How to Remove Deodorant Stains

Deodorant stains are a common challenge that often causes people to re-launder clothing multiple times. Even multiple washes, however, won’t remove the yellow and white stains on your favorite clothes if you don’t use the right techniques.

Don’t give up and toss your seemingly ruined clothes in the trash, though. There are a few home remedies and commercial products that will effectively remove deodorant stains from your clothes.

What Causes Deodorant Stains?

White deodorant stains are commonly visible around the armpit area of darker clothes. Yellowing stains are problematic on white and lighter colors.

The white stains are typically caused by wet deodorant. The yellow and darker stains are caused by your sweat’s bacteria combining with several of the ingredients in your deodorant.

Difference Between White Marks and Yellow Stains

To remove deodorant stains from your clothes, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with.

The white marks are usually caused by aluminium salts that are common in many types of antiperspirant products. This is the ingredient that reduces odor-causing bacteria as well as sweat production in the sweat glands. More specifically, the aluminium salts combine with your laundry detergent residue and sebum to make the stain.

Even though most people wouldn’t think about stepping out of the house without wearing an antiperspirant-deodorant product, your clothes can still get yellow stains if you choose to go without. Bacteria can combine with dirt and skin lipids to make the yellow stains.

How to Remove Deodorant Stains Naturally

Deodorant stains can be problematic, but they are easier to deal with than you might think. Here are some easy and safe home remedies that you can use to remove deodorant stains naturally.

Baking Soda and Water Paste

Create a paste using a 3-to-1 ratio of baking soda to water. Use a small, clean brush to scrub the paste onto the stain. You can then launder the garment as usual.

For added stain removal power, add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the paste. An alternative to baking soda is soda water.

White Vinegar Solution

Soak the stain in a white vinegar solution before placing it in the washing machine. The solution is made with a cup of water and two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar.

Lemon Juice and Salt

Make a 50-50 solution of lemon juice and water. Sprinkle a modest amount of salt on the stain to act as a light abrasive. Dip a small brush, such as a clean toothbrush, in the diluted lemon juice. Scrub the stain until it is gone, re-dipping the brush in the diluted lemon juice as needed.

Check out this video for more ways to remove stubborn deodorant stains naturally:

What Are the Best Commercial  Stain Remover for Deodorant Buildup?

Here are some effective and recommended commercial stain removers that you can use to get rid of deodorant stains easily.

Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach is non-chlorine bleach, and it is also known as color-safe bleach.

To tackle a tough stain, pre-soak the clothing in the sink or a bucket. Add a tablespoon of oxygen bleach for every gallon of water.

Soak the item in the solution for up to six hours before washing it. If you’re dealing with a lighter stain, you could add oxygen bleach to the washing machine with your full load. Follow the product’s instructions.

Enzyme-Based Detergents

Enzyme-based detergents are effective at removing deodorant stains. Your preferred product can be used instead of your normal laundry detergent. Usually, these products are labeled. You can also read the list of ingredients on the label. Enzymes include lipases, amylases, mannanases and proteases.

Specialty Deodorant Stain Removers

Some commercial products are specifically marketed as deodorant stain removers. Typically, these are sprays that are applied to the deodorant stains in the same fashion as you would apply your normal stain remover spray. Some of these products are Pit Stop, Oxi-Clean Max For 5-in-1, Sweat X Extreme and Grandma’s Secret Laundry Spot Remover.

How to Prevent Deodorant Stains

If you use a spray or roll-on deodorant, shake the bottle thoroughly before applying it. Regardless of the type that you prefer, allow the product to completely dry before getting dressed.

You could also switch to a natural deodorant that doesn’t contain aluminium salts.

If you do get a stain, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible. For white clothing, it may take a short amount of time for the stain to show up. Treat the area even if it is not yellow yet.

Here are some easy tips to keep your clothes free from deodorant stains:

FAQs

What Removes Deodorant Stains Quickly?

There are several store-bought and DIY deodorant stain removal solutions available. However, if you’re dealing with a fresh stain on clothing that you’ve just put on, you can remove the mark with nylon stockings. Moisten the stocking, and scrub the stain with it.

How Do You Get Dried Armpit Stains Out?

The easiest way to remove a dried armpit stain is by treating it with diluted vinegar for at least an hour. Scrub it using a small brush. Then, wash it using an enzyme-based laundry detergent.

Why Do My Shirts Still Have Deodorant Stains After Washing?

Normal laundry detergents lack the ingredients necessary to breakdown the substances that cause deodorant stains.

Try using oxygen bleach, an enzyme-based detergent or a special stain remover designed for this type of stain. You can also use a DIY solution, such as a baking soda paste, diluted lemon juice or diluted white vinegar.

Knowing how to clean tough stains and messes will help you maintain a pristine home and keep your belongings in excellent condition. If you’re dealing with stains and messes in other areas of your house, our Boston house cleaning pros can help. Call Cleanzen today for more details about our services and to schedule your first cleaning.