How Does Perspiration Stain Clothing?

Sweat Happens

Perspiration may be natural, but that doesn't make armpit stains any more attractive. Luckily, there are ways to remove those stains, if not prevent them from occurring. Educate yourself on how sweat stains happen and how to salvage your clothes.

What Causes Stains?

Perspiration is mostly water, but the small percentage of other things causes the stains. Ammonia, sodium chloride, urea and lactic acid are found in sweat, and when they build up on your shirt, they can either leach the color out of darker dyes or stain lighter colors. Bacteria and enzymes, also found in sweat, can produce stains as well. The chemicals in deodorants and anti-perspirants can also be to blame. Certain foods can contribute to the problem once they are broken down and excreted via perspiration, the main culprits being garlic and spices.

Getting the Stains Out

Removing sweat stains can be challenging. As with any stain, the faster you treat it, the easier it will be to remove. Stains that are still pretty new tend to be acidic, so using an alkaline formula like an ammonia-based solution can help remove them. If stains have been present for a long time, they tend to turn alkaline, so using an acidic formula such as a vinegar solution would be more appropriate. Two aspirin dissolved in a cup of warm water is another acidic remedy that can remove sweat marks, as is applying a paste made of boric acid. Especially-stubborn stains may respond to a long pre-soak with an enzymatic or oxygen-based cleaner.

Preventive Measures

Instead of working so hard to remove unsightly armpit stains on your shirts, try preventing them instead. Use only a thin layer of anti-perspirant or deodorant, as the chemicals found in these products can exacerbate the staining issue. Also, by allowing your deodorant to dry first, you'll make it less likely that your shirt will stick to your armpits, making it challenging for the chemicals and waste products to cause damage. Finally, remove your shirt promptly after use and soak it in cold water. This will help wash away the stain-causing acids, and after laundering it, your shirt should be as good as new.