How to Remove Deodorant Stains from Clothing

Using deodorant is a great way to eliminate odors. Having said that, they can leave chalky stains 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 stained clothes because you can wash them off! What are the best ways to remove deodorant stains from clothes? As it turns out, there’s more than one way to go about it.

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

For other garments, however, it’s absolutely possible to remove the stains yourself. Keep reading to find out how!

How to Remove Deodorant Stains from Clothes with ACTIVE Detergent

Fill a bowl halfway with cold water. Add a bit of ACTIVE detergent and swish the water to create a soapy solution. Once the powder is dissolved, apply a small amount of the mixture to the stain.

Gently rub it into the fabric using a soft-bristled brush and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing with hot water. The active enzymes in the detergent will physically break down the solids causing the antiperspirant stain.

Tip: For stubborn stains, you can let the mixture sit on the fabric overnight before laundering as usual.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Deodorant Marks

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.

Apply a few drops of hand soap directly to the stained area and sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda onto the fabric.
Gently scrub the powder into the shirt with a soft-bristled brush. Be careful not to damage the fibers.

Let the garment sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing with water. Repeat the above steps if the stain is still visible.

White Vinegar Method for Removing Antiperspirant Stains

Combine one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water in a sink or tub. Place the garment in the sink; the stained area should be completely immersed in the vinegar solution. The vinegar will help get rid of any discoloration caused by the deodorant.

Let it soak for 30 to 40 minutes before scrubbing the stain with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the garment with cool water afterward and launder as normal, assuming the stain is gone.

Get Deodorant Stains Out Using Lemon Juice and Salt

Lemon juice is acidic and antibacterial, which makes it a great natural cleaner. It’s also simple to use; simply apply the juice directly onto the antiperspirant stain. Make sure the fabric is completely soaked through.

Add a few spoons of table salt and gently rub it into the fibers using your finger. This will allow the lemon juice to penetrate deeper into the stain.

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

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

Removing Deodorant Marks – Ammonia Method

In a well-ventilated area, mix one cup of ammonia with one cup of warm water in a container or tub. Using a sponge, apply the mixture onto the stain and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.

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

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

Remove Armpit Antiperspirant Stains with Aspirin

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). Using a sponge, saturate the stain with the solution and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.

Rinse the fabric with cool water and check the stain. If it’s gone, wash the garment as usual. If it’s still there, repeat the above steps.

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

You also want to make sure 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 chalky marks and stains.