Have you ever finished doing laundry only to find stubborn deodorant stains on your favorite shirt? If you’ve wondered how to get rid of these marks when a regular wash doesn’t cut it, we’ve got you covered.
Deodorant stains often appear as white streaks on the sides of your shirts, caused by particles left behind when deodorant comes into contact with fabric. If not removed properly, these stains can become stubborn and challenging to erase.
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But fear not! Your deodorant-stained shirts can be saved. We’ve gathered the best methods for removing these stains, along with some tips to prevent them in the first place.
Method 1: Baking Soda
You can use everyday ingredients to tackle deodorant stains, and baking soda is the star player.
- Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with ¼ cup of warm water to create a paste.
- Apply it on the area and let it dry.
- Wash as you normally would.
- For older and set-in stains, leave the paste on the fabric for about two hours before washing. Get Baking soda on Amazon Here
Read about: How to Clean Your Entire House With Baking Soda
Method 2: Dish Soap + Hydrogen Peroxide
This powerful combination can effectively lift even the toughest deodorant stains from shirts.
- Mix six tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of dish soap.
- Scrub the stained area with a stiff brush or an old toothbrush for one to two minutes.
- Let the shirt sit for about an hour.
- Launder as usual.
Method 3: White Vinegar
To combat tough stains, white vinegar is your go-to, just like hydrogen peroxide.
- Mix 4 cups of warm water with 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Apply the mixture to the stain and rub the fabric together with your knuckles.
- For stubborn stains, soak your shirt directly in the vinegar solution for a few hours.
- Toss the shirt into the washing machine as you normally would.
Method 4: Lemon Juice
Harness the power of lemons to fight stains, thanks to their natural acidity.
- Mix salt with lemon juice
- And apply directly onto the stain
- Let the area soak.
- Rub the stained area with the mixture until the stain disappears.
- Allow the shirt to air dry in the sun for an added bleaching effect.
Pro-tip: Sun exposure enhances the stain-removing process.
Method 5: Aspirin
Turn to your Sunday morning savior to double as an effective stain buster.
- Crush two aspirin into powder form using a mortar and pestle or two spoons.
- Mix this powder with a half cup of hot water.
- Apply the solution to the stain.
- Let it sit for some few hours before laundering.
Note: This method is recommended for white shirts only.
Method 6: Meat Tenderizer
Surprisingly, meat tenderizer can help you tackle deodorant stains.
- Wet the stain with warm water.
- Sprinkle unseasoned meat tenderizer generously on the area and massage it with your fingers. Avoid using a regular meat tenderizer, as it may create another stain.
- Wait for at least an hour for the solution to set in the fabric, then wash the shirt as usual.
Method 7: Ammonia
Ammonia is a versatile stain-removing agent that works wonders on deodorant stains.
- Sponge a mixture of ammonia and warm water onto the stain, ensuring you use 50% strength ammonia in a well-ventilated area.
- Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes.
- Wash as you normally would.
Pro-tip: Always check your garment’s care label before applying any stain treatment. Some fabrics, like silk and wool, may be dry clean only and should not be spot cleaned using these methods. If your shirt is washable, it’s a good idea to test the stain removal method on an inconspicuous area first.
Method 8: Pit Stop
An organic stain remover, Pit Stop is designed to tackle both deodorant and sweat stains on clothing.
- Spray the stains with this solution from the inside of the shirt.
- Ensure the fabric is saturated, then scrub with a small brush.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes, and scrub again if necessary.
- Wash the shirt separately from untreated clothing.
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