How to get deodorant stains out of shirts

Effective Ways to Remove Deodorant Stains from Shirts

Deodorants are an important part of personal hygiene. However, whether you use spray deodorants, stick deodorants, or gel ones, you will eventually face the issue of deodorant stains. This is because of the aluminum present in these deodorants, which causes stains.

Aluminum components in the deodorant act as antiperspirants however, they eventually cause build-up which causes stains. However, the real question is how to get deodorant stains out of shirts. So, in this guide, we will cover a few ways to remove such stains easily.

 

Baking Soda and Water Paste

Who doesn’t have baking soda in their Kitchen? Of course, everybody does. This availability makes it a great remedy to treat deodorant stains on shirts at home. With 3:2, you can add the baking soda and water respectively.

  • First of all, make a thick paste combining 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of water.
  • Apply that paste on the stain, covering it thoroughly.
  • Let the paste sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Rub the stain using a clothing brush or a toothbrush until cleaned thoroughly.
  • Rinse the site with cold water and then launder the shirt as usual.

This method is effective for both colored and white shits. However, because of its active nature, it can cause discoloration, so always test on some small hidden area first.

 

White Vinegar

deodorant stain on shirt

Another great option to remove deodorant stain is white vinegar. It is particularly helpful for yellow stains on white shirts. The citric acid in vinegar with low pH acts as an active agent against stains, making it a great anti-stain agent.

  • First thing first, you have to pour the vinegar directly on the stain.
  • The amount should be enough that the stain is fully soaked.
  • Let it sit for around 30 minutes to an hour.
  • After that rinse it with cold water while scrubbing with fingers or a clothing brush.

White vinegar does not just work great against the residues of deodorant stains but also acts as a fabric softener.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Hydrogen peroxide works wonders against yellow stains. However, they are particularly fit for white shirts. Due to its mild bleaching property, it works great for white shirts but can discolor colored shirts.

  • For its effective use, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are mixed in equal parts and a paste is formed.
  • This paste is then applied to the stain and left to sit there for 30 minutes.
  • After that, the paste is rubbed using a soft brush to break the stain.
  • Lastly, rinse with cold water and launder the shirt as usual.

 

Lemon Juice

Another great way to remove deodorant stains from the shirt is using Lemon juice. Because of its acidic nature, it’s a great way to remove the stain from white or light-colored clothes.

  • You can squeeze lemon juice directly on the stain.
  • Let it sit for 10 minutes. 
  • Rinse the shirt with cold water and launder the shirt as usual.

Mind that, this method works only for white and light-colored clothes. For colored clothes, it can cause discoloration. Moreover, due to its mild nature, it’s a great method to remove stains from fragile clothes.

 

Aspirin and Water Solution

You may never hear of it before but aspirin is a great ingredient to break down stubborn stains. Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid that breaks down the deodorant stains.

  • You need to crush two aspirins into a fine powder and mix it with a small amount of water so that a paste is formed.
  • Apply this paste to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  • After that gently scrub the site with a soft brush and rinse with cold water.
  • Launder the shirt as usual.

The great thing about this method is, it is equally effective for both colored and non-colored shirts. Unlike other remedies, it doesn’t affect the color of the shirt.

 

Final Say

Finding the right answer to how to get deodorant stains out of shirts is challenging. It’s a trial-and-error procedure. So, you can’t be sure which method works best for you. Depending on the type and color of your shirt fabric, you can choose the method that suits you best.

 

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FAQs

What causes deodorant stains on clothes? 

Aluminum compounds present in deodorants react with oil and sebum of underarms causing the white residue formation. These residues leave a stain on the shirt eventually.

Can I prevent deodorant stains on shirts?

Yes, you prevent deodorant stains through the following ways:

  • Switch to natural deodorants or options like deodorant wipes that leave no residue.
  • Give your deodorant time to dry
  • Apply deodorant sparingly
  • Wear an undershirt

How can I remove old deodorant stains from shirts? 

There are a variety of ways through which you can remove the deodorant stains from your shirt. You can either use baking soda and water paste, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, lemon juice, or aspirin to break down the stains.

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