We talked to laundry care experts for advice on removing deodorant stains and how to prevent them in the first place.
Deodorant stains are a common laundry woe, leaving white or yellowish marks on clothing. The good news is they’re not permanent, and with the right techniques, you can easily remove them. We consulted laundry care experts to share the best methods for tackling deodorant stains and tips for preventing them in the first place.
Why Do Deodorant Stains Happen?
Deodorant stains typically result from the aluminum compounds found in antiperspirants, which react with sweat and body oils. Over time, this can leave white or yellow stains, especially noticeable on dark or light-colored clothing. Removing these stains requires a bit of strategy and the right products.
Simple Steps to Remove Deodorant Stains
1. Use Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda is a natural, gentle cleaner that works well on both fresh and set-in stains.
- Mix baking soda and water: Combine four tablespoons of baking soda with a quarter cup of warm water to form a paste.
- Apply to the stain: Spread the paste onto the stained area and gently scrub it into the fabric using a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well).
- Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse and wash: Rinse the area with cold water, then toss the garment into the washing machine as usual.
2. Vinegar Soak for Yellow Stains
Vinegar is another effective household cleaner for tackling deodorant stains, especially the yellowish ones caused by sweat.
- Soak the fabric: Fill a basin with one part white vinegar and one part cold water. Submerge the stained area and let it soak for 30-60 minutes.
- Scrub if needed: After soaking, you can lightly scrub the stain with a soft brush to loosen any residue.
- Rinse and wash: Wash the garment as you normally would.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide for Stubborn Stains
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help remove tough yellow deodorant stains.
- Apply hydrogen peroxide: Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain (this works best on white or light-colored fabrics).
- Let it sit: Leave the solution on the fabric for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse and wash: After soaking, rinse the area thoroughly and wash as usual.
4. Lemon Juice for Fresh Stains
The natural acidity of lemon juice helps break down deodorant stains.
- Rub lemon juice on the stain: Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly onto the stained area.
- Sun-dry the fabric: Leave the garment in the sun for about an hour. The combination of lemon juice and sunlight can help bleach out stains.
- Rinse and wash: After letting it dry in the sun, rinse the area and wash the garment.
How to Prevent Deodorant Stains
- Switch to an aluminum-free deodorant: Aluminum is the ingredient in antiperspirants that reacts with sweat to create stains. Switching to an aluminum-free or natural deodorant can help prevent yellow marks.
- Let deodorant dry before dressing: Allow deodorant to fully dry on your skin before putting on clothes. This reduces the chances of it transferring to your fabric.
- Apply less deodorant: Using too much deodorant can increase the likelihood of stains. A small amount is usually enough to keep you fresh and reduce residue on clothes.
- Wash clothes promptly: Sweat and deodorant can settle into fabrics if left too long. Washing your clothes soon after wearing them can help prevent the buildup of stains.
Final Thoughts
Deodorant stains are annoying but completely fixable! By using simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon juice, you can restore your clothes to their former glory. To avoid these stains in the future, consider switching to aluminum-free deodorant, letting deodorant dry fully, and washing clothes promptly.
With these tips, your favorite shirts will stay fresh and stain-free!
