Buzz
Photo: yokeetod/getty images- Skill Level: Beginner
Deodorant stains can be one of the most frustrating clothing issues. These stains form when deodorant builds up in the fabric, reacting with both sweat and antiperspirant ingredients. Whether it’s a firm, discolored patch on colored shirts or yellowish underarm marks on whites, you can remove deodorant stains from washable garments if you act promptly.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Tools and Equipment Required
- Soft nylon scrub brush with bristles
- Washing machine
- Small bowl for mixing
- Rubber gloves for protection
- Measuring cup and spoons for accurate measurements
Essential Materials
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent
Steps to Follow
How to Get Rid of Deodorant Stains on Colored Garments
The accumulation of deodorant and body oils leads to discoloration, stiffness, and trapped odors in the underarm areas of colored clothing. When these stains appear, use distilled white vinegar, a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works wonders), and a presoak to effectively remove the stains.
Scrubbing Deodorant Stains with a Vinegar Solution
Combine two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and two tablespoons of cool water in a small bowl or measuring cup. This mixture will be sufficient for one shirt. Place the shirt flat, inside out, on a towel, and dip a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush into the solution. Scrub the underarm areas of the shirt thoroughly.
Soak the Stained Garments
Once each shirt or top has been treated, fill a sink or large plastic container with cool water and add one cup of distilled white vinegar. Immerse the stained clothing and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
Launder the Clothes
After soaking, wash the clothes following the care instructions on the label, using a heavy-duty detergent (such as Tide or Persil) that has sufficient enzymes to break down and eliminate any lingering deodorant residue.
While many garments can be worn multiple times before washing, if you sweat heavily and use waxy deodorants, it's best to wash shirts and tops after each use. This prevents deodorant and body soil buildup from embedding too deeply into the fabric.
How to Eliminate Deodorant Stains and Yellowing from White Fabrics
On white clothes, a mixture of deodorant and body oils can eventually lead to yellow or dull grey underarms. The earlier you notice and treat the stains, the better your chances of reversing the damage.
If you spot the first signs of yellowing on your shirts but don’t have time to treat them, avoid using the dryer. Instead, line-dry the clothes as the heat from the dryer will set the stains, making them harder to remove.
Prepare the Stain Removal Solution
For treating one white item, combine one-fourth cup of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and cool water in a small bowl.
Pre-treat and Scrub the Stains
Place the shirt flat, inside out, on a white towel (as hydrogen peroxide may bleach colored towels). Use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to apply the stain-removal mixture to the deodorant stains on the inside of the garment. Scrub the area thoroughly and allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes.
Launder the Clothes
Wash the clothes with heavy-duty laundry detergent in the warmest water setting safe for the fabric. If yellow or grey stains persist after washing, repeat the process.
How to Quickly Remove Deodorant Stains from Black Shirts
If your black or dark tops have deodorant streaks, here are three ways to remove those "zebra stripes":
- Use a piece of foam rubber from a hanger to gently rub away the deodorant streaks.
- Rub a used fabric dryer sheet against the streaks with quick, short strokes to eliminate them.
- If you have nothing else, simply rub the shirt fabric together to loosen the deodorant residue and brush it off.
How to Avoid Deodorant Stains
- Let your deodorant dry completely before putting on clothes. A blast of warm air from a hairdryer can help speed this up.
- Opt for an aluminum-free deodorant, as aluminum is the main culprit behind most deodorant stains.
- Don’t overapply deodorant. If you think more is better, try switching to a different brand.
- Switch to a clear gel or aerosol deodorant formula instead of solid white products.
- Wear an undershirt to avoid staining or sweat marks on your outer clothes.
