How To Remove Deodorant Stains From Clothing Naturally

By Team Speak
February 14, 2022

Oh, how embarrassing - you did your usual morning routine of getting dressed for work, only to discover that your deodorant made a mess of your favorite white shirt.

Those pesky deodorant stains seem like they're impossible to remove.

We're here to help you out with the tips and tricks for how to remove deodorant stains from clothing naturally. Now you can keep that favorite top for a longer time!

What Causes Deodorant Stains

The sweat produced by the apocrine glands in your underarms is different from the rest of your body. It contains fat and protein and is, in fact, colorless.

Deodorant stains happen when your sweat reacts with aluminium, an ingredient typically found in deodorants and antiperspirants. Over applying too much deodorant can also result in ingredients like oil transferring to the fabric.

If not cleaned properly, this build up over time creates the brownish stain on clothes.

Natural Methods To Remove Deodorant Stains

1. Vinegar

Vinegar is a common household item that can be used as a DIY method for removing deodorant stains from clothing.

Mix together equal parts water and vinegar and rub it onto the stain. Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush to rub at the stain, then soak in warm water before washing as usual.

2. Salt

Salt is one of the most popular natural stain removers, and it works really well on deodorant stains too!

Soak your garment overnight in warm water mixed with a few spoons of salt. After letting the garment soak, launder as usual and then allow it to dry in the sun if possible.

3. Baking soda

Baking soda is another effective and natural substance when it comes to removing tough stains from clothing.

Mix together some baking soda with a little bit of water until it forms a paste, then apply this over the affected area. Using an old toothbrush or scrub brush, gently work out any tough stains. Let this sit for at least ten minutes before washing as usual.

4. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is yet another natural ingredient that can be used for removing deodorant stains. Simply apply some lemon juice to a cotton ball and rub it onto your garment.

If the stain is particularly difficult, you can use lemon juice mixed with salt to help break up the stain. Once you're done rubbing on the juice, set your garment out in the sun for a few hours until it dries. Then launder as usual.

5. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a more aggressive approach to removing deodorant stains, but it's extremely effective! While this is not a true natural method, it is a common and eco-friendly alternative.

Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide with water. For more stubborn stains, add baking soda to the mix form a paste. Apply this directly over the affected area, then scrub away using an old toothbrush or scrub brush.

You may need to do a few applications of this solution before all of the deodorant stains come out.

Be Mindful Of Fabric Type

Keep in mind that not all of the methods listed here may be appropriate for every type of clothing – always check care labels before using vinegar or hydrogen peroxide on delicate fabrics like silk or wool.

For clothes with no care labels, we recommend testing a small, hidden area first.

Tips For Preventing Deodorant Stains In The Future

When it comes to applying deodorants, you might be doing things wrong. Or maybe the product isn't right for your needs - try these techniques and see if they work better at preventing stains.

• Look for aluminium-free deodorants: Aluminium is the main cause of pit stains so try an aluminium-free formula if excessive sweating is not a concern. 
• Apply deodorant sparingly: Applying too much deodorant can lead to buildup. Use a few swipes and let the deodorant dry completely before putting on clothes.
• Don’t wait too long to wash sweaty shirts: The stain will have time to set in permanently. Plus, damp sweat is a breeding ground for bacteria.

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