How to Get Rid of Sweat Stains on Clothing

Armpit sweat stains are frustrating, to say the least. They’re often the reason why we have to replace our light-colored shirts and the reason many people only purchase dark garments. Before you throw out another shirt, try a deep clean. We’re reviewing tested techniques that effectively remove sweat stains. Between practical prevention and DIY cleaning solutions, you can successfully treat sweat marks and yellow armpit stains to extend the life of your favorite shirts.

Understanding Sweat Stains

Sweat stains on clothes are usually caused by the interaction of sweat with bacteria on the skin. They can also be caused by chemicals in deodorants. These reactions can leave noticeable marks on fabrics. Yellow sweat stains typically appear on white clothing due to sweat mixing with deodorant, while white stains often occur on dark fabrics from deodorant residue.

There are two common types of sweat stains: yellow stains, most noticeable on light-colored clothes, and white stains, which are more prominent on dark fabrics. Both stains can be difficult to remove because they become embedded in the fabric. Body oils and exposure to heat also make the stains more stubborn, so if you’re wondering why regular washing isn't cutting it anymore, that might be why.

Prevention Techniques

Keeping your garments clean and free of sweat stains requires simple changes in clothing choices and your personal care habits.

• Choose sweat-resistant fabrics. Moisture-wicking materials like polyester or bamboo pull sweat away from the skin, which reduces the likelihood of stained fabric. Cotton does exactly the opposite and tends to absorb and hold moisture, which leads to deep-set stains.
• Consider your antiperspirants or deodorants. Antiperspirants help block sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat. Applying it at night enhances its effectiveness. If you use natural deodorants, check the reviews. Some consumers report that the ingredients used transfer onto the garment more easily, leading to stains. I can attest that even dark shirts have more oily stains on the armpits when I wear natural deodorants.
• Wear undershirts or sweat pads. Undershirts act as an extra layer to absorb sweat before it reaches outer clothing. Heavy sweaters also look to using sweat pads for targeted protection as a way to prevent staining and visible sweat marks.

Immediate Action for Fresh Stains

When sweat stains are fresh, taking immediate steps can help prevent them from setting into the fabric. "It’s always nice when you can wear a garment more than once between washings, unless you sweat heavily," shares Mary Gagliardi (aka “Dr. Laundry”), Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert. "Underarm stains that build up over time, especially if they include deodorant or antiperspirant, are much more difficult to remove. Sweat-stained clothing should be washed after just one wearing and as soon as possible. Not only are stains easier to remove when they don’t sit around for several days, but perspiration typically has a slightly acidic pH, which might negatively interact with dyes to discolor the garment when the sweat isn’t washed away in a timely manner."

Blot and Rinse

After wearing the shirt, gently blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the oils or deodorant that cause the staining. Rinsing the area with cold water helps flush out the sweat and prevent the stain from setting, which is crucial for delicate fabrics.

Apply a Stain Removing Solution

One of the best pretreatment methods is a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Apply this mixture to the stain and gently scrub with a soft brush, like a toothbrush, to help loosen any sweat and deodorant buildup. Afterward, rinse the fabric with cold water.

Using a laundry detergent that contains enzymes is ideal, because enzymes effectively break down the proteins in sweat stains, making it easier to remove during the wash. Jenna Arkin, chief innovation officer at ECOS, elaborates, sharing that, "Enzymes are naturally occurring, complex folded proteins. Throughout nature, enzymes act as catalysts that start or speed up chemical reactions. When used in laundry detergents, enzymes act to break down hard-to-remove stains.”

There’s a reason for choosing an enzymatic laundry detergent. “Each type of enzyme targets and helps remove a different type of stain," notes Arkin. "For example, proteases target protein stains, while amylases target starch stains. Most enzymatic laundry detergents are formulated with a combination of many types of enzymes that help remove the types of stains most often found in detergent."

Avoid Heat

Heat and friction can make stains more permanent, so avoid hot water and don’t put the garment into the dryer before you’re done with treatment. Always stick to cold water and handle the fabric gently. Remember that rubbing the fabric too hard can embed the stain deeper into the fibers.

DIY Stain Removal Solutions

If you want to tackle sweat stains with things you already have on hand, there are several everyday household items that you can try. Some of these options work well on stains that are more persistent or have set in.

• White vinegar for fresh stains: Vinegar is a powerful, natural stain remover. For sweat stains, mix equal parts vinegar and water, apply it to the affected area, and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush to lift the stain before rinsing with cold water.
• Baking soda to absorb excess oils: Baking soda is another common household ingredient that works well for sweat stains, especially the oily ones caused by natural deodorants. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Afterward, scrub lightly with a brush and rinse the fabric thoroughly before washing.

• Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to deep clean old stains: At Reddit’s recommendation, we used hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together to clean stains out of one of the oldest shirts in my closet. I mixed three cups of hydrogen peroxide and ¼ cup of baking soda in a small bowl. Then, I soaked the shirt, targeting the armpits so they were fully submerged. After briefly scrubbing the stains with a bristled brush to make sure the ingredients saturated the fabric, I let it soak for eight hours and then rinsed with cold water. Previously relegated as a shirt I only wear under sweaters, I wasn’t sure it would work, but it did a great job and eliminated the worst of the yellow staining and deodorant build-up.
• Other household ingredients for sweat stain removal: Lemon juice and salt are two other common items that can tackle sweat stains. Lemon juice is slightly acidic, which can help break down the stain when applied directly. Salt, when mixed with water, can be used as a gentle scrub to remove residue from sweat and deodorant buildup.