Can you think of anything worse than putting your favorite white shirt on in the morning to notice deodorant stains that have made it unwearable? Deodorant and antiperspirant can build-up on your shirts over time, leaving them to develop a thick and crusty stain that can be hard to remove. Thankfully, those ugly deodorant stains are easy to get out of your clothing with the right methods.
But before we go into that there are a few things to keep in mind. deodorants are designed to work on the odors caused by sweating. For this to be accomplished, the manufacturers of antiperspirants and deodorants add aluminum salts to the products. As a result, the aluminum reacts with the salts in your sweat, causing the fabric to turn yellow. However, the chemicals that are found in deodorants and antiperspirants not only react with the salts in your sweat, they also cause a reaction with the fabric softener you use in your washer or dryer. This reaction can create discoloring on your favorite shirts. The techniques mentioned below will effectively remove the stains:
1. Lemon juice
Lemon juice contains natural bleaching properties which when combined with the sun can help antiperspirant stain to fade from light-colored clothing. Its incredible cleaning powers stem from its low pH levels and high levels of citric acid. Pour the lemon juice into a small cup or bowl. Then, soak the stained area of your shirt in the lemon juice until it is saturated completely. Then, place the garment in the sun for about 15 minutes. After, sprinkle table salt on the stain, rubbing it in gently with a cleaning brush. Once complete, rinse the area with cold water and set it in the sun to dry, or toss in the laundry and wash as usual.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda is well-known for its cleaning benefits. Baking soda effervesces, this allows it to lift any deposits from the fabric. It is also extremely absorbent, helping it to soak up most of the residue from the clothing. It is especially useful for removing dried, yellowish stains caused by antiperspirant. Combine the baking soda and water, mixing to form a thick paste. Then spread the paste over the stain. Allow it to stand for at least 30 minutes. Then, using a cleaning brush gently rub the baking soda. Remove any residue from the clothing by rinsing with water.
3. Use laundry detergent
Liquid laundry detergent can be used as a spot treatment to remove deodorant stains from most fabrics. When you mix the laundry detergent with water, the carbonation helps to break down the deposits that are responsible for creating the stain in the first place. Mix the water and the laundry detergent and mix well to create the cleaning solution. Place the garment in the solution and allow to soak for 30 minutes. Then, use your hands, and gently rub the stained are back and forth, quickly removing the stain. Leave out in the sun to dry.
Removing deodorant stains from a black shirt
On a black shirt, the thick layer of caked-on, whitish residue is typically caused by using an excessive amount of deodorant that can quickly build up. These wax-like stains can slowly transfer to your clothing, making it difficult to remove even after it's been thoroughly washed. Here's what you need to do:
1. Use vinegar
The chemicals found in deodorant can leave mineral and oil deposits on the underarms of your favorite shirts. But, the acidic properties of distilled white vinegar will help break down these oils and minerals that have caused the stain. To use this method, dilute the vinegar by mixing it with water then place the stained area of the garment in the diluted vinegar letting it soak for at least 30 minutes. Remove from the vinegar solution and gently rub the stain to remove any stains that remain. Rinse the vinegar out of the fabric with water.
2. Use rubbing alcohol
To dissolve the mineral and oil deposits that transferred to your clothing from deodorant, use rubbing alcohol. It is a great way to get rid of deodorant stains. All you need to do is saturate a cotton ball with the rubbing alcohol and gently rub the cotton ball over the stain.
3. Use hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that is excellent at absorbing odors. Just a little bit of hydrogen peroxide solution that will work wonders to lighten and remove any ugly white marks caused by deodorant. All you need to do, in a small bowl, mix the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap thoroughly well. Then, soak the deodorant stain in the solution for 30 minutes. Remove and rinse thoroughly with warm water allowing to dry in the sun.
