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HOW TO GET DEODORANT STAINS OUT OF SHIRTS IN 5 STEPS
Deodorant is usually a staple item in most daily routines to help reduce lingering odors from perspiration. Although it helps keep you fresh, deodorant can often leave stubborn stains that can become challenging to treat. This simple guide will share what causes deodorant stains, how to help prevent deodorant stains and tips on how to get rid of deodorant stains.
WHAT CAUSES DEODORANT STAINS?
The most commonly caused deodorant stains happen when white, chalky streaks from the product transfer onto your clothes while you’re dressing. But there are other types of stains. Aluminum is one of the main ingredients in most antiperspirants. It limits the flow of sweat in your underarms and reduces bacteria that can cause bad odors. When you combine aluminum salts with proteins like sweat, as well as other skin oils and laundry detergent, it can cause reactions that sometimes create yellow stains on your clothes.
CAN YOU GET DEODORANT STAINS OUT OF A SHIRT?
It is possible to remove deodorant stains from your clothing, though some stains may be more stubborn than others. Reading your shirt’s garment label will help you understand what products or treatments to use without damaging your clothing. However, sometimes it’s also a matter of using less product or waiting a bit to let the deodorant dry before getting dressed.
HOW TO GET DEODORANT STAINS OUT
Underarm stains can change the appearance of your clothes. Whether you’re wearing your favorite casual shirts or preparing your work attire, you shouldn’t have to worry about unsightly stains. With this step-by-step guide you’ll be able to wear your favorite items with confidence.
SUPPLIES
Baking soda
Water
Hydrogen peroxide
TOOLS
Toothbrush
Measuring cup
Plastic container
Heat-proof kitchen gloves
1. PREP YOUR CLEANING MIXTURE
Before treating the stain, prepare the cleaning mixture you’ll use. There are various options for solutions, such as soaks or pastes, depending on your needs and the fabric type.
In a measuring cup, mix together ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup tap water to create a thick, spreadable paste, then set it aside. This combination may work especially well on white shirts, since hydrogen peroxide can help lift yellowing caused by sweat and deodorant buildup.
If you’re treating deodorant stains rather than sweat stains, a diluted hydrogen peroxide soak (½ cup hydrogen peroxide mixed with 2 cups cool water) can also be helpful on white garments when allowed by the care label.
For darker fabrics, skip the hydrogen peroxide, as it may cause discoloration. Instead, try a solution of 2 cups of water and 1 cup of white vinegar to help loosen residue, or make a paste using baking soda and water only.
No matter which solution you choose, always check your shirt’s care label first and test the method on a small, less visible area before treating the entire stain.
2. PRE-SOAK THE STAIN
Start by soaking the stained area in very warm or hot water to help loosen sweat and deodorant residue before applying your cleaning mixture.
Allow the garment to soak briefly so the warm water can begin softening buildup within the fabric fibers.
3. APPLY THE CLEANING MIXTURE
After soaking with warm water, drain most of the water from the container so the shirt isn’t dripping, but the fabric remains damp.
Now, use the soak, solution or paste that you prepped in Step 1. If you’re using a special soak, replace the warm water soak with the solution of your choice. If using a thicker solution, like a paste, use a toothbrush to apply your prepared cleaning mixture directly to the stain and gently work it into the fabric fibers. The light agitation helps the solution penetrate deeper into the fabric to help loosen residue and break down the stain.
Allow the paste or solution to soak or sit on the stain for about 20 minutes so the ingredients have time to continue lifting the buildup.
4. MACHINE WASH
After 20 minutes, rinse out your garment and move it to the washing machine. Use the warmest water temperature your garment can safely handle according to its care tags, then choose a cycle based on how soiled the item is and the type of fabric. If you’re unsure which appliance features can help tackle tough stains, explore different washing machine options to find cycles designed for optimal cleaning.
For sturdy, heavily stained fabrics, the Heavy Duty cycle combines extra wash action, heated water and high spin speeds for a deep clean. For bright or dark colored garments, the Colors wash cycle uses cool water and a high spin speed to help clean thoroughly while reducing the risk of color fading. Selecting the right cycle can make a noticeable difference when treating stained clothing, helping you balance cleaning power with proper fabric care.
On select Maytag brand models, features designed to boost stain removal can provide additional cleaning power. The Extra Power Option boosts stain-fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation, so you can walk away while stains wash away. If you’re washing heavily soiled everyday items like jeans or towels, the Deep Fill Option uses extra water and robust wash action to help break down and rinse away loosened stains and soak away everyday tough messes.
5. AIR DRY
Air dry your shirt and keep an eye on the stain. If the stain persists, don’t sweat it—just repeat the washing steps above to help remove it completely. Avoid putting your shirt in the dryer until the stain is removed, as the heat can set the deodorant stain.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS BUILT FOR TOUGH STAINS
Built to tackle your tough laundry challenges, Maytag® washers deliver powerful cleaning performance you can rely on. Select Maytag® models offer features like Deep Water Wash and Extra Power to give an added boost when fighting stubborn stains, so you get the deep clean you need with every load. Whether you’re washing work clothes, activewear or frequently stained favorites, there’s a Maytag® washer built to handle it.
METHODS TO REMOVE ANTIPERSPIRANT STAINS
If your stains are far more stubborn than expected, there are alternative methods you can try. Remember to check your care label first for certain products you might not be able to use or consider testing an invisible corner on your shirt before treating the entire garment.
Mix cold water and hydrogen peroxide, and scrub the stained area with a stiff brush before washing with hot water.
Combine white vinegar with warm water, rub it into the stain with your hands, then rinse it out and wash as normal. Avoid using vinegar on delicate fabrics or directly in your washer.
Lemon juice is an option, but isn’t recommended on delicate clothing. Squeeze lemon juice directly on the stain and add salt. Rub the mixture in until the stain is gone. Fully rinse out the mixture before air drying the shirt.
- Dish soap can help lift deodorant stains with a few simple steps. Apply a small amount directly to the stain and gently scrub with a clean toothbrush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rub the fabric together under warm running water to loosen buildup. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap or cleaner, then machine wash on a heavy soil setting and line dry.
HOW TO PREVENT DEODORANT STAINS
Deodorant stains may be avoided with a few simple changes to how you apply and choose your products. From proper application techniques to selecting the right formula, these tips can help reduce residue buildup and keep your clothes looking fresh.
Put your shirt on first, if possible, and then reach under and put on your deodorant.
If you’re using an aerosol antiperspirant, itʼs important that you shake it well. This helps ensure that the aluminum chlorohydrate powder is evenly distributed in the can and on your skin.
Make sure your skin is dry before and after application so the deodorant can be fully absorbed.
- Aerosols make great alternatives to the commonly purchased white deodorant sticks because of their absorption into the skin.
Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant might also help reduce staining. Antiperspirants that contain aluminum can react with sweat proteins, which may contribute to yellow stains on clothing.
Apply deodorant in thin, even layers instead of heavy amounts—excess product increases the chance it will rub off on fabric and cause marks.
- Let deodorant or antiperspirant fully dry before getting dressed to help reduce the risk of transfer onto your clothing.
DEODORANT STAIN FAQS
Have questions about removing or preventing deodorant stains? Below are answers to common concerns, from whether stains are permanent to when you should skip bleach and what options may help tackle tough laundry loads.
ARE DEODORANT STAINS PERMANENT?
If you don’t treat them right away, deodorant stains can set or become difficult to remove. But don’t worry, it doesnʼt necessarily mean you won’t be able to ever remove the deodorant stain. However, for the best results, take care of a stain as soon as you notice it.
CAN YOU REMOVE DEODORANT STAINS WITHOUT WASHING THE SHIRT?
You may be able to reduce or remove deodorant marks without doing a full wash cycle by using dry abrasion or targeted spot-treatment methods first. For example, rubbing fresh deodorant residue with a dry textured item like a nylon stocking, foam rubber or even the fabric of another garment to help loosen and lift white marks off the fabric may be helpful. These methods may let you remove visible buildup without immediately washing the shirt, though laundering is still recommended later to fully clean the garment. Another option is the dryer sheet method, where you simply gently rub a used dryer sheet in circular patterns on the residue to help lift it out.
SHOULD YOU USE BLEACH ON DEODORANT STAINS?
Using regular chlorine bleach on deodorant stains isn’t usually recommended, especially on colored fabrics, because it can react with the stain or the fabric and make things worse or cause fading. Bleach may even react with deodorant buildup and intensify discoloration rather than remove it.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHING MACHINES
Maytag®️ washing machines help you tackle your tough laundry loads. You can find useful laundry features with Maytag brand’s wide selection of top load and front load washing machines. Powerful options on select models include a Built-In Water Faucet, so you can rinse, spot treat or soak clothes right in the washer. Explore Maytag® laundry sets to find powerful cleaning, to get the job done with various settings to meet your needs.
Maytag® washing machines offer robust features designed to power through tough loads. For example, this Maytag® Smart Top Load Washer with Extra Power offers Extra Power for boosted stain fighting on any wash cycle to help you stay on top of laundry day.
