How To Get Rid Of Sweat Stains On Clothes: Proven Methods & Tips

Sweat stains can make even your favorite clothes look dull and worn out. The good news is that you don’t have to toss them in frustration.

You can remove sweat stains using simple household ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, or oxygen bleach—and keep your clothes looking fresh and clean without much effort.

You’ll learn what causes those yellow marks and how to treat them before washing. You’ll also discover which home remedies work best on different fabrics.

By understanding how sweat, deodorant, and fabric interact, you’ll know exactly how to tackle stains the moment they appear.

Understanding Sweat Stains

Sweat stains often appear when moisture mixes with oils, salts, and products on your skin. These marks can look yellow or white and become harder to remove over time if you leave them untreated.

Knowing what causes sweat stains helps you choose the right cleaning method and prevent future stains.

Why Sweat Stains Form on Clothes

Sweat is mostly water, but it also contains salt, proteins, and minerals. When sweat soaks into fabric, these materials dry and leave residue that discolors clothing.

Heat and friction worsen the problem, especially under the arms or around collars.

The type of fabric matters. Cotton absorbs sweat easily, while synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and bacteria.

When sweat mixes with body oils and dirt, it darkens fabrics and causes odor.

To reduce staining, wear breathable fabrics and wash sweaty clothes soon after use. Treat stains early with vinegar or baking soda, as cleaning experts at Martha Stewart suggest.

Common Types of Sweat Stains

There are two main kinds of sweat stains: yellow stains and white salt marks. Yellow stains usually appear on light-colored fabrics, especially white shirts.

They come from a mix of sweat, skin oils, and sometimes deodorant ingredients.

White stains are more common on darker clothes. They form when sweat dries and leaves salt behind.

These stains can feel stiff and show up as chalky streaks.

You can often remove both types using a paste of baking soda and water or a soak in oxygen bleach, as described by Family Handyman. Always test treatments on a small area first to avoid damage.

Stain Type	Common Cause	Best Treatment
Yellow	Sweat + deodorant	Vinegar or baking soda soak
White	Salt residue	Cold water rinse and detergent wash

Impact of Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Many deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds that block sweat glands. When aluminum reacts with sweat and fabric, it creates yellow stains.

Over time, these marks become harder to remove and may weaken the fabric.

Using aluminum-free deodorants helps reduce staining. Let deodorant dry before dressing to limit transfer.

If stains have already formed, pretreat them with a vinegar solution or an oxygen bleach soak, as recommended by The Spruce. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can make yellowing worse.

Pre-Treatment Steps for Sweat Stain Removal

Before you start washing, check what your clothes are made of, how old the stain is, and whether your cleaning method is safe for the fabric. These small steps help you remove sweat stains more effectively and protect your favorite items.

Checking Fabric Care Labels

Always check the fabric care label before treating any sweat stain. These labels tell you the right water temperature, cleaning agents, and drying methods for your clothes.

Ignoring them can cause fading, shrinking, or even holes.

For example, cotton can usually handle hot water, while silk or wool need cold water and gentle care. When in doubt, choose a mild detergent or a natural cleaner like baking soda or white vinegar.

Here’s a quick guide:

Fabric Type	Safe Water Temp	Cleaning Tip
Cotton	Warm to Hot	Use enzyme detergent
Polyester	Cold to Warm	Avoid bleach
Silk	Cold	Use gentle detergent
Wool	Cold	Hand wash only

Identifying Fresh vs. Set-In Stains

Treat fresh sweat stains right away for best results. Fresh stains are still damp and haven’t bonded with the fabric fibers.

Rinse them with cold water first, then apply a stain remover or a simple mix of baking soda and water.

Set-in stains are tougher. These often look yellowish and may need stronger treatments like an enzyme-based cleaner or a hydrogen peroxide solution.

Let these sit for 15–30 minutes before washing.

If you’re unsure how to treat different stain types, check guides like How to Remove Sweat Stains for step-by-step examples.

Testing Cleaning Solutions on Fabrics

Before you apply any cleaner, test it on a hidden area of the fabric. This step helps you avoid discoloration or damage.

Use a cotton swab to dab a small amount of your chosen solution—like vinegar, baking soda paste, or a commercial stain remover—on an inside seam or hem.

Wait at least 10 minutes. If the fabric color doesn’t change, it’s safe to proceed.

For delicate materials, use gentle, natural products. Some cleaners, especially those with bleach, can weaken fibers or cause fading.

You can explore safe homemade methods from Knowing Fabric’s sweat stain removal guide, which recommends testing first to protect your clothes.

Best Home Remedies for Sweat Stains

You can lift most sweat stains with basic household items like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients break down oils, deodorant buildup, and discoloration without damaging fabric when you use them correctly.

Using White Vinegar Effectively

Distilled white vinegar helps loosen residue that causes yellow or stiff sweat marks. Mix equal parts vinegar and cold water in a bowl.

Soak or dab the stained area with a clean cloth for about 30 minutes.

After soaking, rinse the fabric with cool water and wash it as usual with mild detergent.

Avoid using hot water because it can set the stain.

Laundry experts recommend testing vinegar on a hidden area first to check colorfastness. According to Martha Stewart’s cleaning guide, vinegar works well on most fabrics but should not be mixed with chlorine bleach.

You can also add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove lingering odor and restore softness.

Baking Soda Paste Method

Baking soda naturally absorbs oils and neutralizes odors. To treat sweat stains, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with ¼ cup of water until it forms a thick paste.

Spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.

Gently scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse with cold water. Wash the garment afterward with a mild detergent.

This method works well for cotton shirts and light fabrics. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda helps lift residue without wearing down fibers.

For stubborn marks, you can repeat the process or combine baking soda with vinegar for extra cleaning power, as suggested in Tips Bulletin’s stain removal guide.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions

Hydrogen peroxide acts as a gentle bleaching agent for white or light-colored clothing. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and water in a bowl.

Apply the solution to the stained area and let it sit for about 30 minutes.

Rinse with cold water and launder as usual. Avoid using this method on dark fabrics since peroxide can lighten colors.

For tough yellow stains, you can soak the garment in the mixture for up to an hour before washing.

The wikiHow guide on removing sweat stains notes that peroxide helps break down the chemical reaction between sweat and deodorant that causes yellowing.

Always check your garment’s care label before using hydrogen peroxide to prevent fading or damage.

Laundry Products and Techniques

Using the right laundry products helps you remove sweat stains more effectively while keeping fabrics in good shape. Choose a detergent that targets protein-based stains, understand how enzymes work, and use oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach when needed.

Choosing the Right Laundry Detergent

Pick a detergent made for stain removal rather than one that only freshens clothes. Look for labels that mention “stain-fighting,” “enzyme-based,” or “odor control.”

These usually contain ingredients that break down sweat residue and body oils.

Avoid detergents with heavy fragrances, as they can mask odors instead of removing them. If you have sensitive skin, choose a hypoallergenic or dye-free formula.

You can boost cleaning power by adding a pre-treatment step. Apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stained area, gently rub it in, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing.

According to laundry experts at Martha Stewart, treating stains early prevents them from setting and keeps fabrics looking new.

Type	Best For	Notes
Liquid detergent	Fresh stains	Easy to apply directly
Powder detergent	General loads	Works well in warm water
Pods	Convenience	Pre-measured but less flexible

Enzyme-Based Detergents for Sweat Stains

Enzyme-based detergents contain natural proteins that break down organic matter like sweat, oils, and deodorant buildup. These enzymes target the main causes of yellowing underarms and lingering odors.

Use warm water when possible, since enzymes activate better at moderate temperatures. Check your garment’s care label first to avoid damage.

Brands that highlight “bio-enzymes” or “protein stain removal” often perform better on athletic wear and white shirts.

If you deal with frequent sweat stains, switching to an enzyme detergent can save time and reduce the need for harsh chemicals.

For stubborn marks, you can mix a paste of baking soda and water before washing, as suggested by Family Handyman.

Oxygen Bleach vs. Chlorine Bleach

When stains remain after washing, oxygen bleach provides a safer and more fabric-friendly choice. It uses oxygen to lift discoloration without weakening fibers or fading colors.

Products like OxiClean or Nellie’s Oxygen Brightener work on both whites and colors.

Chlorine bleach, on the other hand, can react with sweat and cause yellowing. Avoid it for sweat stain removal, especially on white cotton or linen.

Soak stained clothes in a warm water and oxygen bleach mixture for several hours before washing.

As noted by Martha Stewart, this method restores brightness while keeping fabrics strong.

Always check care tags to confirm bleach safety before soaking.

Special Considerations for Different Fabrics

Different fabrics react to sweat, detergents, and stain removers in unique ways. The right method depends on the fabric’s color, weave, and sensitivity to water or heat.

Using proper cleaning products and techniques removes stains without fading, shrinking, or damaging your clothes.

Treating White and Light-Colored Clothes

White and light fabrics often show yellow stains caused by sweat and deodorant buildup. To brighten them, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, then soak the stained area for 30 minutes.

Gently scrub with a soft brush before washing in warm water. For extra whitening, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stain.

Let it sit for about an hour before rinsing. This method lifts discoloration without harsh bleach.

Avoid chlorine bleach on delicate cottons or blends—it can weaken fibers and set stains permanently. Instead, use oxygen-based bleach for a safer brightening option.

You can learn more about fabric-safe cleaning from Knowing Fabric.

Handling Colored and Delicate Fabrics

Colored and delicate fabrics, such as silk or rayon, can fade or lose texture if treated too harshly. Always test any stain remover on a hidden area first.

Use cold water and mild detergent to prevent color bleeding. Mix a small amount of white vinegar with water to dab on the stain.

Blot gently with a clean cloth instead of scrubbing. For stubborn stains, a baking soda paste can help, but rinse carefully to avoid residue.

Air-dry delicate fabrics instead of using a dryer, as heat can set stains and cause shrinkage. For more guidance on fabric-specific care, check out Custom Maids.

Dry-Cleaning for Non-Washable Garments

Some garments, like wool suits or silk blouses, require dry-cleaning because water can distort their shape or texture. Do not attempt home washing or soaking for these materials.

If you notice a sweat stain, blot it lightly with a dry cloth to absorb moisture. Avoid rubbing—it can spread the stain deeper into the fibers.

Take the item to a professional cleaner as soon as possible. Point out the stain so they can use targeted treatments.

According to Molly Maid, prompt dry-cleaning prevents permanent discoloration and keeps your fabrics looking fresh.

Advanced Sweat Stain Removal Hacks

You can tackle stubborn sweat stains with simple items already in your home. Everyday ingredients like lemon juice, aspirin, and salt break down buildup and brighten fabric without harsh chemicals.

Lemon Juice and Sunlight Method

Lemon juice acts as a mild acid that lifts yellow stains caused by sweat and deodorant. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, then apply the solution directly to the stained area.

Gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft cloth. Lay the clothing flat in direct sunlight for one to two hours.

The sun’s natural bleaching effect enhances the lemon’s cleaning power. This method works best on white cotton shirts and other light fabrics.

Avoid using it on dark or delicate materials, as the acid and sunlight can fade colors. For more details on natural cleaning, check out these eco-friendly sweat stain removal tips.

Aspirin and Salt Solutions

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which breaks down protein-based stains like sweat. Crush two aspirin tablets and mix them with half a cup of warm water.

Soak the stained area for about two hours, then launder as usual. For tougher stains, add one tablespoon of salt to the mixture.

Salt acts as a gentle scrub that lifts residue from fibers. This combination works especially well for white or light-colored shirts with yellow underarm marks.

You can find similar methods in these simple but powerful ways to remove sweat stains.

Commercial Stain Removers

If home remedies don’t fully remove sweat stains, commercial products help. Look for enzyme-based stain removers that target sweat, oil, and deodorant buildup.

Apply the product directly to the stain and let it sit for 20–30 minutes before washing. Choose a remover that’s safe for your fabric type—some work best on cotton, while others suit synthetics.

Brands like OxiClean or Tide Rescue are often recommended by laundry experts for deep cleaning. According to Reader’s Digest, using these with warm water lifts even set-in stains when natural methods fall short.

Tips for Preventing Sweat Stains

You can reduce sweat stains by adjusting personal care habits, cleaning clothes quickly, and wearing layers that block moisture. These steps help keep fabrics fresh and extend the life of your favorite shirts.

Changing Deodorant Habits

The ingredients in your deodorant can cause yellow stains when they mix with sweat. Aluminum-based antiperspirants often react with sweat to form discoloration.

Try switching to an aluminum-free formula or a natural deodorant to help prevent buildup. Apply deodorant only to clean, dry skin.

Let it dry completely before dressing so it doesn’t transfer to fabric. Using too much can leave residue that traps sweat and bacteria.

If you prefer antiperspirant, apply it at night when your sweat glands are less active. This gives the product time to absorb and reduces the chance of staining.

You can read more about how deodorant choices affect clothing from wikiHow’s guide on avoiding sweat stains.

Washing Clothes Promptly

Leaving damp or sweaty clothes in a hamper allows stains to set. Wash them as soon as possible to stop the sweat from bonding with fabric fibers.

Before washing, check for visible marks. Pre-treat them with a mix of white vinegar and water or a baking soda paste.

These mild cleaners break down residue without damaging fabric. Avoid using chlorine bleach, which can make stains worse.

Instead, use oxygen bleach for whites or color-safe fabrics. Martha Stewart’s cleaning experts recommend this method in their article on removing sweat stains.

Using Protective Garments

Protective clothing absorbs sweat before it reaches your outer layers. Wearing undershirts or underarm pads helps catch moisture and prevents yellow stains on dress shirts or blouses.

Choose light, breathable fabrics like cotton or microfiber that wick moisture away from your skin. These materials dry faster and reduce odor buildup.

When you exercise or work outdoors, choose technical fabrics designed to keep you cool. Some brands even make “sweat-proof” shirts that block moisture transfer, as explained in Sutran Technology’s article on avoiding sweat stains.