Like it or not, sweat stains aren’t going anywhere. Whether you work out a lot or simply run hot, some clothing will inevitably retain a less-than-fresh whiff or a hard-to-remove yellow stain – this doesn’t mean you need to avoid whites! Here, we explain how to remove sweat stains, what to bring with you to the self-service laundromat, and unexpected household items that can do the trick in a pinch.
Why Does Sweat Stain?
Not so fun fact! Sweat is actually colourless and won’t discolour your clothing on its own; it has an accomplice – your deodorant. The minerals in your sweat react with the ingredients in your deodorant, primarily aluminium, causing a not-so-attractive yellow tinge to the armpit area of your shirt.
Step by Step Guide to Removing Sweat Stains
Removing sweat stains doesn’t require speciality laundry products, just a little bit of time and care. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to remove sweat stains from clothing:
- Before heading to the laundry, make a quick detour through the kitchen and pick up some white vinegar. Mix one cup of vinegar with two cups of warm water and let the stained clothing soak in the mixture for about 30 minutes.
- If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, hydrogen peroxide has a bleach-like effect that won’t damage the colour. Blot the solution generously onto the stain and let it sit for a further 30 minutes.
- Toss the clothing into the washing machine with your usual detergent on the hottest setting that’s safe for your clothing.
Unexpected Household Items You can use to Remove Sweat Stains
Think of these as the ‘alternative medicines’ of the laundry world, but they can actually work!
Aspirin
Sweat stains can certainly cause a headache or two, and an aspirin may help you in more ways than one. Mix two crushed tablets with half a cup of warm water to create a stain removal solution out of aspirin. Soak the stained area in the solution for a couple of hours, then wash as usual.
Vodka
Raise a glass to the most fun stain removal method to date! Yes, equal parts vodka and warm water can help remove stains thanks to the alcohol content in the vodka. Put the solution into a spray bottle and mist the stained area before washing.
Lemons
Citrus works as a fantastic stain fighter and won’t damage delicate items that require a softer touch. A mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water will do the trick for your delicate clothing.
Further reading
Ensure Your Whites Stay White with Our Sweat Stain Removal Tips
With our guide on how to remove sweat stains, you can confidentially reintroduce white to your wardrobe without worrying about unsightly pit stains. For all your laundry care needs, swing by Liquid Laundromats Papamoa; we have you and your armpits covered!
