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How to Remove Sweat Stains on Clothing
December 18, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
Have you ever dealt with sweat stains? Not only are they unsightly, but they’re often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. What’s worse, is that they can actually weaken the fabric over time.
That’s why it’s so important to treat sweat stains as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder they will be to remove.
Are sweat stains permanent? What’s the best way to get rid of unsightly sweat stains? Can you use hydrogen peroxide? Lemon juice? What other DIY and commercial stain remover options are there? For the answers, be sure to keep reading.
We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about removing sweat stains below!
What’s the Science Behind Sweat Stains?
Believe it or not, sweat is actually clear. After all, it mainly consists of water, salts, and sugar. It only turns yellow if it’s combined with other compounds—aluminum, to be exact. And it just so happens to be the main ingredient in most over-the-counter antiperspirants.
That’s right, deodorants are responsible for armpit stains. Without them, there wouldn’t be any pesky yellow stains on your shirt.
Removing Sweat Stains From Your Workout Clothes
The good news is that there are several ways to remove sweat stains from your shirts. Keep reading to find out how!
Spot-Treating With ACTIVE Detergent
One of the easiest ways to get rid of sweat stains is to use ACTIVE detergent.
Step 1: Create a Paste
Fill a small bowl with water and add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent to create a paste.
Step 2: Apply the Paste
Using a soft bristle brush, apply the paste onto the stained area. For the best results, let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse With Water
Rinse the treated area thoroughly under running water. Continue until there’s no more residue on the fabric.
Step 4: Wash as Normal
Launder the item as normal, either by hand or by machine.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process more than once.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Our enzymatic laundry detergent is formulated to remove sweat embedded deep in fabrics.
Machine Washing With ACTIVE Detergent
We recommend washing the item with ACTIVE Detergent after spot treating the area.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- White vinegar (optional)
- Drying rack or clothesline
Step 1:
Turn the item inside-out. If there are pockets, make sure they’re empty.
For the best results, use a laundry bag; it’ll prevent your garments from wearing out prematurely.
Step 2:
Once you’ve put all the items in the washing machine, add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent.
Skip the fabric softener. Consider using white vinegar instead if you need to soften your clothes.
Step 3:
Run a cold water cycle on a delicate setting
Step 4:
Let the items air dry on a drying rack or clothesline. Do not use the dryer.
Don’t add too much detergent – that will leave residue on your clothes as well as your washer.
Washing By Hand With ACTIVE Detergent
You can also wash your garments with ACTIVE Detergent by hand. It’s easy, straightforward and doesn’t require that much effort.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Drying rack or clothesline
Step 1:
Fill a sink or washbasin with water and add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent to create a bath.
Step 2:
Place the garment in the soapy water. Make sure it’s fully immersed and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3:
Gently rub the fabric with your hands, paying extra attention to the stained areas, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Step 4:
Press the garment gently against the sink to get rid of some of the excess water, then hang it up to dry on a rack or clothesline. Avoid direct sunlight.
Removing Sweat Stains – DIY Methods
In a pinch, there are a few household items you can use to remove sweat stains. Keep in mind, however, that it likely won’t be as effective as using a specialized product like ACTIVE Detergent.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is slightly abrasive and can be used to remove stains from your clothes.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Old toothbrush
- Water
Step 1:
Mix one part baking soda with one part water and one part hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) in a large bowl.
You should end up with a thick paste.
Step 2:
Using an old toothbrush, rub the paste onto the stained area with small circular motions.
Step 3:
Let the baking soda paste sit on the stain for up to 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
Step 4:
Once the stain is gone, you can launder the garment as normal.
For set-in stains, you may need to leave the paste on overnight.
Using Ammonia
Ammonia can also be used for stain removal.
Supplies:
- Ammonia
- Rubber gloves
- Old toothbrush
- Water
Step 1:
Mix one part ammonia with one part water in a large bowl. Be sure to wear rubber gloves as the chemicals can damage your skin.
Step 2:
Using an old toothbrush, rub the solution into the set-in sweat stains.
Step 3:
Let the mixture sit on the fabric for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.
Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach. It’ll produce a toxic gas called chloramine, which is extremely dangerous and can damage your lungs. In high enough concentrations, it can even result in death.
Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is great in that it’ll not only get rid of sweat stains but it’ll remove any odors as well.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Old toothbrush
Step 1:
In a small bowl, mix white vinegar with water using a one-to-one ratio.
Step 2:
Using an old toothbrush, apply the vinegar solution to the stained area.
Make sure the fabric – both the top side and the bottom side – is completely saturated with the solution.
Step 3:
Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse the treated area thoroughly with cold water.
Lemon juice is a good alternative if you don’t have white vinegar.
General Tips On How to Prevent Sweat Stains
Wouldn’t it be great if you could prevent the sweat stains from happening in the first place? Here are some tips on how to avoid them for good:
1. Change Your Antiperspirant/Deodorant Routine
Consider switching from an antiperspirant to a deodorant. The latter doesn’t usually contain aluminum. In other words, it won’t contribute to the unsightly stains. And remember, a few swipes of the product is all you need. You don’t want to over-apply as that can leave residue on your shirt, which can actually make the stains worse.
Also, consider the timing. For example, you may want to apply deodorant before bed as that’ll allow time for it to set in. That way, it’ll work more effectively; you’ll sweat less, which will help reduce armpit stains.
Using an aluminum-free deodorant may also help.
2. Wear an Undershirt Beneath Your Clothes
Wear a sweat-proof undershirt beneath your workout clothes (most have a waterproof layer so you won’t have to worry about any leaking either).
Not only will it protect against underarm stains, but most are also designed to keep you cool.
3. Wear Loose Fitting Shirts
If possible, wear loose-fitting shirts. For the best results, choose ones that are made from breathable fabrics (e.g. cotton).
Avoid tight clothes as the fabric tends to sit right up against your skin and that can cause your deodorant to rub off on your shirt. If that happens and you sweat, underarm stains will form.
4. Take Proper Care of Your Workout Clothes
You can reduce the occurrence of sweat stains by following proper laundry protocol. For one thing, you never want to procrastinate when it comes to washing sweaty shirts. You want to deal with them as soon as possible so that the stain won’t have time to set in.
And make sure to skip the bleach (unless you’re using oxygen bleach to spot-treat the area). It can actually worsen sweat stains on certain fabrics such as silk, wool, or spandex.
Last but not least, always wash your clothes with cold water. Don’t expose them to any heat; high temperatures can make the stains harder to remove, especially if they’ve already set in.
5. Consider Your Diet
Certain foods can alter your internal temperature and that can result in more perspiration. The opposite is also true; there are foods that can help reduce sweating. Some examples include almonds, bananas, olive oil, and vegetables with high water content (e.g. watermelon, cauliflower, cantaloupe, grapes)
Avoid foods such as liquor, beer, garlic, onions, and caffeine as they can increase sweat production, which can make the situation worse.
And there you have it – different ways to remove fresh sweat stains. As you can see, there are various products that you can use for the stain removal process – from distilled white vinegar to a cup of baking soda.
So the next time you get sweat stains, you’ll know exactly how to deal with them. That way, you won’t have to worry about there being any deep staining on your favorite shirt.
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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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