How to remove sweat stains from clothes

Sweat stains are one of the most common problems in summer, although they also appear all year round on T-shirts, shirts and sportswear. What starts as a small mark in the underarm area can end up turning into a yellow stain that is hard to remove, or a white ring caused by deodorant. And nobody wants their favourite clothes ruined completely, or to have to put up with the embarrassment of having marks like this on their clothes in public.

Fortunately, there are some effective solutions for recovering your clothes. Above all, knowing how to remove sweat stains from clothes depends on the type of fabric, the colour of the garment and how old the stain is. That said, acting as soon as possible always increases your chances of success.

We are going to explain the household remedies that work best, when to use them, and what guidelines to follow so you don’t damage the fibres of your clothes.

How to remove sweat stains from white clothes

Yellow sweat stains are most obvious on white garments, as the pale background makes any change in colour instantly visible to the naked eye. Unlike dark or patterned fabrics, where stains are better disguised, there are no hiding places on white: the build-up of sweat, body oils and deodorant turns directly into unsightly yellowish marks that ruin the purity of the fabric.

Before resorting to aggressive products, it is best to:

• Dampen the area with cold or lukewarm water.
• Apply a pre-treatment before washing.
• Leave it to work for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Wash according to the instructions on the label.

On durable white fabrics, baking powder, 3% hydrogen peroxide, or active-oxygen stain removers work particularly well. If the stain has been there for a long time, you may need to repeat the process before it comes out completely.

How to remove sweat stains from coloured clothes

If you are looking for how to remove sweat stains from coloured clothes, you need to be much more careful. Some household remedies that are safe for white clothes, for example, can fade dark or brightly coloured garments, so beware!

In these cases, it is best to:

• Apply liquid soap or detergent directly on the stain.
• Use baking powder mixed only with water.
• Test any product first on a less visible area.
• Avoid leaving products on for too long.

The ultimate homemade mix (baking powder, hydrogen peroxide and soap)

When a stain is particularly stubborn, many household cleaning experts recommend combining three ingredients that are commonplace in most homes:

• 2 tablespoons of baking powder.
• 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide at 3%.
• A few drops of liquid detergent or washing-up liquid.

Mix the ingredients until you make a smooth paste. Spread it over the stain, rub gently with a soft-bristled brush and leave it to work for 15 to 30 minutes before washing.

This method leads to very good results on white clothes, but is not recommended for delicate garments or coloured fabrics without testing it first.

How to remove sweat stains using baking powder

Baking powder on its own is also one of the most popular household remedies, as it helps lift dirt off and neutralises bad smells.

Simply mix a few tablespoons of baking powder with a little water to form a paste. Then:

1. Apply it to the stain.
2. Rub gently.
3. Wait for around 30 minutes.
4. Wash the garment as usual.

This is a particularly good option for anyone who wants to know how to remove sweat stains without resorting to more aggressive products.

How to remove sweat stains using hydrogen peroxide

3% hydrogen peroxide can be very effective at removing yellow stains from white clothes thanks to its oxidising action.

The safest way to use it is to:

• Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water.
• Apply it only to the affected area.
• Wait 10 to 15 minutes.
• Rinse and wash as normal.

Bear in mind that this method should not be used on wool, silk or dark-coloured garments without first checking that the fabric does not fade.

How to remove sweat stains using white vinegar

White vinegar helps remove detergent residue, neutralise odours and loosen some recent stains. Simply mix one part vinegar with one part water, apply it to the affected area and leave it to work for around 20 minutes before washing.

Although it is a widely used remedy, results tend to be better when the stain has not yet fully set into the fabric.

How to remove sweat stains using lemon

Lemon juice contains citric acid, so it can help lighten surface stains on white clothes. Simply squeeze half a lemon over the stain, leave it to work for around half an hour and then wash the garment.

However, this method should only be used on white fabrics. It is also important not to let the garment dry in the sun while the lemon is still on it, as this could cause discolouration.

How to remove white deodorant marks

Not all underarm marks come from sweat. White residue often appears, caused by some antiperspirant deodorants.

In this case, if the mark is recent:

• Gently rub the area with a clean cloth.
• Wash the garment as soon as possible.
• If it persists, use a little liquid soap or a mild mix of water and vinegar.

You need to act fast! Waiting several days before washing makes this residue stick to the fabric even more firmly.

How to prevent sweat stains on clothes

Of course, preventing stains is far easier than removing them afterwards. These habits will help you avoid them — take note!

• Wash garments after intense use.
• Let deodorant dry completely before getting dressed.
• Don't overuse antiperspirant.
• Wear cotton, linen or other breathable fabrics.
• Do not leave damp or sweaty clothes in the laundry basket for several days.

Why sweat leaves yellow stains on clothes

Although many people think sweat alone is to blame, yellow stains are actually caused by a combination of several factors. The proteins in sweat react with certain components in deodorants (particularly certain aluminium salts found in some antiperspirants), as well as mixing with body oils and dirt residue. Over time, this combination oxidises and leaves the characteristic yellowish mark.

That is why even a seemingly clean T-shirt can gradually develop those marks if they are not completely removed after each wash.

Mistakes and precautions when dealing with sweat stains

There's no point knowing the best ways to get rid of those stains if you then make a mistake that sets the stain in permanently. Take note of what you should never do:

• Do not use very hot water at first, as this could set the stain permanently.
• Do not mix cleaning products without knowing whether they are compatible.
• Always test on a less visible area first.
• Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions.
• Avoid using bleach on garments that are not suitable for it.
• Do not put the garment in the tumble dryer if the stain is still visible, as the heat can make it set permanently.

With the right treatment and by acting quickly, almost any sweat stain can be removed completely. Don’t write off your favourite clothes before giving it a go — acting in time is the key!