How to Remove Deodorant Stains from Clothes

Who does not want to smell good? Along with looking good, we all love to smell good as well. That is why we apply deodorants to our garments. But what if the deodorants stain your clothes? That would really be a matter of concern for us. 

You might think that you will not be able to wear your dress again because of that one deodorant stain. But that is not the case- you can remove the stain by following a few simple steps. In this article, you will find out how to do that. So, without any further delay, let’s begin!

visual representation of deodorant stains on clothes

Various Ways to Remove Deodorant Stains from Clothes

Here is a list of methods that you can use to remove deodorant stains from your favorite garments:

Baking Soda with Water. Make a thick paste by mixing baking soda and water, and apply it directly on the deodorant stain. If the stain is light, keep the paste for at least 30 minutes, and if the stain is stubborn, let it soak overnight. Now, simply wash the cloth with warm water.

White Vinegar. Take some amount of white vinegar in a bowl and soak the stained area for at least one hour. Then, scrub the stain with a toothbrush and wash the cloth with water and liquid detergent.

visual representation of vinegar and scrubber

Lemon Juice with Water. Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and water, and pour it on the stained area. Now, keep the cloth under the sun for one hour to get a bleaching effect on the spot. Then, wash the cloth as usual.

Hydrogen Peroxide. Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide and two cups of cold water in a bowl and soak the stained area for around 45 minutes. Now, wash as usual. You can also add a few drops of dishwasher soap to the solution for better results. But remember, this method should only be used for white clothes because hydrogen peroxide can discolor other clothes. Also, do not use it on woolen, silk, or satin clothes.

Salt. Boil 3/4th cup of water and add four tablespoons of salt to it. Then, immerse a sponge or a soft cloth into the solution and dab it on the stained area. Scrub it well and wait for a few minutes. Then, wash the cloth with laundry detergent and water. Salt can help to remove the deodorant stain, but you need to put in some extra effort because it has no bleaching effect.

visual representation of salt and brush

Aspirin. Crush three aspirin and make a paste of it with some water. Rub it on the stained area and allow it to sit for 2-3 hours. Now, wash the cloth with detergent powder and hot water, and you are done. This method applies only to white clothes.

Nylon/ Cotton Clothes. If you notice any white deodorant stain on your dark clothes, immediately rub a nylon or cotton towel or cloth over the stain. It will remove the stain, but remember this works only on fresh deodorant marks.

Meat Tenderizer Powder. This powder not only breakdowns the meat fibers but also deodorant stains. Simply sprinkle some meat tenderizer powder on the stained area and soak it in hot water. Now, rub it softly with your hands and let it sit for one hour. Then, wash the cloth as usual.

Stain Remover. If none of the above-mentioned home remedies work for you, grab a store-bought stain remover- it will do the job. Follow the instructions written on it for the most effective results. 

How to Prevent Getting Deodorant Stains on Clothes

Now that you know how to deal with any deodorant stain, make sure you remember the following points to avoid any deodorant stains to ruin your clothes in the future:

visual representation of applying deodorant on underarms
  • Mostly deodorant stains occur because we tend to put on our clothes as soon as we apply the deodorant. Remember to wait for a few minutes until the deodorant dries up on the skin, and then put on the garment.
  • Another reason for the stains is that the ingredients in the deodorant are not well distributed. So, make sure you shake well before you use so that everything is evenly distributed inside the container and so on your skin.
  • If you are applying the deodorant directly on the cloth, ensure you hold the bottle from a far distance and not very close to the cloth.
  • Always wash your clothes once you are done wearing them for the day. It will prevent the deodorant stay on the cloth for a longer time and stain the area.
  • Do not apply a lot of deodorant to your clothes. Apply only as much as necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to treat old dried-up deodorant stains?

The best method to treat old deodorant stains is either using baking soda or white vinegar. Simply apply it to the stained area and scrub it with a brush. Then wash the cloth with laundry detergent in warm water. You can use stain remover for more effective results. If nothing works, take it to a professional cleaner.

Are deodorant stains permanent on the clothes?

You will be glad to know that deodorant stains are not permanent if treated quickly and in the right way. So, do not panic and take immediate steps to remove that stain.

Does rubbing alcohol removes deodorant stains?

You can apply rubbing alcohol on the stained area directly and then wash off the cloth as usual. It works quite well, but other better alternative ways are mentioned above. However, you can use this method as well.

Will baking soda or vinegar ruin my clothes?

The answer is no. baking soda or white distilled vinegar will not ruin your cloth. It will simply do the job of removing the stain without any side effects on your favorite shirt or dress.