[Column] Is underarm sweat causing yellowing of clothes due to body odor? We introduce sweat stain prevention and countermeasures you should know. A hidden problem for many people: Why do clothes turn yellow from underarm sweat? Possible underarm odor?! The mechanism behind yellowing caused by underarm sweat. 《Preventing Sweat Stains》 Protect your pristine white clothes from underarm sweat and yellowing. How to remove yellow stains from clothes caused by underarm sweat Effective underarm sweat control can prevent yellowing stains. Underarm sweat is a concern for both men and women when wearing brand-new white clothes. Many people have had the embarrassing experience of finding yellow stains on their clothes despite their best efforts.This article will explain the causes of yellowing of clothes due to underarm sweat, preventative measures, and how to wash away existing yellow stains. If you are troubled by excessive underarm sweating, please refer to this article. A hidden problem for many people: Why do clothes turn yellow from underarm sweat? Many people are troubled by underarm sweat stains. There are times when you might unexpectedly sweat under your arms due to the heat or nervousness, and you might become self-conscious about how others perceive you. Those who value etiquette and cleanliness often harbor deep, unspoken worries about their underarm sweating. Along with underarm sweat, "yellowing stains on clothes" are also a concern. One common problem related to underarm sweat is yellowing of clothes. Sweat stains in the underarm area are often overlooked during washing, and can quickly turn into yellowing stains.To prevent underarm sweat from staining your favorite clothes, let's take a closer look at the causes and solutions. The yellowing caused by underarm sweat brings up anxieties about body odor. Because underarm sweat easily produces odor, some people may associate sweat stains or yellowing on clothes with body odor (bromhidrosis).Body odor (specifically underarm odor) is thought to be caused in part by genetics, and it originates from the apocrine glands in the skin, which are present in both men and women. It is said that approximately 1 in 10 Japanese people develop this condition, so you are probably not alone in feeling anxious when you notice underarm sweat. Next, we'll explain the detailed causes of yellowing stains on clothes due to underarm sweat, and their relationship to body odor. Possible underarm odor?! The mechanism behind yellowing caused by underarm sweat. Why does "common yellowing stain" occur? The main cause of yellowing in typical clothing is the accumulation of sweat and sebum. Normal underarm sweat is transparent, but sweat and sticky sebum that aren't completely removed during washing oxidize deep within the fibers, gradually appearing as yellowing. In other words, it can be considered the same type of yellowing as the stains on collars and cuffs. Why does "yellowing staining due to body odor" occur? In the case of body odor (specifically underarm odor), the cause is different from that of typical underarm sweat stains.The reddish-brown pigment called "lipofuscin," secreted from the apocrine glands that cause body odor, adheres to clothing, resulting in stubborn yellow stains. Because underarm sweat itself contains pigment, yellowing can occur after just one wear.People with body odor (specifically underarm odor) tend to have more developed apocrine glands, which means they are more prone to sweat stains and yellowing of their clothes than average. Could antiperspirants, a common hygiene item, also be a contributing factor? Yellowing stains on clothing aren't always caused by underarm sweat; antiperspirants that suppress sweating can also be a culprit. In rare cases, if the ingredients in an antiperspirant don't suit your body type, it can cause yellowing in areas where underarm sweat has accumulated.If you suspect this might be the cause, it's recommended to stop using the product for a while and see what happens. If antiperspirant is the culprit, simply stopping its use might resolve your yellowing problem. What's causing it? A quick check for yellowing stains. color Number of times worn range General yellowing light yellow multiple times The collar and cuffs also turn yellow. Yellowing caused by body odor dark yellow 1 time ~ Only the armpits are severely yellowed. We've summarized the differences between "general yellowing" and "yellowing related to body odor." Please refer to the above and easily check which one applies to you.Understanding why your clothes turn yellow will make it easier to find preventative measures and improve your washing methods. 《Preventing Sweat Stains》Protect your pristine white clothes from underarm sweat and yellowing. Preventive measures (1) Wipe away sweat and keep clean Leaving underarm sweat on your skin can cause odor, so it's recommended to wipe it away frequently. For those with body odor, this not only helps prevent sweat stains and yellowing, but also reduces the unpleasant smell.For wiping, it's best to use a clean towel or a sweat-wiping sheet. Sweat-wiping sheets are disposable and often contain ingredients that help eliminate underarm sweat, making them an effective solution. Preventive measures (2): Prevent sweat from adhering to the skin with sweat pads and innerwear. Yellow stains on clothes can be difficult to remove once they appear, so it's a good idea to take preventative measures to avoid sweat stains in the first place. Disposable underarm sweat pads or underwear with built-in sweat pads would be effective.When wearing your favorite clothes, especially on days when you anticipate sweating, be sure to make good use of this product. It also helps prevent sweat stains, so those who sweat a lot will likely find it more comfortable than wearing clothes directly against their skin. Preventive measures (3) Promote moderate sweating through exercise habits. Many people who suffer from excessive underarm sweating may be trying to avoid sweating as much as possible. However, sweating is a normal function that helps eliminate waste products from the body. Restricting this function yourself is not conducive to a healthy lifestyle.However, since you might be concerned about what others think, why not start with some simple exercises you can do at home, or methods to promote sweating during your daily bath? Preventive measures (4) Reviewing your diet is also recommended. The yellowing of clothes due to underarm sweat and daily diet may seem unrelated, but ingredients commonly found in Western cuisine, such as meat and dairy products, are said to stimulate the apocrine glands, which are the cause of body odor. Considering why Westerners often have a strong body odor might help you understand the connection to diet.Additionally, alcohol and tobacco consumption can also affect the apocrine glands. If you suffer from excessive underarm sweating, pay attention to what you consume on a daily basis. Preventive measures (5) Use products to control underarm sweat Antiperspirant or deodorant, which is better? The difference between antiperspirants and deodorants Antiperspirants: Reduce the amount of sweat. Deodorant: Prevents bacterial growth and suppresses odor. Using antiperspirants or deodorants is also recommended to prevent yellowing stains from occurring in the first place.While some products combine both effects, antiperspirants and deodorants generally serve different purposes, so be sure to check the product labeling before purchasing.In rare cases, antiperspirants can cause yellowing, so proper usage and choosing the right product for your needs are essential. Here are our recommended deodorant items. How to choose underarm sweat control products Guidelines for choosing type How to use merit Disadvantages spray spray Hygienic and refreshing Weak antiperspirant effect seat Wipe it off Easy to use and non-sticky Weak endurance Roll-on Direct application Can be applied evenly even when out and about. It needs to be allowed to dry after application. stick Pull it out and apply directly. It has a strong adhesive and is great for carrying around. It may feel sticky. Cream/Gel Take it in your hand and apply it. High adhesion and long-lasting power It's difficult to use when you're out and about. Antiperspirants and deodorants come in a wide variety of types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one for the situation can help prevent underarm sweat stains and make you feel more comfortable. If you're unsure which to buy, try using the above points as a guide. Body odor (specifically underarm odor) can be treated. If you have body odor (specifically underarm odor), consulting a doctor can provide a more fundamental solution. There are various treatments available depending on your condition, such as laser treatment, Botox injections, and surgery, so it's worth considering if you're really struggling with it.When you hear the word "treatment," you might be concerned about the cost, but in some cases, it may be covered by insurance. How to remove yellow stains from clothes caused by underarm sweat [Prevent with every wash] Pre-wash with hot water to block the accumulation of sebum stains. To prevent yellowing stains from underarm sweat, it's important to pre-wash the areas stained with underarm sweat every time you do laundry. Underarm sweat and sebum stains are difficult to remove with regular washing alone. Since sebum hardens when it cools, it's effective to use warm water to dissolve the sebum deep within the fibers.Using leftover bathwater for laundry is also an effective way to remove underarm sweat stains, so please give it a try. [How to remove yellowing] What to do when underarm sweat stains become noticeable? How to choose a detergent Clothes that have yellowed underarms can be easily cleaned using bleach. There are mainly two types of bleach: "chlorine-based" and "oxygen-based," so choose the one that suits the material of your clothes. For white shirts, you can use chlorine-based bleach, which has strong bleaching power, but it is not suitable for colored or patterned clothes, so it is recommended to choose oxygen-based bleach.In all cases, be sure to check the washing instructions on the tag beforehand to see if bleach can be used. Washing instructions For yellow stains caused by underarm sweat, soak the stain directly with bleach and then wash as usual. This should be sufficient to remove light yellowing.For stubborn yellow stains that don't come off with this method, please try soaking them using the following steps. Soaking method Put 40-50 degree Celsius water and an appropriate amount of bleach into a bucket. Soak the yellowed areas with undiluted bleach and gently rub it in. Place the clothes in the bleach solution (1) and let them soak for about an hour. Put the clothes in the washing machine along with the bleach solution and wash as usual. [Removing yellow stains from underarm odor] Are there any ways to remove the stains? How to choose a detergent People with body odor (bromhidrosis) have a pigment called lipofuscin in their underarm sweat, so once yellow stains appear on their clothes, it's generally difficult to remove them completely.However, washing the garment as soon as you notice the yellowing can potentially reduce the problem. In this case, it's a good idea to use baking soda, which is weakly alkaline and effectively breaks down proteins and sebum. Washing instructions Soaking clothes in a solution of baking soda in hot water before washing makes it easier to remove even stubborn stains. It's also effective against regular sweat stains, so it's a handy technique to remember.If you're worried about yellow stains that can't be removed by soaking with baking soda, or about damaging your clothes, it's best to have a professional stain remover at a dry cleaner. Soaking method using baking soda Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 500ml of 40-50 degree Celsius water in a bucket. Stir well and dissolve the baking soda completely. Put the yellowed clothes in and rub them, then let them soak for about an hour. Wash in the washing machine as usual. Effective underarm sweat control can prevent yellowing stains. Underarm sweating is a very sensitive issue that is difficult to discuss with others, so many people suffer from it in a serious way. It's especially upsetting when your favorite clothes get yellowed due to underarm sweat. I hope that the preventative methods I've introduced will help protect your clothes from underarm sweat and alleviate some of your worries about yellowing stains. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.