How to Remove Sweat Stains
Are you tired of your expensive shirts covered in sweat stains at the end of a long day? I am. So, I started looking for a “how to remove sweat stains” and found that most techniques are either too hard or don’t work. So, here is the definitive guide for removing sweat stains from your shirt.
Whether you’ve sweated in a gym, on the job, or just from being too hot and sweaty, stains caused by perspiration are annoying and can ruin your shirt. Here are five steps to help you remove these stains. First, check the care label on your shirt to determine if it needs dry cleaning. If so, soak it in a solution of water and vinegar. Repeat if necessary.
Using baking soda
If you’ve ever noticed that your favorite shirt or blouse is covered in sweat stains, you’ve probably tried applying a paste made of baking soda to the area. The baking soda paste helps absorb sweat and odors from your clothing. If you don’t have the time or the patience to wait for the paste to dry completely, you can also use a vinegar-water mixture to activate the baking soda. Then you can simply brush off the paste and wash the garment.
To apply this mixture to your clothing, mix a quarter cup of water with four tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Apply this mixture to the sweat stain and wash it as normal. This solution lightens colors, so use it with caution on dark-colored clothing. Another option is to simply apply pure baking soda directly to the sweat stain. This method works for grease and oil stains. Even rust stains can be removed by using this method.
Using peroxide
A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove sweat stains from shirts. Mix one-quarter cup of each ingredient, then rub it into the stain with a toothbrush. Allow this to sit for half an hour and wash it as you normally would. After the solution has been allowed to sit for half an hour, rinse it well with cold water. You can then proceed to wash the shirt normally.
Although hydrogen peroxide is effective for removing sweat stains, it may not be suitable for all types of fabrics. Avoid using it on non-dye-stable fabrics, and always patch-test it first. Peroxide can also permanently bleach colored fabrics. Additionally, its residue may cause white fabric to turn yellow under the sun. Thus, use hydrogen peroxide sparingly. While using peroxide to remove sweat stains is generally safe, it can cause damage to delicate fabrics.
Using hot water
Using hot water to remove sweat stains from clothes is an easy way to get rid of stubborn stains and odors on your clothing. For a quicker solution, try rinsing your clothes immediately after exercising or heavy sweating. If you don’t have time to wash them right away, soak them in cool water. Add white vinegar or baking soda if you’re concerned about odors.
Using hydrogen peroxide will ruin your clothes if they’re colored. For a milder alternative, try mixing equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Use a sponge to apply the solution directly to the stained area. If this method doesn’t work, you can also try soaking the affected clothing in cold water and vinegar. Rinsing with cold water afterward will get rid of the odor as well.
Using antiperspirants
One of the most frustrating things about using antiperspirants is that they transfer to your clothes. In fact, you might even end up staining your clothes, especially if you use an antiperspirant that contains aluminum salts. You can remove these marks by simply using soap and rubbing the stain with a damp cloth. However, do be careful not to overdo it or you might end up with an ugly white stain.
If you want to avoid sweat stains, use a clinical-strength antiperspirant. Make sure to apply the product before bedtime, and let it dry completely before dressing. Remember, too much antiperspirant can cause yellow pit stains. Armpit hair can also collect sweat, dirt, and bacteria, and is another potential source of sweat stains. To prevent these problems, keep armpit hair to a minimum, and handwash sweaty shirts to avoid sweat stains.
How to Remove Sweat Stains Result
To prevent these problems, wash your shirts after use, and apply antiperspirant every day at bedtime. You might also opt for a deodorant that doesn’t contain aluminum, which can leave yellow pits on your clothing. If you have armpit hair, you should trim it as well.