Removing Sweat Stains from Clothes

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated March 27, 2023)

As we all know from experience, we all sweat. It can be because of stress, athletic exertion or due to weather. Over time this leaves disgusting-looking yellow stains that seem to never want to come out, no matter what the expensive "stain removers" claim. Here are some inexpensive and easy ways to clean your garments using items found around the house.

  • White vinegar is a great way to remove yellowing stains from your clothing. Simply adding one cup to your laundry at the same time as you put in the detergent removes the odor, and the discoloration, associated with sweat stains.
  • A "pre-treatment" option that works extremely well is to apply a paste made from baking soda and water to the stain. Gently rub the baking soda paste directly onto the stain, using your fingers. Once the paste has been applied, let it sit for between twenty and thirty minutes. After the time has expired, simply wash the clothing as you normally would.
  • Another simple pre-treatment option is to scrub the stain with hair shampoo and an old, soft-bristled toothbrush. As you know from washing your hair, very little shampoo is needed to actually get something clean. After you have scrubbed the stain with the shampoo, simply wash your clothing as always. This method provides results remarkably close to those provided by the stain removal pens.
  • For colored clothing you will want to use a different method. For this method you need to use a mixture made of two cups of water mixed with four tablespoons of white vinegar. Simply add this solution to your load of colors in a presoak cycle. Let the clothes and this solution soak for about thirty minutes. Then wash as you normally would, in cold water.
  • A final option is to use hydrogen peroxide to pre-treat the stain. Soak your stained clothing in a solution made of fifty percent water and fifty percent hydrogen peroxide. You may soak the entire piece of clothing, but it is recommended that you only soak the stained portion itself. Leave the solution on the clothing for thirty minutes, after which you wash in cool water.

Using any of these tips leaves your clothes clean, stain free, and smelling great. Happy washing!

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

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