How to Get Rid of Pit Stains

The best armpit stain removers use bio-powered enzymes to break down the specific proteins found in sweat and deodorant buildup. Unlike oxygen-based powders or DIY pastes, Puracy Stain Remover’s concentrated enzyme formula effectively lifts stubborn yellow discoloration and set-in residue from all washable fabrics with a better-for-you formula that is free from sulfates, artificial dyes, and caustics, making it ideal for both new and old stains.

Pit stains are a relatable, everyday mess. That's why our pit stain removal tips do more than simply erasing discoloration and odors: They help prevent them from happening in the first place!

How to remove pit stains

It doesn't matter the material or age of the armpit stains: The following directions should get everything out.

1. Focus on the dirtiest places

It's not just your underarm areas: Keep an eye on "problem spots" like collars and cuffs.

2. Reach for our stain remover

Fully saturate both sides of the stained area with Puracy Stain Remover and wait between 8-72 hours so the bio-powered enzymes have enough time to work. This product shouldn't sit for more than an hour on silk, wool, and non-washable fabrics.

Bleach can make yellow armpit stains look even yellower, but our thoughtfully formulated stain remover actually brightens white clothes without bleach!

3. Agitate the area

To remove tough stains, agitate the area with a boar’s hair detailing brush, laundry brush, or simply rub the fabric together. This helps drive the active enzymes deeper into the fabric’s fibers while loosening stain and odor particles.

4. Launder

We recommend the warmest water that your shirt's fabric care instructions allow, as well as an "extra rinse" cycle. Extra-stubborn stains may require two treatments. The bio-powered enzymes in our Laundry Detergent further break down hard sweat stains – and its low salt content means that the formula washes away without leaving behind residue.

Biology lesson: What causes yellow armpit stains?

Eccrine sweat glands cover most of our body. When our temps rise, they excrete a colorless and odorless fluid to cool us down.

Found next to hair follicles (e.g. scalp, armpit, groin), apocrine sweat glands produce a colorless, odorless fluid when we're stressed or nervous. When that fluid mixes with the bacteria in hair follicles and aluminum in antiperspirants, you get a stubborn yellow mixture that clings to fabrics.There is no pressure to be perfect—real life is messy, and sweat happens to all of us.

Your deodorant might be responsible

Deodorants don’t keep you from sweating: They mask/neutralize body odors caused by sweat. If you use deodorant without antiperspirant, you might spot white residue and sweat stains – but your shirts probably won't develop yellow armpit stains.

Antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds which help control odors and sweating by blocking your underarm sweat ducts and inhibiting the bacteria that feed on sweat. Since aluminum is the main culprit of armpit discoloration, choose an aluminum-free deodorant and learn how to stop pit stains before they happen. Making ingredient-conscious routines shouldn't be hard, and understanding your deodorant is a great first step.

Simple tips on stopping armpit stains

In addition to ditching the aluminum-based deodorant, you can help prevent discoloration in shirts by:

• Wearing a lightweight undershirt, sweat guards (also known as "pit stain protectors"), or dress shields to absorb sweat before it winds up on your favorite garment.
• Reconsidering that second espresso: Caffeine intake elevates body temperature and anxiety levels – and that increases sweat production.
• Waiting until deodorant is totally dry before popping on shirts.
• Spraying armpits, collars, and cuffs of machine-washable shirts with Puracy Stain Remover after taking them off. Throw them in the hamper and forget about 'em until laundry day.

We've created the best pit stain remover. Period.

The 6 active enzymes in Puracy Stain Remover go deep into fabric fibers to obliterate pit stains, sweat, body odors, and thousands of other stain-causing substances. Our stain remover is dermatologist tested and suitable for sensitive skin, so you can feel confident in your choice.

In the unlikely event that you don’t absolutely love our thoughtfully formulated stain remover, we’ll refund your purchase: No questions or returns necessary.

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Frequently asked questions about armpit stains

How do you get old yellow armpit stains out?
To remove old yellow armpit stains, use a powerful enzyme-based stain remover. Apply a product like Puracy Stain Remover directly to the stain, ensuring it's fully saturated. Let it sit for at least 8 hours to allow the enzymes to break down the set-in sweat proteins before washing as usual.

How do you get rid of hard underarm stains?
Hard underarm stains are typically caused by a buildup of deodorant and antiperspirant. An enzyme-based cleaner is the most effective solution. Saturate the hardened area with an enzyme spray and gently work it into the fabric. Allow it to soak overnight to soften and dissolve the buildup before laundering.

Can you get rid of dark armpit stains?
Yes, dark armpit stains on clothing can often be removed. These are usually a reaction between sweat, bacteria, and deodorant ingredients. A bio-powered enzyme stain remover will break down the organic compounds causing the stain. For delicate or colored fabrics, this is a better-for-you alternative to hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach.

What is the best stain remover for old set-in stains?
The best removers for old, set-in stains are those with a high concentration of bio-powered enzymes. Enzymes are highly effective proteins that excel at breaking down other proteins, like those in old sweat stains. For best results, allow the enzyme cleaner to soak into the stain for 24 hours before washing.

Will vinegar and Dawn remove stains?
A paste of baking soda and a high-quality dish soap—like Puracy Dish Soap—or a vinegar soak can sometimes help lift fresh armpit stains. However, because armpit stains are a complex mix of sweat proteins and deodorant, a standard dish soap usually isn't enough to clear set-in yellowing. For the best results, you need a formulated enzyme-based stain remover like Puracy Stain Remover, which is specifically designed to dissolve those stubborn proteins