How to Remove Deodorant Stains From Your Shirts

Deodorant stains can ruin your favorite shirts, leaving unsightly marks and stubborn residue behind. Whether it’s white streaks on dark fabrics or yellowing on light ones, these pesky stains can feel impossible to tackle.

But don’t worry—effective solutions are closer than you think! From household staples like baking soda and vinegar to specialized products like OxiClean and Deo-Go, we’ve rounded up ten proven methods to remove deodorant stains and restore your shirts to their former glory.

10 Tried and Tested Ways to Remove Deodorant Stains

Before starting, always check the care label of your garment. Avoid these methods for dry-clean-only fabrics, and test on an inconspicuous area to prevent potential damage.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which helps scrub out deodorant stains. And, it’s also alkaline, making it effective for neutralizing acidic sweat and dissolving greasy residues.

Instructions:

1. Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with ¼ cup warm water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stain, gently rubbing it in with your fingers or a soft brush for deeper penetration.
3. Let it dry completely—this helps lift oils and residues from the fabric.
4. For set-in stains, leave the paste on for 2-3 hours, then rinse with cool water before laundering.

Pro tip: Add a pinch of salt to the paste for extra scrubbing power on older stains.

Baking Soda + Dish Soap

Combining baking soda's mild abrasiveness with dish soap's grease-cutting properties can effectively break down deodorant residues.

Instructions:

1. Create a paste using equal parts baking soda and dish soap.
2. Apply the paste to the stained area, gently rubbing it in with an old toothbrush to enhance penetration.
3. Let it sit for 1-2 hours to allow the mixture to break down the stain.
4. Rinse with cool water and launder as usual.

Pro tip: This method is particularly effective for older, set-in stains.

Dish Soap + Hydrogen Peroxide

This magic combination can lift even the ugliest deodorant stains out of shirts. Dish soap cuts through oily residues, while hydrogen peroxide, a mild bleaching agent, breaks down organic stain particles (like sweat and protein buildup). But before you start, test hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area first, as it can lighten darker fabrics.

Instructions:

1. Combine 3 tablespoons of dish soap (like Dawn) with 6 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Use an old toothbrush to work the mixture into the stained area.
3. Let it sit for 1 hour to allow the solution to break down the stain.
4. Wash the shirt in cool or warm water (avoid hot water for untreated stains).

Pro tip: Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda for extra cleaning power.

White Vinegar

White vinegar's acidity breaks down aluminum-based residues and sweat particles, making it an excellent pre-treatment for stubborn deodorant stains. You can also use vinegar in the rinse cycle to prevent deodorant buildup over time.

Instructions:

1. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 4 cups of warm water.
2. Soak the stained area for 1 hour. For tough stains, soak the entire garment for 2-3 hours.
3. After soaking, rub the fabric together to loosen the residue.
4. Launder as usual.

Pro tip: For sweat-stained collars or armpits, rub undiluted vinegar directly onto the stain before soaking.

Lemon Juice

When life gives you lemons, use them as deodorant stain removers! Lemon juice's acidity acts similarly to vinegar but includes natural bleaching properties that can brighten white shirts.

Instructions:

1. Squeeze the juice of one lemon directly onto the stain.
2. Sprinkle a teaspoon of salt on the area and rub gently with your fingers or a soft brush.
3. Lay the shirt in direct sunlight to amplify the lemon's bleaching effect.
4. Wash after the stain has lifted.

Pro tip: Don’t use this method on dark or bright fabrics, as lemon juice and sunlight can cause fading.

Aspirin

Your Sunday morning savior can also double as an effective stain buster. Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, which helps break down proteins in sweat stains while brightening white fabrics. Avoid this method for colored shirts, as aspirin's whitening properties can fade dyes.

Instructions:

1. Crush 2 aspirin tablets into a fine powder and dissolve them in ½ cup hot water.
2. Pour the solution over the stain and let the shirt soak for 2-3 hours.
3. Wash the shirt in cold water to avoid setting the stain.

Pro tip: Combine with a pinch of baking soda for extra whitening power.

Meat Tenderizer

Unseasoned meat tenderizers contain enzymes that break down proteins, making it effective for deodorant stains mixed with sweat. Avoid tenderizers with added seasonings, as they can cause additional staining.

Instructions:

1. Wet the stain with warm water.
2. Sprinkle unseasoned meat tenderizer over the stain and gently massage it into the fabric with your fingers.
3. Let the shirt sit for at least 1 hour.
4. Rinse thoroughly, then launder.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a powerful cleaner that dissolves protein-based stains and deodorant buildup.

Instructions:

1. Mix equal parts ammonia and warm water.
2. Using a sponge or cloth, dab the solution onto the stain.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes in a well-ventilated area.
4. Wash as usual.

Caution: Never mix ammonia with bleach, as this produces toxic chlorine gas. Test on an inconspicuous area for delicate fabrics.

Deo-Go

Deo-Go is specifically designed to break down deodorant and sweat stains, making it a reliable choice for challenging cases.

Instructions:

1. Turn the shirt inside out and spray Deo-Go onto the stain until the fabric is fully saturated.
2. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush and let sit for 20-30 minutes.
3. Wash the shirt separately to prevent residue transfer.

Pit Stop

Pit Stop uses plant-based ingredients to safely and effectively remove deodorant and sweat stains.

Instructions:

1. Spray Pit Stop onto the stained area from the inside of the shirt.
2. Scrub gently with a small brush, ensuring full coverage.
3. Let sit for 20 minutes, repeating if needed before washing.

Pro tip: Use this method for delicate or eco-conscious garments, as it’s gentle on fabrics.

Read more: The Science Behind Armpit Stains: What Causes Them

FAQs About Getting Rid of Deodorant Stains

Still struggling to remove deodorant stains from your shirts? Here are answers to some common questions:

How can I get deodorant stains out of black shirts?

You must take some extra care when removing deodorant stains from black shirts to preserve their color. Follow these steps:

Start with a “dry” method. Use nylon stockings, a foam pad from dry-cleaning hangers, or a dryer sheet to gently brush off the stain using short, firm strokes.

If the stain persists:

1. Apply white vinegar diluted with warm water (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water).
2. Gently scrub the area with a clean toothbrush to break down the stain.
3. Rinse and launder in cold water to preserve the black fabric.

How can I remove deodorant stains from colored shirts?

To protect colors, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach. Test any method on a hidden area first. Try these safe techniques:

• White Vinegar: Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water, dab on the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, and wash.
• Baking Soda Paste: Combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda with ¼ cup of warm water, apply to the stain, wait 1 hour, then launder.
• Hydrogen Peroxide (Diluted): Use a 1:1 mix of 3% peroxide and water sparingly, then rinse and wash.

Always wash colored shirts in cool water to prevent fading.

How can I get rid of deodorant stains fast?

Once a deodorant stain appears, every minute counts. It's much easier to remove fresh stains than ones caked onto the fabric and then baked on in the dryer.

If you’re on the go and notice a fresh white deodorant mark, try keeping one of these deodorant stain remover products handy. All three are great for touch-ups, and you can easily store them in your purse or glove compartment.

• Gal Pal Deodorant Be-Gone
• Scotch Brand Scotch Essentials White Mark Eraser
• Skid Out

If you’ve used up all your store-bought options, try:

• Use everyday items like dryer sheets, nylon stockings, or foam pads as gentle abrasives to lift white marks.
• For moist removal, try baby wipes or makeup remover, but blot the area with a tissue or dry towel afterward to prevent wet spots.

What should I do if the deodorant stain is set in?

For older, stubborn stains try one of these:

Pre-treat with a baking soda paste:

• Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with ¼ cup of warm water.
• Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 2 hours before washing.

Try hydrogen peroxide and dish soap:

• Mix 3 tablespoons of dish soap with 6 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.
• Scrub the stain with a soft brush, let it sit for 1 hour, and wash as usual.

Soak the shirt in OxiClean:

• Dissolve ½ to 1 scoop of OxiClean powder in warm water and soak the shirt for 2-6 hours before laundering.

Prevent Deodorant Stains Before They Happen

Now that you know how to get deodorant stains out of clothes, how about an ounce of prevention? Here are a couple of deodorant mark detours to try:

1. Let your deodorant dry completely before dressing.
2. Use a gel or spray deodorant instead of a solid formula. Learn the difference between Spray Deodorant vs. Stick Deodorant
3. Make sure your deodorant is completely dry before you dress. Use a hairdryer on cool to help if you’re in a hurry.
4. Only use as much product as you need. Slathering on multiple layers may not make you drier and can contribute to deodorant buildup on your clothes.
5. Wear a sweat proof undershirts like Thompson Tee, which acts as a barrier between your deodorant and your clothing. It’s 100% effective for avoiding deodorant stains altogether!

Thompson Tee sweat proof undershirts for men and women can help avoid those pesky deodorant marks and keep your shirts looking brand new. The patented underarm barrier absorbs armpit sweat and prevents moisture (and deodorant or antiperspirant stains) from permeating outer layers. You won’t have to worry about removing deodorant stains again!

Try a Thompson Tee risk-free today!