Have you ever planned the perfect outfit just to look down and see you’re covered in streaks of chalky white deodorant stains? We’ve all been there!
From cocktail dresses and business suits to activewear and everyday t-shirts, deodorant can risk the look of any garment. Instead of giving up on deodorant-riddled pieces, we’re here to help with six at-home stain removal methods.
Here’s how to remove deodorant stains on clothes and tips for reducing future stains!
How to Remove Deodorant Stains on Clothes
First, Remove Excess Deodorant
No matter your preferred stain removal strategy, the first step is always the same: scrape away excess deodorant residue as soon as you notice it. The key here is to remove the product without rubbing it in further.
Strangely enough, the best tool for this is nylon stockings. Grab any pair you don’t plan on wearing soon, and use it to gently rub away the deodorant.
If you don’t have nylon stockings on hand, a clean sock or dry towel can work, too.
Now it’s time to choose your DIY stain removal method!
The Bar of Soap Method
One of the easiest ways to remove deodorant stains on clothes is a simple bar of soap.
Grab a clean toothbrush and a standard soap bar (ideally one with a gentle scent), and head to the sink.
Use the toothbrush to brush in the soap with water, scrubbing at the stain from both sides of the garment.
Rinse the garment until no soap remains, then allow it to air dry.
If the stain persists, rinse and repeat, or try a different method!
The Vinegar Method
Another fantastic stain-removal ingredient for deodorant is vinegar. Here’s what to do:
Mix 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and one cup of room temperature water in a deep bowl or clean sink.
Soak the garment (or just the stained portion of the garment) in the vinegar mixture for at least one hour.
Rinse the garment, then machine wash in a normal cycle.
This household staple can overcome an array of laundry challenges, including smells—here are a few other ways to use vinegar for laundry!
The Baking Soda Method
For dried, yellowed stains, we recommend using baking soda. Simply:
Mix three parts baking soda with one part water in a small bowl.
Use your finger or a clean toothbrush to rub the paste onto the stain.
Allow it to sit for a few hours, then machine wash.
If the garment is white, select hot water on your washing machine settings.
The Lemon Juice Method
Dealing with deodorant stains on a light-colored garment? Lemon juice and sunny weather can save the day. Here’s what to do:
Mix equal parts water and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Use a clean towel or sponge to rub the mixture on the stain.
Leave the garment in direct sunlight for one hour.
After the lemon juice absorbs, rinse the stain and machine wash as normal.
The Hydrogen Peroxide Method
For deodorant stains on bright whites, hydrogen peroxide can help thanks to its natural bleaching abilities. The steps are similar to the baking soda method:
Mix two cups of cool water and ½ cup hydrogen peroxide in a bowl or clean sink.
Soak the garment (or just the stained portion of the garment) in the mixture for at least thirty minutes.
Machine wash as normal in a warm or hot water setting.
For an extra dose of stain removal, an alternative soaking recipe is equal parts hydrogen peroxide, water, and baking soda.
Hydrogen peroxide is pretty powerful, so it’s best to avoid using it on anything colored, or any silk, satin or wool garments.
The Aspirin Method
Another common household ingredient that fights deodorant stains is aspirin, but it should only be used on white garments. Simply:
Crush 1-2 tablets into a fine powder.
Add ½ cup of boiling water to the powdered tablets.
Rub the mixture into the deodorant satin, then let it sit for about three hours.
If you’re worried about over-bleaching, test the paste on a hidden part of the garment before going after the stain.
The Enzyme Cleaner Method
For deodorant stains on colored clothing that’s come into contact with sweat, your best bet will be an enzymatic cleaner. This handy solution fights biological-based stains without fading clothes!
There are two ways to use it:
Soaking: follow the instructions on the bottle to make a water and enzyme mixture (a capful and a gallon of water are a typical ratio). Let the garment soak for an hour, then machine wash as normal.
Pre-treating: for less intense stains, you can usually spray your enzyme cleaner directly on the spray. Always read the bottle’s label, but you can usually let it soak for about 30 minutes before machine washing as normal.
How to Avoid Future Deodorant Stains
Now that you know how to remove deodorant stains on clothes, you probably wait to avoid future ones!
Here are a few ways to prevent deodorant stains:
Always let your deodorant dry before putting on your shirt.
Don’t use too much deodorant – only what’s instructed on the label.
Buy clear deodorant, which often has a ‘little black dress’ safe symbol.
Need professional stain removal help?
Let’s face it: you can’t DIY your way out of every stain. Luckily, the WaveMAX laundromat in Thornton offers professional dry cleaning services for an array of stains, including oil stains, protein-based stains—and of course—deodorant!
Or, if your garment doesn’t need dry cleaning exclusively, we can also help remove deodorant stains with a standard laundry service.
Search WaveMAX ‘laundry near me’ to find your closest location, or visit our website to schedule a pick-up and drop-off service.
