How to Remove Sweat and Deodorant Stains from Clothing.

Tips to Remove Sweat and Deodorant Stains

Removing deodorant and sweat stains – what in the world did “genteel, civilized” society do before underarm deodorant was invented? The simple answer might be – they weren’t quite as genteel as they hoped! If they were, they probably didn’t smell too pleasant. Fortunately, today we have many cleaning options and tricks for removing deodorant and sweat stains from shirts, blouses, and undergarments.

Why Deodorant and Sweat Stains Happen

Knowing what causes the stains is the first step in removing deodorant and sweat stains effectively.

Deodorants mask body odor caused by bacteria, while antiperspirants go a step further – they stop you from sweating by using aluminum-based compounds (such as aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, or aluminum zirconium). These salts mix with electrolytes in sweat to form a gel that temporarily blocks your sweat glands.

Unfortunately, when aluminum compounds mix with your sweat and body oils, they react with the fabric fibers – especially cotton – and form those yellowish or stiff white stains that build up over time. Heat, humidity, and natural body chemistry can make these stains worse.

How to Prevent Deodorant Stains

Prevention is easier than removing deodorant and sweat stains later! Here are a few simple tips:

• Let deodorant dry completely before putting on your clothes.
• Apply less product. Too much deodorant increases residue buildup.
• Switch to aluminum-free deodorant to avoid the chemical reaction that causes staining.
• Wash shirts promptly. The longer sweat and aluminum sit in the fabric, the harder they are to remove.
• Wear an undershirt if you tend to sweat heavily – it helps protect your outer layers.

Natural Alternatives

If you’re trying to stay aluminum-free, consider dusting clean underarms with baking soda or using an alcohol-based, sugar-free mouthwash on a cotton pad as a quick deodorizing fix. Baking soda neutralizes odor-causing acids, while the alcohol kills bacteria.

Best Methods for Removing Deodorant and Sweat Stains

There are many ways to tackle deodorant and sweat stains, depending on how old or set-in they are. Always test your method on an inconspicuous area first, and check the care label before treating.

General Tips

• Always try one solution at a time.
• Rinse thoroughly between methods.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing – gentle agitation works better.
• Allow stain removers time to soak and break down the residue.
• Never use chlorine bleach – it won’t remove sweat stains and may even set them.

Homemade Stain Removers That Work

Baking Soda Paste

• Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with enough water to make a thin paste.
• Apply directly to the stain and gently rub in.
• Let it sit for 60 minutes.
• Rinse with cold water, then wash as usual.

Baking soda also neutralizes odor.

Lemon Juice and Salt

• Apply lemon juice to the stain until it’s soaked.
• Sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt and gently rub the fabric together.
• Let it sit in the sun for a natural bleaching boost, then launder.

Aspirin Solution

• Crush two aspirin tablets and dissolve in ¼ cup of hot water.
• Pour onto the stain and let it sit for two hours.
• Wash as usual.

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which breaks down stain compounds.

White Vinegar

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
• Soak the stained area for 30 minutes, then scrub gently and launder.

Vinegar neutralizes alkaline residues and helps dissolve mineral buildup.

Ammonia

• Mix 1/2 cup ammonia with 1/2 cup water.
• Dab onto the stain using a clean cloth until it lightens.
• Wash immediately.

Never mix ammonia with bleach – this produces toxic fumes.

Salt and Vinegar Soak

• Combine 1 cup salt, 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups hot water, and 1 tablespoon dish soap.
• Soak the garment for 1–2 hours, then launder.

Borax

• Wet the stained area and sprinkle on Borax.
• Rub gently to work it into the fabric.
• Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash normally.

OxiClean or Oxygen-Based Cleaner

• Dissolve 1 tablespoon of OxiClean in 1 cup of hot water.
• Apply to the stain and let it soak for 30 minutes.
• Wash as directed on the garment care tag.

Oxygen cleaners lift out protein-based and mineral stains without damaging fabrics.

Meat Tenderizer

It sounds odd, but it works!

• Dampen the stain with warm water.
• Sprinkle meat tenderizer powder over it.
• Rub in gently and let it sit for 30–60 minutes before washing.

The enzymes help break down protein residues from sweat.

When Stains Just Won’t Budge

For old or set-in deodorant and sweat stains, try soaking the entire garment in a solution of oxygen bleach and warm water overnight. If the fabric is delicate or the stains persist, a professional cleaner may be able to safely remove them without damaging the fibers.

Removing Deodorant and Sweat Stains

Removing deodorant and sweat stains doesn’t have to be a mystery or a lost cause. With the right combination of gentle cleaners, patience, and preventive care, your clothes can look (and smell) fresh again.

Whether you’re treating yellow armpit stains or those chalky white marks left behind by deodorant, now you have all the know-how to clean like a pro. So grab your supplies, and say goodbye to underarm stains for good – your laundry will thank you!