Sweat stains are the worst, right?
You throw on a fresh white shirt, go about your day, and boom—by the end of it, those annoying yellow stains show up.
They make your shirts look old and dirty, even when they’re clean.
But don’t worry. You don’t have to say goodbye to your favorite shirts just yet!
In this guide, we’ll go over the best ways to remove sweat stains on the armpit, tackle pit stains, and even prevent them from happening in the first place.
With a few simple tricks, you can get those stains out and keep your white shirts looking fresh. Let’s dive in!
Why Do Sweat Stains Happen in the First Place?
Before we talk about how to remove sweat stains, let’s quickly go over why they happen. Sweat alone isn’t the problem. The real culprit? Sweat mixed with deodorant.
The main cause of sweat stains is sweat mixed with DEODORANT.
Most deodorants contain aluminum. When aluminum mixes with sweat and proteins in your body, it causes ugly yellow stains. Over time, if left untreated, they become stubborn and really tough to remove.
But don’t sweat it (pun intended). There are plenty of ways to get rid of them!
How to Remove Perspiration Stains from White Shirts With Household Items
You can remove them with simple household ingredients. Here’s how:
- Soak the stain – Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water. Let your shirt soak for about 30 minutes. This helps break down the stain before washing.
- Make a stain-fighting paste – Mix baking soda with a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a little water until it forms a paste. Spread the paste on the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Scrub gently – Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain. Be gentle, especially if the fabric is delicate.
- Wash your shirt – Throw it in the washing machine with your usual detergent. Use the hottest water the fabric can handle (always check the care label first!).
- Check the stain before drying – Heat from a dryer can set the stain, making it almost impossible to remove. If the stain is still there, repeat the steps before drying.
Best Stain Removers for Perspiration Stains
There are plenty of commercial stain removers specifically designed for sweat stains. Look for one that targets protein stains and yellow discoloration.
Some popular options include:
- OxiClean MaxForce Stain Remover
- Puracy Natural Stain Remover
- Carbona Stain Devils #9 (for sweat and deodorant stains)
Apply the stain remover, let it sit for at least 10 minutes before washing, and then wash as usual.
How to Remove Old Sweat Stains
Old sweat stains are a bit trickier, but not impossible to remove. Here’s what to do:
- Make a stronger solution – Mix 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 2 cups of water.
- Soak your shirt – Let it soak in the mixture for at least an hour.
- Scrub with an old toothbrush – This helps lift stubborn stains.
- Wash and check the stain – Wash as usual and check before drying. Repeat the steps if needed.
How to Prevent Sweat Stains
Prevention is key! Here’s how to keep your shirts stain-free:
- Use an aluminum-free antiperspirant or deodorant instead – This reduces yellow stains.
- Let deodorant dry before putting on your shirt – This prevents it from rubbing off onto fabric.
- Wear an undershirt – It absorbs sweat before it reaches your dress shirts.
- Wash shirts as soon as possible – The longer sweat sits, the harder it is to remove.
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Final Thoughts
Sweat stains don’t have to ruin your favorite shirts. With the right methods, you can remove stains, keep your white shirts fresh, and even prevent them from coming back.
Quick Recap:
- Sweat and deodorant cause yellow stains.
- Soak in vinegar and water before washing.
- Use a baking soda paste to break down stains.
- Scrub it with an old toothbrush.
- Check before drying to avoid setting the stain.
- Prevent stains by switching to aluminum-free deodorant.
Now you know how to remove perspiration stains from a white shirt, but how do you remove blood stains? Read our blog for the complete guide: click here.
FAQs
Q. How do you get armpit stains out of white shirts?
A. Mix baking soda and water to make a paste, then rub it onto the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash the shirt in hot water with detergent. For tough stains, try white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide before washing.
Q. How do you get sweat stains out of white shirts?
A. Soak the shirt in a mix of 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water for 30 minutes. Then, scrub the stain with a baking soda paste (baking soda and water). Wash as usual, and air dry to check if the stain is gone before using a dryer.
Q. How to remove yellow sweat stains from white clothes?
A. Yellow stains happen when sweat and deodorant mix. To remove them, mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap into a paste. Apply it to the stain, scrub with an old toothbrush, and let it sit for an hour. Then wash the shirt in hot water.
Q. Can old sweat stains be removed?
A. Yes! Old sweat stains are harder to remove but not impossible. Soak the shirt in white vinegar and water for an hour. Then, apply a baking soda paste and scrub with a toothbrush. Wash in the hottest water the fabric allows. You may need to repeat the steps for tough stains.
