How to Get Sweat Stains Out of Shirts

Sweat stains not only leave an unsightly mark on your shirt, but they can also ruin its texture and appearance. Left untreated, these stains may prove difficult to remove altogether.

Thankfully, several methods are available for getting sweat stains out of your clothing. Following the steps below will make the task as effortless as possible.

Vinegar

White vinegar is a widely-used ingredient to remove sweat stains from clothing. Not only does it work on various fabrics, but when mixed with water, you can create an effective stain-fighting solution.

Vinegar is an effective alternative to chlorine bleach for eliminating sweat stains. Unlike bleach, it won’t damage the fabric and will only leave a slight yellowing of garments.

Mix vinegar with a pinch of salt to get even better results when treating stubborn stains. Combining acetic acid with vinegar and salt helps the fabric absorb it faster.

Another effective method for eliminating stains is pre-treating the affected area with baking soda paste. Mix some baking soda into water or add it directly into your wash and detergent.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an invaluable tool for breaking down tough laundry stains. Not only does it break down acidic substances such as coffee, wine, fruit juices, and tomato sauce, but its odor-neutralizing properties allow it also to work wonders with sweat stains on clothes.

Baking soda is a crystalline salt that breaks down into sodium and bicarbonate when mixed with water or other liquids. It’s an effective stain remover for clothes, carpets, and mattresses.

It also leavens quick bread and other baked goods, helping them rise and expand. Plus, it’s an economical, gentle, and non-toxic alternative to many other stains-removing products.

A paste made with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and salt can effectively eliminate yellow sweat stains on white shirts. Simply combine equal parts of these ingredients in a bowl and apply to the color; allow to sit for an hour before washing as usual.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfecting and bleaching agent, making it the ideal choice for getting sweat stains out of white shirts. But be cautious: Too much exposure may result in severe damage, such as skin sensitivity or allergic reactions.

Hydrogen peroxide is generally stable but can decompose when exposed to light and heat. That’s why the brown bottle usually has a tint that helps prevent this.

Soak your shirt in 1 part hydrogen peroxide solution to 10 parts water for 20 minutes, then squeeze the garment out. Apply this mixture directly onto sweat stains and wash with cold water.

Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove yellow stains on colored clothing. However, it should not be used on dry-clean-only or silk garments as these may need professional cleaning; thus, read the care tag before spot-cleaning any item.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is one of the most straightforward and potent natural cleaners you can use around your house. It’s an effective alternative to chlorine bleach and helps keep your whites bright.

Stains from both dark and light clothing can easily be removed with water and lemon juice. Soak your clothes in the sun, or rub them onto any spots before washing them.

Lemon juice’s citric acid breaks down stains on fabrics without harming them like bleach can. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to sodium hypochlorite bleach and is considered color safe when diluted.

Another way to remove sweat stains from shirts is by adding salt or baking soda. Mix baking soda with some water to form a paste, rub it into the paint, sit for an hour, and then wash. This method works on both colored and white fabrics, although colored garments may discolor after exposure.