How to Remove Sweat Stains from White Shirts

Sweat stains on white shirts are a common problem that can be both unsightly and frustrating. Over time, these stains can turn yellow due to a combination of sweat, deodorant, and fabric oxidation.

Luckily, there are effective methods to remove these stains and keep your shirts looking bright and fresh.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to remove sweat stains from white shirts, including home remedies and preventive measures.

Why Do Sweat Stains Occur?

Sweat stains appear when sweat, which contains salt and proteins, reacts with deodorant and antiperspirants.

Aluminum compounds found in many deodorants can lead to yellowish stains, especially on cotton and polyester white shirts.

Over time, these stains set into the fabric, making them difficult to remove.

Top Methods to Remove Sweat Stains from White Shirts

1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Best for stubborn yellow stains

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons of baking soda
• 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
• 1 cup of cold water

Steps:

1. Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
3. Gently scrub the area with a toothbrush.
4. Wash the shirt in cold water and let it air dry.

Why it works: Hydrogen peroxide acts as a natural bleaching agent while baking soda helps lift stubborn stains.

2. White Vinegar and Salt Solution

Best for deodorant stains and sweat buildup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 2 cups of warm water

Steps:

1. Mix white vinegar and salt in warm water.
2. Soak the stained area for 30 minutes.
3. Gently rub the fabric and wash as usual.

Why it works: White vinegar neutralizes odor and breaks down deodorant buildup, while salt works as a gentle scrubbing agent.

Also read How to Remove Tough Stains from Carpet?

3. Lemon Juice and Sunlight Treatment

Best for fresh sweat stains

Ingredients:

• Juice of one fresh lemon
• 1 teaspoon of table salt

Steps:

1. Apply lemon juice directly to the stain.
2. Sprinkle salt over the area and rub gently.
3. Let the shirt sit in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours.
4. Wash with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.

Why it works: Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent, while sunlight helps lighten yellow stains.

4. Aspirin and Warm Water Paste

Best for protein-based sweat stains

Ingredients:

• 2 aspirin tablets (crushed)
• 1/2 cup of warm water

Steps:

1. Crush the aspirin and mix it with warm water to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stained area.
3. Leave it for 20-30 minutes.
4. Wash as usual in cold water.

Why it works: Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which breaks down protein stains in sweat.

Learn here 5 Signs It’s Time to Have Your Carpets Professionally Cleaned

How to Prevent Sweat Stains on White Shirts

1. Use Aluminum-Free Deodorants

Many antiperspirants contain aluminum, which reacts with sweat to cause yellow stains. Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant can prevent these stains from forming.

2. Wear an Undershirt

Wearing an undershirt absorbs sweat before it reaches your white shirts, reducing sweat stain buildup.

3. Wash Immediately After Wearing

Avoid letting sweat sit on your fabric. Wash shirts as soon as possible after wearing them, especially on hot days.

4. Use a Pre-Treatment Spray

Before washing, spray the underarm areas with a stain remover or a mixture of vinegar and water.

Final Thoughts

Sweat stains don’t have to ruin your favorite white shirts. By using simple home remedies like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide, you can effectively remove even the toughest stains. Additionally, adopting preventative measures like switching to aluminum-free deodorants and washing shirts promptly will help keep your white clothing looking fresh.

Start using these techniques today and say goodbye to yellow underarm stains on white shirts for good!