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How to Remove Deodorant Stains from Clothing

June 24, 2023

Using deodorant is a great way to eliminate odors. Having said that, they can also leave chalky yellow stains behind on your clothes if you’re not careful. This happens when the chemicals in the deodorant react with the sweat on your body.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to throw away your clothes just because they have discolored pit stains!

What are the best ways to remove stubborn deodorant stains from clothes? As it turns out, there’s more than one way to go about it.

Checking the Care Tag Label

Before you do anything with white clothes, however, it’s best to check the care label- it’ll tell you what you can and can’t do with the item.

care tag label

For example, some delicate fabrics such as silk and wool are dry-clean only. If that’s the case, it’s best to bring it to the dry cleaners – they’ll have the expertise and tools to remove the stain without damaging the delicate materials.

For other garments, however, it’s absolutely possible to remove the armpit stains yourself. Keep reading for everything that you need to know!


How to Remove Deodorant Stains from Clothes with ACTIVE Detergent

ACTIVE Detergent features powerful enzymes that will physically break down the stain.

It’s easy to use too – here’s how.

Step 1: Create a Soapy Solution

active detergent

Fill a bowl with cold water and add a bit of ACTIVE detergent to create a soapy solution.

Step 2: Apply the Mixture to the Stain

scrub stain

Using a soft bristle brush (an old toothbrush works great), apply a small amount of the soapy mixture to the stain.

Step 3: Rub It Into the Fabric

rinse with water

Gently rub the mixture into the fabric and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing with water. The active enzymes in the laundry detergent will physically break down the solids causing the antiperspirant stain.

Supply:

  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Water
  • Soft bristle brush

For stubborn sweat stains, let the detergent mixture sit on the fabric overnight before washing in the morning.

active det transparent shadow

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How to Remove Deodorant Stains with Hydrogen Peroxide

For those who don’t have ACTIVE Detergent, there are a few household products that you can use instead – one example being hydrogen peroxide.

Supplies:

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Baking soda
  • Soft bristle brush

Step 1:

Mix 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide with two cups of cool water in a spray bottle.

Spray the solution directly onto the deodorant stain. Five to six spritzes should be enough; you don’t want to oversaturate the shirt.

spray bottle 1

Step 2:

Apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the deodorant stain and sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda onto the fabric.

Then, gently scrub the baking soda into the shirt with a soft bristle brush.

scrub with old toothbrush

Step 3:

Let the garment sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing the dish soap out with water.

Repeat the above steps if the stain is still visible.

rinse with water

Using White Vinegar to Remove Deodorant Stains

White vinegar is mildly acidic and can also be used to eliminate deodorant stains.

Supplies:

  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Soft bristle brush
sink with water

Step 1:

Combine one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water in a sink or tub.

Place the garment in the sink; the stain should be completely immersed in the white vinegar solution. The vinegar will help get rid of any discoloration caused by the deodorant.

running wash cycle

Step 2:

Let it soak for 30 to 40 minutes before scrubbing the stain with a soft-bristled brush.

Rinse the garment with cool water afterwards and launder as normal, assuming the stain is gone.


Get Deodorant Stains Out Using Lemon Juice and Salt

Lemon juice is acidic and smells pleasant, which makes it a great stain remover. Combine it with salt and it’s even more effective.

Supplies:

  • Lemon juice
  • Table salt
  • Old toothbrush (optional)

Step 1:

Apply the lemon juice directly onto the antiperspirant stain. Make sure the fabric is completely soaked through.

lemon juice

Step 2:

Add a few teaspoons of table salt onto the stain and gently rub it into the fibers using your finger or an old toothbrush.

That will allow the lemon juice to penetrate deeper into the stain.

table salt

Step 3:

Air dry the garment out in the sun; that’ll make it even more effective. From there, you can launder the item as normal.

air dry 1

Lemon juice can bleach some fabrics. For that reason, it’s best to test it on fresh stains in an inconspicuous area before using it on the actual stain.


Removing Unsightly Deodorant Stains – Ammonia Method

Ammonia, another common household cleaner, can also be used to eliminate deodorant stains.

Supplies:

  • Ammonia
  • Water
  • Sponge
ammonia

Step 1:

In a well-ventilated area, mix one cup of ammonia with one cup of warm water in a container or tub.

sponge 1

Step 2:

Using a sponge, apply the mixture onto the stain and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.

hand wash clothes

Step 3:

Rinse the garment with cold water and wash as usual afterwards.

Tip: Do not mix ammonia with bleach- it’ll produce a toxic gas called chloramine, which can potentially cause death.


Remove Deodorant Stains with Aspirin

Aspirin, the over-the-counter medication, can be used to remove deodorant stains in a pinch. Here’s how to use it:

Supplies:

  • Aspirin
  • Mortar and pestle
  • Water
  • Soft bristle brush

Step 1:

Crush two or three tablets of Aspirin with a mortar and pestle.

Dissolve them in half a cup of water (use uncoated tablets for the best results).

aspirin

Step 2:

Using a soft bristle brush, saturate the deodorant stains with the solution and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.

shoe brush

Step 3:

Rinse the fabric with cool water and check the deodorant stains. If it’s gone, wash the garment as usual.

If it’s still there, repeat the above washing steps.

rinse with water

Remove Deodorant Marks with Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can also be effective in removing deodorant marks.

Supplies:

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Old toothbrush (optional)
  • Water
spray white vinegar

Step 1:

Apply a good amount of rubbing alcohol onto the stain. Then, gently rub it into the fabric using an old toothbrush.

running wash cycle

Step 2:

Wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to work its magic. Afterwards, rinse the garment with clean water.

You can then launder the item as normal.

Note: Rubbing alcohol is especially effective for marks left by spray-based deodorant.


Preventing Deodorant Stains

Don’t want to deal with deodorant stains? If so, why not prevent them from happening in the first place? Because there are a few things that you can do to keep them at bay.

Avoid Using Too Much Deodorant

For one thing, you don’t want to apply too much deodorant; that will leave excess residue on your clothes, which can result in removing deodorant stains themselves.

deodorant

Make Sure the Product is Dry Before Putting On Your Shirt

Ensure the antiperspirant is completely dry before putting on your shirt. That way, you won’t have to worry about it transferring onto the fabric.

If necessary, you can also get a roll-on deodorant; they’re specifically designed to prevent white marks and deodorant stains. The only thing is that they can be tricky to reapply.

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Picture of Sophia Grant

Sophia Grant

Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.

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