Five ways to get rid of sweat stains naturally

October 16, 2024

Sweat stains can ruin your favorite clothes, but harsh chemicals aren't the only solution. These five natural methods remove stains and odors while being gentle on fabrics.

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Why are sweat stains hard to remove?

Tips to fight sweat stains

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Why are sweat stains hard to remove?

When sweat combines with antiperspirants, it creates a stubborn yellow residue that binds to fabric fibers. The proteins in sweat form tight bonds with these fibers, which standard detergents struggle to break down. The high heat from dryers sets yellow stains deeper into the material, so the problem becomes even worse.

Certain materials, such as cotton, also absorb and stain more easily. When combined with dark colors and repeated sweating, a stain might become deeply set before it’s noticed and treated. Sweat also encourages bacterial growth, which intensifies the stain and odor.

Material, chemical reactions, repeated sweating, and heat cooperate to produce unsightly stains on clothes. Now that we understand the stubborn nature of yellow sweat stains, let's explore effective natural methods to eliminate them from your clothes.

Baking soda

Baking soda's alkaline properties neutralize acidic sweat compounds, while its gentle abrasiveness lifts stains. This common household item also effectively absorbs odors.

Things you will need	Steps to follow	Best for
1/4 cup baking soda 1/4 cup warm water An old toothbrush or soft brush	Create a paste by combining baking soda and water. Spread the baking soda paste generously over the stain. Work it into the fabric using a brush. Allow to sit for 30–60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Wash the garment as usual.	Cotton Linen Synthetic blends White clothes Light-colored fabrics

Vinegar

Vinegar's acetic acid breaks down sweat stains and neutralizes stinky smells. Its natural antibacterial properties combat odor-causing bacteria.

Things you will need	Steps to follow	Best for
White vinegar Clean cloth or spray bottle Warm water	Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Apply the solution directly to the stain using a cloth or spray bottle. Saturate the stained area thoroughly. Let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Wash garment as usual.	Cotton Synthetics Delicate fabrics Colored garments

Salt

Salt's abrasive texture and absorbent properties lift and draw out sweat stains. Its dehydrating effect also inhibits bacteria growth.

Things you will need	Steps to follow	Best for
4 tablespoons of salt 1-quart hot water Large bowl or bucket	Dissolve salt in hot water. Submerge stained area in solution. Soak for 1–4 hours. Gently rub the fabric together to loosen the stain. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Wash garment as usual.	Cotton Linen Fresh or old stains

Lemon juice

Lemon juice, with its natural acidity and bleaching properties, breaks down stain particles and leaves clothes smelling fresh.

Things you will need	Steps to follow	Best for
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup water Clean cloth or spray bottle	Mix equal parts lemon juice and water. Apply the solution directly to the stain. Gently rub the mixture into the fabric. Let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Wash garment as usual.	White Light-colored fabrics Cotton Linen Fresh stains

Stain sticks

Smart Sheep stain stick is a convenient and eco-friendly solution for removing sweat stains. Our natural product combines the power of enzymes with gentle ingredients to tackle tough stains effectively.

Things you will need	Steps to follow	Best for
Smart Sheep stain stick Water (for rinsing)	Wet the stained area lightly. Rub the stick directly onto the stain. Let sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Wash garment as usual.	All fabric types White and colored clothing Fresh or tough sweat stains On-the-go stain treatment

Tips to combat sweat stains

Effective sweat stain removal goes beyond spot treatments. These practical tips will help you tackle stubborn stains, save your favorite shirts, and extend the life of your garments.

Act fast: Treat stains immediately to prevent setting.
Check care labels: Follow fabric-specific instructions to avoid damage.
Pre-treat before washing: Apply stain removers before tossing in the washing machine.
Avoid heat: Use cold water and air dry to prevent baking in stains.
Rotate your wardrobe: Give shirts time to air out between wears.
Choose the right deodorant: Opt for clear or gel formulas to minimize deodorant stains.
Protect white shirts: Use undershirts or dress shields in sweat-prone areas.
Wash inside out: Reduce friction on stained areas during the wash cycle.
Don't overload: Give clothes room to move in the washing machine for better stain removal.

When to call the pros

Some tough sweat stains may prove too stubborn for home remedies. If you've attempted multiple stain removal methods without success, or if the stains have been present for an extended period, it's time to consult a professional. Dry cleaners possess specialized equipment and solvents to tackle tough sweat marks without damaging the fabric

Professional dry-cleaning is the best option for delicate fabrics, vintage clothing, or garments with severe, set-in stains. Dry cleaners can often rescue clothes from seemingly permanent discoloration, preserving your favorite items and saving you money. Point out the stain locations and inform the cleaner about previous stain removal processes you’ve attempted.

Stain removal FAQ

Is ammonia a natural stain remover for white marks on clothes?

Ammonia is not a natural stain remover, but it is an effective method for fighting perspiration stains on your clothes. Ammonia's alkaline properties neutralize acidic sweat stains and break down body oils—perfect for yellow marks on your white clothes. It's a potent cleaner that can tackle even stubborn, set-in stains.

Here is how it works:

Mix ammonia with 1 cup of water in a well-ventilated space.
Wear protective gloves.
Dab solution onto the stain with a cloth or sponge.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Wash the garment as usual.

Is aspirin a good natural stain remover for armpit stains?

Aspirin is not a natural stain remover, but it fights armpit stains with ease. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which breaks down and lifts sweat stains. It also restores whiteness to discolored fabrics.

Here’s how to use aspirin to fight stains:

Crush aspirin tablets into a fine powder.
Mix powder with warm water to form a paste.
Apply the paste directly to the stain.
Gently scrub with a brush to work into the fabric.
Let sit for 1–2 hours.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Wash the garment as usual.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to remove sweat stains from clothes?

Hydrogen peroxide can be used for underarm stains. Its oxidizing properties break down and bleach sweat stains. It also kills odor-causing bacteria, leaving garments fresh and clean.

Here is how the stain removal process works with hydrogen peroxide:

Pour a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide into a small bowl.
Dip a cotton swab or brush into the solution.
Apply directly to the stain.
Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Wash the garment as usual.

Hydrogen peroxide is perfect for light-colored and white clothing. It works well on cotton and polyester blends.

Is dish soap good for removing stains from clothes?

Dish soap can be effective for certain clothes stains, particularly grease stains. Its grease-cutting properties work well on oil-based marks.

But dish soap is not ideal for all stain types. Always test dish soap on a hidden area first, as it may be too harsh for delicate fabrics.

How can I remove protein-based stains from my white clothes?

To remove protein stains from white clothes, start with a cold water rinse to prevent the stain from setting. Create a mixture of water and an enzyme-based detergent, and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be effective. Avoid hot water initially, as it can set protein stains.

What is the best homemade stain remover?

An effective homemade stain remover combines 1 part dish soap, 2 parts hydrogen peroxide, and 1 part baking soda. This mixture works on many different stains. For a gentler option, especially on delicate fabrics, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. These solutions are often as effective as commercial products and use natural active ingredients found in most homes.

How can I remove sweat spots on my skin?

To remove sweat spots on the skin, exfoliate gently with a mixture of baking soda and water. This removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. Alternatively, apply a paste of lemon juice and turmeric for its bleaching and antibacterial properties.

What is the best commercial stain remover?

The best commercial stain remover is Smart Sheep stain stick. Our natural laundry product works on all types of fabrics and stains. Some other options (not as effective as ours) are OxiClean, Zout, Shout Advanced Ultra Gel, Tide To Go Pen, and many more.