How To Remove Sweat Stains & Deodorant Stains

If you want to know how to clean embarrassing sweat stains on your favourite outfits, it’s helpful to be aware of what causes those unpleasant patches.

Sweat by itself is actually colourless and odourless. A sweat stain can happen when sweat comes into contact with other chemicals, such as aluminium which is found in some deodorants. The underarm area is often prone to staining because of the apocrine sweat glands, only found in the armpit. Apocrine sweat contains more proteins and fats, which also contribute to staining. Aluminium and apocrine sweat mix with sebum on the skin to create those unpleasant yellow stains on your favourite garments.

One of the biggest factors that causes underarm staining is your choice of deodorant. Not only can it cause the chemical reaction that creates sweat stains, but deodorant itself can also leave behind white stains. This occurs when too much deodorant is applied, and isn’t allowed to dry before putting on clothing.

Here are some tips that can help prevent sweat stains -

• Try different deodorants. Avoid products that contain metals like aluminium, and try different brands until you find one that doesn’t react with your sweat to cause stains.
• Act quickly. Sweat stains, unlike a coffee spill or grass stain, build up over time. If you are prone to sweat rings, it’s important to act fast when you notice sweat stains, and use a stain remover like a Vanish stain removal product.
• Spot clean your clothes. If you’ve been working up a sweat, rinse out the underarm area of your clothing. Try not to let sweaty shirts and clothes sit for too long before they get a wash.

If the stain is already dry, or isn’t lifted with rinsing, there is no need for panic - Vanish can help remove those stubborn sweat stains easily. Vanish Napisan Oxi Advance Multi Power Powder is a great choice to brighten your colours; while Vanish Napisan Oxi Advance Crystal White Powder can help maintain whites. Both formulas are suitable for use on sweat stains, as they contain antibacterial properties to help leave your clothes feeling fresh once again.

What causes a sweat stain?

While sweat is colourless and odourless, as you sweat it mixes with other chemicals like the ones present in some deodorants, and the ones in your skin. This combination can cause sweat to stain. Sweat stains can be stubborn because they are often not treated straight away, and can build up over time.

Are sweat stains permanent?

If treated quickly and effectively, sweat stains can be washed out of your favourite clothing items. However, as stains tend to build up, and are often not washed out as soon as they occur, this can make sweat stains difficult to remove.

Why are sweat stains yellow?

Sweat stains appear yellow because of the chemical reaction that occurs in the underarm area. The chemicals in sweat mix with the aluminium in some deodorants, and with the sebum and skin lipids present in the armpit area. This combination can cause sweat to turn yellow and stain. This yellow colour often builds up over time, which can make it difficult to notice at first.