5 Ways to Remove Deodorant Stains, According to Cleaning Experts

Deodorant stains present on clothes in two ways: as white marks caused by residue transfer and yellow stains caused by a reaction between sweat and the aluminum in antiperspirants. No matter what type of stain you're dealing with, deodorant marks on your favorite garments can be difficult and frustrating to get rid of. To help, we spoke to cleaning experts who shared their go-to methods for removing deodorant stains using materials you likely already have on hand.

Materials You'll Need

Make sure you have these materials on hand to remove deodorant stains from your garments.

• Vinegar
• Water
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Soft brush
• Nylon stocking

How to Remove Deodorant Stains With Vinegar

Vinegar is an acidic ingredient that helps break down the aluminum-based compounds commonly found in antiperspirants that cause yellowing and buildup, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
2. Soak the stained area in the mixture for about 30 minutes.
3. Scrub the area with a soft brush or rub the fabric against itself.
4. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

How to Remove Deodorant Stains With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and mild abrasive, which helps to lift both fresh and set-in deodorant stains without damaging fabrics, says Sokolowski.

1. Mix baking soda and water until a paste forms.
2. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
3. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
4. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

How to Remove Deodorant Stains With Lemon Juice

Like vinegar, lemon juice is an acidic ingredient that can lift deodorant stains. "Lemon juice’s natural acidity helps break down deodorant residue and brightens fabric, which is especially effective for white clothes," says Sokolowski.

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain.
2. Let the garment sit in the sun for one to two hours.
3. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
   

How to Remove Deodorant Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that breaks down the proteins and aluminum compounds in deodorant stains, says Sokolowski. This ingredient is especially useful when removing deodorant stains from white clothing.

1. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.
2. Apply the solution onto the stain and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
3. Gently scrub the fabric with a soft brush.
4. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

How to Remove Deodorant Stains With a Nylon Stocking

Don't have time to run your garment through the wash? Try using a nylon stocking to remove deodorant stains. "The fine, slightly abrasive texture of nylon helps lift deodorant marks off the fabric without adding moisture, which can sometimes make the stain set in further," says Sokolowski. "This method is especially useful for fresh white streaks on dark clothing."

1. Rub a dry, clean nylon stocking against the deodorant stain in a circular motion.
2. Continue rubbing until the friction lifts the residue from the fabric.
3. If needed, follow up with a gentle wash.

How to Prevent Deodorant Stains

Deodorant stains can be difficult to remove, especially if they're deeply set. The best way to treat these stains is to prevent them from forming.

• Let deodorant fully dry to prevent it from transferring to your clothes, says Sokolowski.
• Switch to a deodorant that does not contain aluminum zirconium, which reacts with sweat and body oils to form deodorant stains, says Romine.
  
• Don't let deodorant residue sit on clothes for too long, says Sokolowski. If you notice a garment has deodorant stains, wash it after wearing it rather than letting it sit in your hamper.
• Avoid over applying deodorant, which can lead to a buildup that transfers to your clothes, says Sokolowski.
  
• Pre-treat deodorant stains before laundering them to help lift them more effectively, says Sokolowski.