How to Remove Deodorant Stains
If you’re seeing yellow residue on your clothes, you might be wondering how to remove deodorant stains? After all, there’s nothing worse than seeing yellow stains on your favorite white shirt. Or pesky white marks on your beloved black dress.
Read on to learn how to get rid of deodorant stains and how to prevent them in the first place. Luckily, they’re almost as easy to remove as they are to pick up.
What Causes Deodorant Stains?
Deodorant stains are extremely common. They usually appear as yellow or white patches on your clothing, primarily beneath the underarms since that’s where you apply deodorant. The main causes of deodorant stains are:
Aluminum Compounds: When aluminum salts and compounds in antiperspirants react with the proteins in sweat, it can result in chalky marks and yellow discoloration on your clothing.
Silica: Some deodorants contain silica, a compound that helps absorb moisture from sweat. When silica interacts with certain compounds and fibers of certain clothing, it can lead to visible white stains on your clothes.
Body Oils and Sweat: The combination of body oils, sweat, and the chemicals in deodorants can create a yellow residue that transfers onto clothing.
Clothing: The fabric of your clothing can also play a role. Some fabrics, especially those with tight weaves or synthetic materials, may be more prone to retaining deodorant residues and stains.
How to Remove Deodorant Stains From Clothes
If you’re seeing yellow or white marks on your clothing, you might be trying to find out how to get deodorant stains out of clothes. Here are some quick and easy ways to remove deodorant stains from clothing.
#1: Baking Soda
Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply to the stained garment and rub it in or use a toothbrush to gently scrub the area. Let it sit for 1-2 hours then wash in a hot cycle. No baking soda on hand? Plain old soda water will do the job. This is one of the best methods for removing old deodorant stains in clothes.
For stubborn stains, let the paste sit on the stain overnight, then wash it in the washing machine the next morning.
#2: Lemon Juice
Combine lemon juice with an equal amount of water and apply the mixture to the stain. Leave it in the sun for an hour before rinsing and washing it in your washing machine. Lemon juice has a natural bleaching effect that can help remove deodorant stains.
#3: Soap and Toothbrush
When it comes to how to remove deodorant stains on your clothes, sometimes it’s as simple as soap and a toothbrush. Scrub the stain using a bar of soap and a clean toothbrush. Then rinse off the soap with water and let the fabric air dry. You may need to repeat the process again if it’s a stubborn stain.
#4: Crushed Aspirin
Aspirin is another good home remedy for deodorant stains. However, it should only be used for white clothing. Crush four aspirin tablets and mix with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply directly to the stain, let it sit for an hour, and then wash on a hot cycle.
#5: Nylon Tights
Wondering how to get rid of new deodorant stains? Nylon tights are surprisingly effective at removing fresh deodorant stains. This is due to their smooth, slightly abrasive surface and static electricity generation. The material’s gentle scrubbing action helps lift and break down residue without damaging most fabrics. Simply rub it onto the affected area to lift the stain.
#6: White Vinegar
Soak the stain in a white vinegar and water solution for about an hour then wash in the washing machine. This method is suitable for both white and colored clothes.
#7: Baby Wipes
To instantly erase fresh deodorant stains, try using a babe wipe to get rid of them. Keep a pack in your bag so that you can tackle deodorant stains on the go. If that doesn’t work, rub the stain with a dry, clean cloth.
How to Prevent Deodorant Stains
Now you know how to remove deodorant stains fast and easily, let’s look into how to prevent them in the first place.
1: Switch to an Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Truly’s Unicorn Fruit Smoothing and Brightening Deodorant
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Since aluminum is a key culprit of deodorant stains, switch to a better solution. Truly’s Unicorn Fruit Deodorant is a clean, aluminum-free formula made with nourishing plant-based ingredients. It gently exfoliates and combats odor-causing bacteria to reveal bright, smooth, and sweet smelling underarms. With this cotton candy scented deodorant, you get 24 hour sweat protection without pesky stains.
2: Shake it
Shake your deodorant well before use to ensure that the compounds are evenly distributed in the can and on your skin. Ever noticed how your spray deodorant leaves white powdery marks on your clothes? The best way to stop that is by shaking it before every use.
3: Let it Dry Before Getting Dressed
To avoid transference onto your clothes, make sure you let the deodorant dry completely before you get dressed. Read, dance, or make yourself a cup of coffee in between. Just make sure you let it dry to minimize transference.
4: Wash Whites After Wearing
Wash white clothing as you’re finished wearing them to prevent bacteria in sweat from mixing with ingredients in your deodorant that can cause stains.
5: Avoid Overusing
Applying too much deodorant can cause excess residue which can transfer to your clothes and contribute to yellow and white stains. To make your deodorant work harder, cleanse the area and moisturize before using so that the deodorant sticks better and the scent lasts longer.
Prevent Stains With Our Pit Perfecting Set
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One of the best ways to stop deodorant stains is by keeping your underarms fresh. Truly’s Pit Perfecting Set features a body scrub, shave butter, razor, pigment treatment, and deodorant plus a vegan fur bag to keep your underarms smooth, fresh, and bright without yellow stains.
How to remove deodorant stains? While these yellow and white stains can be frustrating, there are plenty of home remedies for deodorant stains that work really well. Most importantly, make sure you take the preventative steps to stop these stains from forming altogether.
Photo by Anna Nekrashevich, Pexels
