Clean & Tidy

How to Remove Sweat Stains from Clothes

Derrick Mbabazi

• 2 min read
How to Remove Sweat Stains from Clothes

Sweat stains can sneak up on your favorite shirt like a bad surprise. One day it looks fine, the next day—bam! Yellow underarms or crusty white rings. But don’t toss that top just yet. You can save it. Here’s exactly how.

Why Do Sweat Stains Happen?

Sweat itself is mostly water. The problem starts when sweat mixes with:

  • Deodorant or antiperspirant, especially those with aluminum
  • Body oils and bacteria
  • Fabrics like cotton, which trap and hold everything

This combo causes yellow or stiff white stains, especially under the arms, collars, and back.

Best Way to Remove Sweat Stains (Step-by-Step)

You’ll Need:

  • 1 part baking soda
  • 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%)
  • 1 part liquid dish soap
  • Old toothbrush or scrub brush
💡 Hydrogen peroxide is a natural, gentle bleach—safe for most whites but test on colors first!

Step-by-Step Cleaning Method

Step 1: Make the Stain Remover

  • In a small bowl, mix:
    • 2 tbsp baking soda
    • 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
    • 2 tbsp dish soap

Step 2: Apply It

  • Spread the mixture directly onto the stain.
  • Use a toothbrush to gently scrub it in.
  • Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour for deep stains).

Step 3: Wash Normally

  • Toss the clothing into your regular laundry cycle.
  • Use cold or warm water (not hot—hot water can set stains).

Step 4: Air Dry First

  • Don't use the dryer until you're sure the stain is gone.
  • Heat sets stains permanently.

Tips to Prevent Sweat Stains

  • Switch to aluminum-free deodorant
  • Let deodorant dry before dressing
  • Wear undershirts with dress shirts
  • Wash sweaty clothes sooner than later
  • Try underarm sweat pads for big events

🧠 Quick Fact Block: Did You Know?

• Sweat itself is colorless.
• It’s the aluminum in antiperspirants that reacts with sweat to make yellow stains.
•Hydrogen peroxide breaks down that reaction gently, making it a powerful stain fighter.

Works Best On:

✅ White t-shirts
✅ Cotton shirts
✅ Sportswear
✅ Shirt collars
✅ Underarm areas

🚫 Avoid This:

  • Don’t use chlorine bleach on sweat stains. It can make yellow stains worse, not better.
  • Don’t skip the air dry check — dryers will set any leftover stain for life.

Final Thoughts

Sweat stains don’t have to ruin your clothes. With a few ingredients and a little elbow grease, you can get your favorite shirts looking fresh again. Try this method once and it’ll become your go-to.