 1: Pre-Treat the Underarms
Yellowing underarms aren’t just sweat — it’s sweat plus deodorant buildup. To lift them:
Mix a paste of baking soda + hydrogen peroxide + mild detergent
(Ratio: 1:1:1 — about 1 tbsp of each for one shirt)Apply the paste to the stained area and gently scrub with a soft brush
Let sit for 30 minutes before washing
For stubborn marks, you can soak the shirt in warm water with oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) overnight.
Step 2: Spot-Treat Other Stains
Oily stains: Apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the spot and gently rub in
Makeup marks: Use micellar water or a dab of shaving cream before laundering
Food splatters (ketchup, wine): Rinse immediately in cold water, then use a stain remover spray before washing
Step 3: Wash in Cold with the Right Detergent
Use a detergent that’s made for whites but doesn’t contain optical brighteners (which can dull over time). I like Dirty Labs because it’s effective without being harsh.
Wash in cold water to prevent setting any missed stains.
Step 4: Air Dry + Inspect
Avoid tossing it in the dryer until you know the stain is gone — heat can permanently set it.
Hang dry or lay flat in the sun if possible (sunlight acts as a natural brightener).
Bonus Tip: Prevent Future Pit Stains
Switch to an aluminum-free deodorant
Let deodorant dry fully before dressing
Wash white shirts as soon as you can — don't let sweat sit