How to fix shirts that smell again five minutes after you put them on

If the underarms of your shirts still smell after washing, or the smell comes back shortly after you put them on, put a little dish soap directly on the armpit area before washing.

This happens because aluminum antiperspirant builds up in the fabric over time and creates a barrier. Once that layer is there, water and laundry detergent can’t fully penetrate the fibers, so all odors get trapped - not just deodorant, but sweat and bacteria too. That’s why the shirt smells fine out of the dryer, then starts smelling again within minutes of wearing it.

Dish soap cuts through that buildup. Once it’s gone, your normal wash can actually clean the fabric.

Especially useful for workout clothes, synthetics, and any shirt that seems permanently ruined in the armpits.