How to Remove Sweat Stains, According to Laundry Pros

Sweat is a natural part of life, but it can often leave unwanted odors and stains on clothes. While sweat itself is primarily composed of water, discoloration happens when it comes into contact with the oils, dirt, and bacteria on your skin. Sweat can also leave stains when it mixes with your deodorant, depending on the type you use. So how do you remove these sometimes-stubborn sweat stains?

No matter the cause, sweat stains are easy to remove using natural cleaning agents you likely already have in your home. We turned to some laundry experts to learn how to best remove sweat stains and save your clothes—no matter how intense your workout may have been. Scroll on for their best tips and tricks.

Materials Needed

There a few must-have bits of supplies you'll need when treating sweat stains. Fortunatly, you'll likely have most already in your cleaning cupboard.

• White vinegar
• Bowl
• Water
• Microfiber cloth
• Mild liquid detergent
• Baking soda
• Oxygenated bleach

How to Remove Sweat Stains With Vinegar

One of the most efficient ways to clean sweat stains is with distilled white vinegar. "This method can generally be used on a variety of fabrics, but it's recommended to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the clothing first to ensure it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration," says Katie Dills, senior vice president of The Cleaning Authority.

1. Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a bowl.  
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the solution and gently dab the stained area.
3. Let the mixture sit on the stain.
4. Rinse the area with cold water to remove the mixture. 
5. Using mild liquid detergent, wash the garment according to the instructions on the care tag.
6. Remove the garment from the washing machine and check to make sure the stain is removed.
   

How to Remove Sweat Stains With Baking Soda

Baking soda can assist in a variety of household cleaning tasks, including laundry. This versatile pantry staple is another effective way to lift sweat stains from clothes. Simply follow the steps below.

1. Mix baking soda and water to create a paste.
2. Spread the paste over the stained area.
3. Let the paste sit for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse the area with cold water to remove the paste. 
5. Using mild detergent, wash the garment according to the instructions on the care tag.

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How to Remove Sweat Stains With Oxygen Bleach

While treating sweat stains with powerful chlorine bleach is a no-go, oxygen bleach may help restore your bleach-safe, sweat-stained clothes to their former glory. "It’s a simple, effective method that saves clothes from the trash, and it’s gentle enough to use on a variety of fabrics and colors," says Lori Williamson, cleaning and laundry expert and home renovator.

1. Check the garment's label to ensure that it's safe to treat with oxygen bleach.
2. If safe, soak the garment overnight in a solution of hot water and oxygen bleach. Williamson suggests OxiClean or Nellie’s Oxygen Brightener.
3. Launder as normal.

Additional Tips for Treating Sweat Stains

Keep these tips in mind when trying to remove sweat stains from your clothes.

• Do not put your sweat-stained garments in the laundry hamper to sit for days or weeks. "The sooner you treat them, the easier they are to lift," says Parnell.
• For delicate and dry-clean-only fabrics, consider consulting a professional dry cleaner rather than removing the stain yourself, says Dills.
• Do not put stained garments in the dryer. If your item is still stained after machine washing, try repeating the stain treatment. "Drying sets the stain, making it more difficult to remove," says Parnell.
• Avoid using deodorants with aluminum, which can leave behind yellow stains when it interacts with sweat.