How to Remove Sweat Stains From Cotton

You can remove sweat stains from cotton fabrics.

Sweat stains can be embarrassing and frustrating, as they visibly show up on the underarms of cotton shirts. These stains can be either yellow or green, and often have a crunchy consistency. Do not confuse sweat stains with antiperspirant stains, which are white or clear with a greasy consistency. Before assuming your cotton shirt or fabric is ruined because of the unsightly sweat stains, realize that you can remove both old and new stains.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cloths
• Ammonia
• Liquid enzyme detergent

Instructions

1. Dampen a cloth with ammonia, if the stains are fresh. Apply the ammonia to the sweat stains by dabbing the stains with the cloth.

2. Wet another cloth with water, and then apply the cloth to the stains. The water will rinse the ammonia out of the cotton fabric.

3. Apply liquid enzyme detergent directly onto the sweat stains. Rub the detergent into the stains with your finger.

4. Launder the cotton fabric in a washing machine with hot water, and then inspect the fabric for remaining stains. If stains remain, repeat the process. Otherwise, allow the cotton fabric to air-dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use white vinegar instead of ammonia for older sweat stains.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster - Perspiration/Sweat
• Mrs. Clean USA: Removing Perspiration & Sweat Stains