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How to Get Rid of Deodorant Stains

Everything you need to know about removing sweat stains, what causes them & how to prevent them.

What’s in the article:

How to Get Rid of Deodorant and Sweat Stains from Clothes

Deodorant and sweat stains are common and completely normal. Whether it's white marks on dark clothing or yellow stains under the arms of a favourite white top, these marks can be frustrating. Understanding what causes them and how to prevent and address them is the first step toward keeping your clothes looking fresh.

  • Deodorant stains: White marks that appear on dark clothing, caused when antiperspirant ingredients (particularly aluminum salts) cling to fabric or mix with sweat. 
  • Sweat stains: Yellowish discolouration that appears under the arms on light or white clothing. This happens when proteins, fats, and salts from underarm sweat react with aluminum in deodorant, natural body oils, and dead skin to create visible stains. 
Despite popular belief, sweat itself isn’t yellow. Unlike sweat produced elsewhere on the body, underarm sweat is produced by apocrine glands and contains proteins and fats that make stains more visible when mixed with deodorant and other residue. Understanding the difference between deodorant and sweat stains helps you manage them effectively and reduce the chance of them becoming permanent. 
What causes underarm stains on clothing

Why Deodorant and Sweat Stains Happen

Underarm stains on clothing usually develop due to a combination of body chemistry, antiperspirant ingredients, and environmental or lifestyle factors:
1
Chemical reactions:

Aluminum in antiperspirants reacts with sweat proteins, leaving a visible residue.

2
Other contributors:

When sweat mixes with natural body oils, dead skin, and even laundry detergents, it can make sweat stains more visible.

3
Fabric and environment:

Tight-fitting or non-breathable fabrics and warm environments can increase sweating and make underarm stains more visible.

4
Lifestyle factors:

Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes can all increase sweating, making underarm stains more likely.

Tip: The longer sweat and deodorant are left to set into clothing, the harder the stain will be to remove. Washing promptly and using an effective detergent will help remove stubborn marks.
Preventing Stains

How to Prevent Deodorant and Sweat Stains

Preventing deodorant and sweat stains is far easier than removing them. A few simple tweaks to your routine can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your clothes fresh:

1. Apply Deodorant Correctly

  • Allow it to dry: Wait until your deodorant or antiperspirant has fully dried before getting dressed. This will significantly reduce the amount of residue on clothes. 
  • Apply a thin, even layer: Avoid over-applying your deodorant and remember that one layer is more than enough.  
  • Nighttime application: Using your antiperspirant before bed gives it time to absorb fully, helping provide long-lasting protection the next day. 
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2. Choose a Deodorant That Works for You

In addition to other factors, one of the most effective steps in reducing underarm stains on clothing is to carefully select a deodorant that is designed to reduce residue and help protect clothing. 

NIVEA Black & White Invisible range
Another way to actively reduce staining is to opt for aluminum-free deodorants. They are also a great choice for sensitive skin or fabrics prone to staining. NIVEA’s aluminum-free range keeps you fresh while protecting your clothes.

3. Clothing & Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Deodorant and Sweat Stains

  • Breathable fabrics: Opt for natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo, or linen, as they allow air circulation, reducing sweat accumulation. 
  • Looser fits: Choosing tops with relaxed underarm areas will reduce direct friction and prevent staining. 
  • Prompt washing: Don’t let sweat or deodorant residue sit in clothing for too long; wash the clothing as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting.  
  • Rotate deodorants: If a formula leaves marks, alternate with a gentler option. 
  • Lifestyle adjustments: If you’re prone to underarm stains on clothes, it can help to be mindful of foods or drinks that may increase perspiration (like coffee or spicy foods). 
NIVEA deodorant collection
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Removing Stains

How to Get Rid of Deodorant and Sweat Stains

Different stains require different methods of removal and addressing them quickly increases your chances of removing them completely.
Woman smiling with their arms raised.

White Clothing

How to remove sweat stains:

  1. Rinse the stained area in cold water first, as hot water can further set protein-based stains.
  2. Prepare the area with a baking soda and water paste (3:1 ratio).
  3. Gently rub the paste into the stained area.
  4. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then wash as usual in cold or warm water, following the garment’s care instructions.

How to get deodorant stains out:

  • Add a dash of white vinegar to your wash to help dissolve deodorant residue on the fabric.
  • For more stubborn marks, soak the item in a vinegar-and-water solution (1:3) for 30 minutes before washing.
Tip: Avoid using bleach for stain removal, as it can make yellow stains worse and damage delicate fabrics.

Dark or Coloured Clothing

How to remove sweat stains:

  1. Rinse the stained area in cold water and gently rub the stain with a mild detergent to help lift the stain. 
  2. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes in cold water, then wash as usual, following the garment’s care instructions.  

How to get deodorant stains out:

  • Lift the deodorant residue carefully with a soft brush or damp cloth before washing the item as usual in cold or warm water, following the garment’s care instructions. 
  • For more stubborn marks, try applying a mild liquid detergent and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing as usual.  
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Quick Fixes for On-the-Go

  • Use a stain remover pen for quick removal when you’re out and about. 
  • Rub a baby wipe on the affected area to quickly remove white marks. 
  • Gently rub the fabric together to smooth away visible deodorant marks. 

Expert Care Tips

  • Always patch-test homemade solutions on hidden areas first. 
  • Deal with stains promptly; the longer a stain sets, the more stubborn it can be to remove. 
  • Skip using the dryer, if possible, as heat can cause stains to set more permanently. 
  • Regular care: Choose anti-stain deodorants and wash clothes after each wear. 
NIVEA Black & White Invisible range

Key Takeaways

Deodorant and sweat stains are common but preventable with the right habits and product choices:

  • Allow deodorant to fully dry before dressing to reduce residue buildup and choose breathable, looser-fitting fabrics to reduce friction.
  • Work on stains quickly using cold water to rinse the area and gentle home solutions like baking soda or white vinegar.
  • NIVEA Black & White Invisible range and aluminum-free deodorants can help protect clothing from stains.
  • Avoid using bleach on underarm clothing stains, as it can worsen yellowing on white fabric.

FAQ

How do you get deodorant out of black shirts?

Gently rub the stain with a damp cloth, brush, or mild detergent. For dry residue, try using a stain remover pen.

How do you remove yellow stains from white shirts?

Rinse the shirt in cold water, then work on reducing the stain with a baking soda or white vinegar mixture. Avoid bleach, as this can worsen yellowing.

How can I remove deodorant stains from clothing?

Rinse in cold water, gently rub with mild detergent, and wash according to the care label. Anti-stain deodorants like NIVEA Black & White Invisible can help prevent marks.

How do you get rid of sweat stains?

Address sweat stains quickly: rinse in cold water, apply a baking soda paste to the stain, and then wash as usual. Repeat the process for stubborn stains.

Can deodorant or sweat stains become permanent?

Yes, if left unaddressed. Acting quickly and using anti-stain or aluminum-free deodorants will make removal easier.

How can I prevent deodorant and sweat stains altogether?

Apply deodorant to dry skin, let it absorb, wear breathable, loose-fitting clothes, and wash clothing promptly. Using anti-stain deodorants provides extra protection.

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