Underarm Damage to Shirts . . . # 2 in shirt series

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
Mysterious weak areas and tears show up in the areas of the underarms in shirts made of cellulose, such as cotton,
rayon, ramie, or linen. This damage could occur in other cellulose fibers, as well as some cellulose blends, most
notably cotton and polyester.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The fabric is weakened and torn near the underarms, while the lower sleeves and body of the shirt remain strong. Sometimes, but not always, staining is noted in the area, such as a ring, streak, splotch, or a light area.

WHAT CAUSED IT?
Antiperspirants that remain on the fabric for a period of time are the cause of this type of damage. Antiperspirants are acid-based chemicals and may also contain aluminum chlorides. These chemicals can form hydrocellulose (chemical degradation) on fabrics containing cellulose fibers, and holes can result. Many times the damage is not noted until the agitation of the cleaning processes separates and tears the already weakened fibers.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
Only the shirt owner can prevent this type of chemical damage by having the shirt washed, thus removing the
antiperspirant from the fabric, as soon after contact as possible. For people that have continuing problems, it may be necessary to switch to a neutral pH type deodorant rather than acidic antiperspirants.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
The cleaner has no way of determining that a fabric is already in a weakened state. Therefore this damage cannot
be prevented during normal cleaning procedures. Only the consumer who owns the shirt can be responsible, since the damage originated from circumstances of use.

IS THERE A REMEDY?
This chemical damage cannot be reversed, and mending the area is not a satisfactory option.