Sweat stains can be annoying and make your clothes look worn and dingy. But with a little effort, you can get them out! Here are some helpful tips for removing sweat stains from various fabrics.
Getting Started
Before you start, make sure to check the clothing label for the fabric content. This will determine what type of removal method you should use. Some fabrics like cotton and polyester are more durable, while delicate materials like wool or silk require more gentle cleaning solutions.
You’ll also want to treat the stains as soon as possible. The longer sweat sits, the more likely it is to set into the fibers. For fresh stains, get started right away for the best results. Older set-in stains may require repeating steps multiple times.
Finally, test any removal solutions on an inconspicuous part of the garment first to make sure it won’t discolor or damage the material.
Removing Stains from White Fabrics
Hydrogen peroxide can work wonders at lifting sweat stains from white clothes. Follow this simple process:
- Mix an equal-parts solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Apply it directly to the sweat stains.
- Let it sit for at least 60 minutes. The peroxide will work at breaking down the stained material over time.
- Launder the item as usual, being careful to avoid drying before the stain is gone or it may set permanently. The hydrogen peroxide needs time to do its work.
You can repeat the soaking process multiple times for set-in stains. Just make sure to properly dilute the hydrogen peroxide each time. Full strength could damage fabrics.
Removing Stains from Colored Fabrics
Hydrogen peroxide can discolor pigmented fabrics, so an alternate method is needed for colored clothing. Good old-fashioned white vinegar is an effective and gentle choice.
- Dampen the sweat-stained area with undiluted white vinegar.
- Rub a small amount of laundry detergent directly onto the vinegar-treated area.
- Let it soak in for up to an hour before washing as usual.
The vinegar helps break down stain compounds while the detergent lifts it to the surface. This method is generally color-safe, but again, test first in an inconspicuous area just to be safe.
Other Helpful Tips
Here are a few other things that can help get rid of sweat stains:
Sunlight: Letting sweat-stained clothing sit directly in the sun can help lift stains before laundering. The UV rays have a mild bleaching effect which assists with stain removal. Just be sure to protect delicate fabrics from sun damage.
Aspirin Paste: Crush up aspirin tablets with a bit of water to form a thin paste. Apply it directly to the underarm area of shirts. Let it dry completely then rinse out and wash as usual. The acetylsalicylic acid helps break down the stained fabric over time.
Borax: For really stubborn stains, try making a borax paste with warm water. Rub it into the stained area and let it completely dry before rinsing then washing. The compounds in borax work well at cutting through all sorts of difficult stains.
Oxygen Bleach: If using chlorine bleach isn’t an option, try an oxygen bleach product instead. Check the label for color safety then pre-treat stained areas before washing. This can help lift those last remaining traces of sweat stains without being as harsh as chlorine bleach.
With a little time and effort, you can get those nasty sweat stains out of clothing. Just remember to always check garment labels first and test any cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous spot before treating the visible stain area. Over time and repetition, you should be back to fresh, wearable clothes again.
References
Women’s Health. (2021, August 31). How to Get Sweat Stains Out Of White and Colored Clothes. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/a37431252/how-to-get-sweat-stains-out/
Good Housekeeping. (2022, June 28). How to Remove Sweat Stains. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/clothing/care/tips/a32773/remove-sweat-stains/
epicclean. (2021, August 2). 7 Amazing Ways to Get Sweat Stains Out. https://epicclean.com/7-amazing-ways-to-get-sweat-stains-out/
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.