How to Remove Deodorant Stains From Clothes

Deodorants are popularly used substances for combating body odor caused by bacterial fermentation of human sweat. They help kill bacteria and mask bad odor with the perfume fragrances infused in them but don't stop perspiration like antiperspirants do. However, most commercially available deodorants today contain some antiperspirant ingredients like aluminum salts. When these ingredients mix with sweat that forms when the deodorant action begins to wear off, this mixture clings onto your clothes and deodorant stains form in the underarm areas. These stains can ruin the appearance of your clothes and be frustrating. However, there are some easy methods you can use to remove these stains yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Nylon soft-bristled toothbrush or paintbrush
• White vinegar
• Baking soda if clothes are dark
• Laundry or dish detergent

Instructions

1. Dip the toothbrush or paintbrush in the vinegar and daub this stain remover on the deodorant stain. The use of the toothbrush or the paintbrush makes the process tidy and precise. This works for colored clothing. If the stain is mild, it will go away with just a little rubbing with the toothbrush or paintbrush. But in cases where the stain is very deep, keep the stain under the vinegar for about 30 minutes. Vinegar will soften your clothes besides acting as a stain-removal agent. If the stained clothes are dark, first add a thick coating of baking soda before daubing the vinegar on the stain. Bubbles will appear, indicating the occurrence of a chemical reaction that will remove the stain. Add a little more baking soda and two more spoons of the vinegar. When the bubbling stops, remove the crust formed on top of the stained area.

2. Rub laundry detergent onto the stain to further help the stain removal process.

3. Wash the clothes in water that has been heated to the highest temperature that is safe for the particular fabric the clothes are made of. Before drying ensure the stains have disappeared, otherwise the drying process will actually enable the stains to become permanent on the clothes.

Tips & Warnings

• These methods of removing deodorant stains are most effective if they are applied as soon as the stain occurs. A delay will allow the stain to gain deeper access into the fabric, making it more difficult to remove. Pretest the effect of the stain removal agent on your clothes on a hidden area of the outfit first to see if the fabric gets damaged by the treatment.

• Read the fabric care label on the clothing before you proceed to remove the stains with these instructions to make sure the fabric can take the procedure. If the stained clothes are silk, do not rub the stain; also, you should use liquid detergent for washing when dealing with silk. Washable wool also requires liquid detergent.