How to Remove Deodorant Stains

Have you ever had to throw out an old shirt because of deodorant stains? I have done so, so many times, as a matter of fact, that I have lost count. The stains are practically impossible to remove! Wearing your favorite T-shirt with deodorant stains can make for an embarrassing time.

Don’t fret, though! For we have found the best way to rid our clothes of these stains, making deodorant stains an issue of the past. These are our tried and true methods on how to remove the deodorant stains from clothing:

Bottom Line up Front

How to Remove Deodorant Stains:

1. For one hour, soak the item of clothing in white vinegar.
2. Using an old toothbrush, brush the area that is stained.
3. Wash the garment in the warmest water available, as you would do normally.
4. If the stain has been removed, dry the clothing.

How to Remove Deodorant Stains from Whites

One of the most difficult parts of laundry is keeping the whites white. Deodorant stains are one of the biggest causes of ruining the whites. With the right techniques you can keep the clothing white and remove the deodorant stains.

Distilled White Vinegar

This method is not only our favorite when it comes to removing stains from our white clothing but it also works on colored clothing.

1. Soak the garment for one hour in a white vinegar mixture.
2. Brush the stained area of the garment with an old toothbrush.
3. Using the warmest water possible for this clothing item, wash it as you normally would do.
4. Dry the garment if the stain is removed.

Top Tip

You can mix distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle at a 1:1 ratio. Spray the stained area with the solution before washing, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then wash it as normal.

Aspirin Tablets

Aspirin is also useful for removing many types of stains. However this works on white clothing only and should not be used on dark or colorful clothing.

1. Crush up to five aspirin tablets.
2. Mix the powder with a small amount of water to create a paste-like substance.
3. Apply this paste to the area on the garment that is stained by deodorant.
4. Wash as you normally would.
5. Dry only once the stains have disappeared.

Lemon Juice

A more natural way to remove stains, as well as brightening clothing, is using lemon juice. This method should only be used on white or lighter colored clothing as lemon juice has a bleaching effect.

1. Take one lemon and cut it in half and squeeze the juice on the stained area.
2. Add a small amount of salt.
3. Using your finger, massage the mixture into the clothing. Stop once the stain is gone.
4. Afterwards, for one hour, leave the clothing in the sun. This will brighten it up.
5. Rinse the section you put the mixture on and wash as you normally would.
6. Dry the shirt.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

To get rid of particularly yellow or antiperspirant stains on white clothes use this next method.

1. Take ⅓ cup of water, and mix with ⅓ of hydrogen peroxide and ⅓ cup of baking soda.
2. Apply this directly to the stain by using a spoon (Don’t be afraid to use a good deal of the solution to soak the stain).
3. Let it sit overnight.
4. Use another spoon to remove the leftover solution the next morning.
5. Wash the clothing as you would normally.
6. If the stain has disappeared, dry the garment.

How to Remove Deodorant Stains from Dark Colors

If you are wondering about how to remove the stains from dark clothing, without dulling or bleaching the fabric, just follow the next couple of steps (You only need water and a cloth for this method).

1. All you have to do is dampen the cloth and rub the area with the stain until this has been removed.
2. Wash as you normally would with heavy-duty laundry detergent meant for dark or colored clothes.
3. Dry once the stains are gone.

Caution

This method is the best if the stains have not settled in yet. To make sure you tackle the stains as quickly as possible, make sure to check your clothes at the end of the day for any stains. If the stains continue, try using a deodorant-removing sponge.

How to Remove Deodorant Stains from Bras

Sometimes you only need to use a damp cloth to remove the stains from bras. Rub the cloth in a circular motion, this can take some time. We have some other ways to remove the stains if only the cloth doesn’t help:

Dryer Sheet

Be sure to use a dryer sheet that has been used. This will minimize the chances of leaving any residue behind. Before you start, make sure the dryer sheet is dry and not wet or damp.

1. Bunch the dryer sheet up into a small ball.
2. In a circular motion, massage the ball into the stain. You should see the stain slowly disappearing.
3. Wash the clothing as normal.

Makeup Remover Wipe

Another method to remove deodorant stains from bras is using makeup remover wipes.

1. Using a circular motion, wipe it over the stain until it disappears.
2. Wash the bra as normal.

Alternatively, you can use the liquid version of makeup remover wipes. Just apply it to a cotton pad before removing the stain.

How to Prevent Deodorant Stains on Clothes

It will save you a lot more time to simply prevent the stains instead of taking all the time to remove them. Here are some of our best tips:

1. Choose the correct deodorant – Stains are more likely to form if the deodorant used has a high amount of alcohol, aluminum or fragrance. You can always try a more natural deodorant. These have neutral pH levels or even an acidic antiperspirant.
2. Let the deodorant dry completely – Put on the deodorant and do all your other steps to getting ready before you get dressed. This allows the deodorant time to dry before you put on the clothes.
3. Wash your clothes every time after you wear them – Making sure to wash the clothes immediately will keep the deodorant from setting in and staining clothes. This can be done with your usual laundry routine.
4. Avoid the creamy deodorants – The creamy white antiperspirants leave white stains a lot easier than others. This is very noticeable on darker clothing.
5. Don’t put on too much. – Too much deodorant can cause staining. Don’t forget, sometimes less is more.
6. To speed up the drying use a hairdryer – If you notice you’re running late to work or other plans, use a hairdryer on your underarms to speed up the drying process of the deodorant.

Removal and Prevention Is Key

Almost everyone wears deodorant, so it is not uncommon to see deodorant stains on clothing. However, you can feel much more confident in your daily life knowing the correct ways to prevent and mitigate stains, such as using a different deodorant or using knowledge of removing them. Your clothes will not only last longer, but you don’t have to feel embarrassed when wearing an older t-shirt. This is especially the case since your older t-shirts will remain stain-free.