We’ve all experienced it before—the dreaded yellow stains that gradually make themselves at home on the armpits of our favorite white shirts and T-shirts. But don’t give up hope just yet! Whether the root of the problem is deodorant or sweat, removing unsightly stains is actually surprisingly simple, easy, and best of all, cheap! What’s the magical ingredient? Your average kitchen baking soda!
Tools & Supplies Needed
- Oxygen bleach
- Baking soda
- Iron
- Toothbrush
- Hot water
How to Get Stains Out of a White Shirt: Step by Step
Pour an appropriate amount of oxygen bleach into a bowl of baking soda, and mix with lukewarm water of roughly the same amount. Note to only use oxygen bleach and not other types, as these can damage your clothing.
Wet the area containing the yellow stain with hot water, then use a toothbrush to gently rub the oxygen bleach and baking soda mixture from step one into the fabric. Make sure to cover the area evenly and thoroughly for the best end result.
Using an iron, without touching the shirt spray an even amount of hot steam onto the area. It’s recommended to continue spraying the steam, ensuring that the affected areas are covered completely.
After steaming, wash the T-shirt in a washing machine on regular wash for at least ten minutes. Depending on the age and fabric of the T-shirt and the severity of the stain results may vary, and in some cases multiple applications may be necessary.
Other Benefits of Baking Soda
If you haven’t used it by now, you’re missing out! Not only is baking soda a key ingredient for removing stains, it can also be used in a number of other ways to clean and deodorize your clothes, accessories, and even your house!
How to Get Rid of Smelly Shoes
Tools & Supplies Needed
- Baking soda (½ cup or 50g)
- Old socks (one pair)
Steps
- Insert the baking soda evenly into each of the two socks and tie them closed.
- Place one into each shoe, and leave overnight.
- Remove the socks in the morning for fresh, clean shoes!
How to Remove Mold from a Washing Machine
Tools & Supplies Needed
- Baking soda (1 cup or 100g)
Steps
- Set the washing machine to fill with lukewarm water.
- Pour the baking soda into the water, and leave it to run a cycle for around 5 minutes.
- Without draining the water, leave it overnight. The next day, run another cycle for 5 minutes before discarding the water. Enjoy your mold-free washing machine!
How to Create a Multi-Cleaning Spray
Tools & Supplies Needed
- Baking soda (1 tablespoon)
- Lukewarm water (8oz or 250ml)
- Spray bottle
Steps
- Mix the baking soda and lukewarm water well, before pouring it into the spray bottle.
- Spray on clothing and fabrics affected by oil or dirt stains for a quick fix.
While a touch of baking soda can work wonders, if a stain has gotten too deep it may be time to pass the baton onto some new clothes. Check out MID’s selection of big and tall T-shirts to get you started!
