How to Get Rid of Deodorant Stains on Your Clothes

Deodorant helps to mask the odor caused by sweat, but while it's an essential item for many, it also leads to the unwelcome white marks.

If you're unsure of how to remove deodorant stains, your favorite navy blue shirt might have ended up in the 'wear only at home' pile because these tough armpit stains often won't come out in the wash.

Many people don't realize that deodorants can lead to stubborn stains that, if not treated properly, can result in unsightly residue buildup, which is also damaging to your clothes' fabric [source: Varsity Cleaners]. Knowing how to handle these stains is key to maintaining the look and feel of your garments.

What Causes Deodorant Stains?

Stains from deodorants are caused by specific ingredients. Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts, which can leave white stains on your clothing. Even though regular deodorants lack aluminum salts, they still have other compounds that can stain fabrics.

Basically, the active ingredients from deodorants transfer to your skin and then to your shirt. According to Nivea, when you sweat through these substances, they can form stubborn solid stains that are difficult to remove in the wash.

Deodorant Stains vs. Sweat Stains

Deodorant stains and sweat stains are distinct from each other. For one, they don't necessarily appear in the same spot. Deodorant stains form where the product is applied, typically under the armpits.

Sweat stains can also show up in the armpit area, but they can appear elsewhere as well. For example, sweat stains can form on a hat.

Deodorant and sweat stains also differ in appearance. Deodorant stains are typically white, while sweat stains occur when sweat mixes with deodorant or natural bacteria. These stains tend to be yellow, particularly on lighter or white fabrics.

How to Get Rid of Deodorant Stains

Not every clothing item can be freed of deodorant stains. For example, garments labeled with a "dry clean only" care label should be taken to professionals [source: Munson]. However, here are a few tips for removing deodorant stains from washable clothes.

Vinegar

To remove the stain using this method, begin by soaking a sponge in white vinegar. Apply the vinegar generously to the stained area.

Allow the shirt to sit for several minutes, then wash it in the machine at the hottest temperature suggested by the manufacturer. For stubborn stains, repeat the process [source: Heloise].

Ammonia

Soak the fabric for 15 minutes in a solution made of 1 quart (946 mL) of lukewarm water, ½ teaspoon (3 mL) liquid hand-dishwashing detergent, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of ammonia. Make sure the water is cool to lukewarm.

Gently rub the stain from the back of the fabric to loosen it. Let the stain sit in the above solution for another 15 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly and washing [source: Porter].

Alcohol-based Cleansers

Rubbing alcohol can effectively remove stains, particularly those caused by spray deodorants. Apply the alcohol directly to the stain and wash it off well [source: Good Housekeeping].

Lemon Juice

Mix lemon juice, which naturally bleaches, with an equal amount of water. Apply the mixture to the stain. Then, place the garment in the sun for an hour. Afterward, rinse and wash as usual.

Hydrogen Peroxide

For white garments, try using hydrogen peroxide. Simply mix it with an equal amount of water to create a solution.

Nylon Stockings

For darker clothing, gently rubbing a nylon stocking on fresh stains can be highly effective.

How to Prevent Deodorant Stains

To prevent stains before they even happen, it mainly depends on the type of deodorant you choose and how you apply it.