Vintage T-Shirt Forum & Community Authentication Appraisals

Hey Everyone-

What is your secret to get out old hard crusty pit stains from your shirts? I found a great shirt but the stains are the hardest I've come across. Anyone care to share? I guess I could post a picture if you wanted...

I haven't had one of these in over a decade, so no recent experience, but here's some advice you could try:

If the stain feels stiff or waxy:

Mix a paste of:

3 tablespoons baking soda

1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide

1 tablespoon water

Spread the paste onto the stains and let it sit for 30–60 minutes.

Gently scrub with a toothbrush.

Rinse and then wash in warm water.

Spot-test first! Hydrogen peroxide can slightly lighten dark or colored shirts.

Please let us know if it works.

I've had great success usig Ammonia from the dollar store . On whites leave it overnight in the undiluted ammonia and it will break it down . You may have to scrub the pits a little but the stains should wash away . I've used it on colours with the same results but test on an inconspicuous area to see if the ammonia affects the colour.

Thank you both so much. I did multiple rounds of the hydrogen peroxide/ baking soda/ tooth brush combined with oxi clean max force for a couple days in between rounds of the HP/BS. Got out like 90% of it. Had to go a little rough with the tooth brush which wore down some of the material in the armpit but worth it.

Thanks!

YESSSSSSSSSS thanks for updating!