Best tips on how to get sweat marks out of clothes and prevent yellow underarm stains.

How to Get Sweat Marks Out of Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric

Sweat marks on your clothes can be downright troublesome, but here’s the good news: they don’t have to be a huge disaster for your favourite outfits. You can tackle those stubborn sweat stains, without harming the material with some care and some gentle techniques. 

Wondering how to get sweat marks out of clothes without ruining your favourite shirt? Keep on reading to know how to keep your wardrobe fresh and spotless.

Why Do Sweat Stains Form and What Makes Them So Difficult to Remove?

You might have wondered, how to get armpit stains out of white shirts? The secret to how to get rid of sweat patches on clothes lies in pre-treating. Sweat itself is mostly water, but when combined with body oils, deodorants, and certain types of fabric, it can cause yellowish or stiff stains, especially in the underarm area. This substance interacts and settles into the fibres of our clothes, making the stains difficult to get rid of.

White shirt with visible underarm stains beside natural cleaning ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon

Many antiperspirants contain ingredients like aluminium, which can react with sweat and fabric, causing white marks on black clothing or yellow stains on white shirts. Such ingredient reactions make sweat marks on shirts and other clothes quite tricky to remove.

Easy and Gentle Ways to Tackle Sweat Stains Before Washing

Getting a head start on those sweat stains can help in getting rid of them without harming your clothes. Here are some natural and gentle techniques that can work effectively:

Close-up of a hand applying DIY stain remover spray to a shirt’s underarm area
  • Baking Soda Paste:
    Mix baking soda with a little water and prepare a thick paste. Smear this paste directly onto the sweat stains for about 30 minutes. Baking soda is an effective way for lifting sweat marks and neutralising any unpleasant odours.

  • Vinegar:
    Use equal part of vinegar and water to create a solution . Soak the stained area of the cloth in this mixture for 30 minutes. The acidity of vinegar works very well in breaking sweat salts.

  • Lemon Juice Treatment:
    For any yellowish sweat stains, use lemon juice and then place the cloth in the sun for a little while. The natural bleaching properties of lemon juice can help lighten those yellow stains; however, always be cautious with coloured fabrics to prevent any fading.

  • Removing Yellow Stains Using Hydrogen Peroxide:
    Say goodbye to stubborn yellow stains on white clothes, using hydrogen peroxide for yellow stains as an occasional gentler option than bleach. Always do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it will not damage the fabric.

#DIY Pro Tip:

Mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle allows you to create your own very easy DIY stain remover spray. Spray over stained areas of clothes and let it stay about 20 minutes before rinsing it with water.

Washing Tips to Protect Your Clothes While Removing Sweat Marks

Using a mild, environmentally friendly, enzyme-based detergent in cold water is essential for cleaning your clothes and getting rid of those annoying sweat stains. This method helps in removing stains without damaging the colours and fibre of your textiles or without setting them. In addition, washing in cold water prevents the stains from settling, which can be easily accompanied by warm temperatures.

You may find yourself wanting to scrub away sweat marks on shirt hard or grab the bleach, but don't. It is best to clarify chlorine bleach until you have to really use it, especially on coloured clothes, as it can be yellow. Also, try to avoid aggressive scrubbing or harsh washing cycles to keep the fabric in good shape and prevent problems like white marks on black clothing or early wear and tear. Bleach is dangerous to use on dark colour clothes particularly when attempting to remove deodorant stains on black shirt.

Simple Habits to Prevent Sweat Stains from Building Up

Preventing sweat stains is easier than removing them. Some practical suggestions are:

Stack of fresh, clean clothes with a bottle of Premium Bionaturals Fabric Refresher placed beside
  • Air out clothes immediately after wearing to prevent sweat accumulation.

  • Use aluminium-free deodorants to limit chemical reactions that cause stains. 

  • Rotate the wardrobe from time to time to avoid putting on the same items repeatedly.

  • Use underarm shirts as an extra layer for the outer garment, absorbing the sweat from reaching the garments.

  • Use our natural fabric refresher Premium Bionaturals Fabric Refresher Disinfectant with Gardenia & Musk Notes to keep things smelling fresh between washes.

#DIY Tip: Before storing, sprinkle baking soda all over and inside the clothes, which absorb moisture and prevent sweat patch formation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) How do you get armpit stains out of white shirts?

A) Use vinegar or baking soda paste, then rinse with cold water and a mild detergent.Don’t use bleach since it can make whites more yellow. Vinegar on sweat stains is very effective.

Q2) Can vinegar or lemon juice really remove sweat marks?

A) Yes! Sweat salts are broken down and faded by the natural acids in both.

Q3) Is baking soda safe for coloured clothes?

A) In general, yes, but to prevent any unexpected fading, always perform a patch test beforehand.

Q4) How do I remove old, set-in sweat stains?

A) Wash with detergents after vinegar or baking soda. Don't use harsh chemicals that can harm your favourite fabric.

Q5) What’s the best way to prevent sweat stains on clothes?

A) To keep clothes hygienic, air-dry them after wearing them, use natural deodorants, wash them thoroughly, and think about using fabric fresheners.

Keep Your Clothes Fresh with Premium Bionaturals

Sweat stains don’t have to be a wardrobe problem. By following gentle, natural treatments and using quality homecare products, you can keep your clothes looking and smelling great. Our eco-friendly fabric care range, including the luxurious Fabric Refresher Disinfectant (Gardenia with Musk Notes), are specially crafted to tackle odours and stains while caring for your fabrics and the environment.

Discover the natural way to care for your clothes — shop Premium Bionaturals now and enjoy fresher, longer-lasting fabrics!