Sweating is normal, but the last thing you want to see is remnants of it on your clothes. Removing sweat stains can be tricky, but experts say they're best treated sooner rather than later.
"The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the fabric," shares Noor de Swart, CEO of Super Label Store, a clothing label supplier. Sweat stains damage the garment's appearance if not properly cleaned, and other factors can affect the color of a fabric, too.
"It also depends on your body pH level and how it reacts with different types of deodorants," explains fashion designer Suzanne Vinnik. There are many things you can do to prevent stains from appearing, but if the evidence is inevitable, then it's time to add an extra step to your laundry routine.
Whether you're dealing with new or old sweat stains, experts share some helpful tips to remove them once and for all. Plus, the products experts say will help you get the job done.
Why do sweat stains happen?
“Yellow stains are often a chemical reaction between sweat, deodorant and fabric,” says bridal designer Hayley Paige.
However, the real problem may lie in a different-but-similar product: antiperspirant. "The main product to avoid is aluminum-based antiperspirant. That’s what causes most yellow stains. Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant (not antiperspirant) can make a huge difference," shares Swart. Paige says many antiperspirants contain aluminum salts that cause yellow staining.
The difference between deodorant and antiperspirant is that deodorant focuses on body odor, while antiperspirant is meant to actually help block sweat, experts previously told TODAY.com.
How to remove sweat stains
Paige recommends removing sweat stains as soon as you see them. “The sooner, the better. Fresh stains are far easier to remove than set-in ones. If you can’t wash right away, blot the area with cool water (no rubbing) and let it air dry until proper cleaning is possible,” she advises.
Whether your sweat stain is new or old, the experts provided the following guidelines to help make your clothes look like new again.
How to remove sweat stains from washable garments
These instructions are for items that can be washed in a washing machine, not items that call for dry-cleaning.
- Mix one part baking soda, one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water into a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stain.
- Let it sit for 30–60 minutes.
- Wash as normal.
How to remove set-in sweat stains
- Soak garments in a mix of one part white vinegar (1/4 cup) and one part cold water (1/4 cup) before washing.
- Soak for 30-60 minutes.
- Apply a paste of equal parts baking soda and water to the stain.
- Gently scrub the stain with a soft brush or old toothbrush.
- Let it sit for another 3-60 minutes.
- Wash as normal.
The experts also offer two alternative ways to remove set-in sweat stains:
Alternative #1:
Vinnik suggests using this method if you're buying vintage or thrifted clothes and trying to lift a stain.
- Combine one part borax with one part warm water.
- Sit for 30-60 minutes.
- Wash as normal. (As instructed on the care label.)
Alternative #2:
- Mix one part (1 cup) hydrogen peroxide, two parts (2 cups) baking soda and a small amount (a teaspoon) of dish soap. "This mixture creates a multi-action cleaning paste that targets both stains and the waxy buildup often left behind by antiperspirants," says Swart.
- Let it sit for one hour.
- Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Frequently asked questions
“Avoid overly heavy fabric softeners on delicate clothing — they can leave a residue that bonds with sweat,” advises Paige.
“You should also avoid using bleach on sweat stains, as it reacts badly with the proteins and can actually make yellowing worse instead of removing the stain, especially on white fabrics,” adds Swart.
According to Paige, there are numerous ways to prevents sweat stains in the armpit, private areas, etc. Here's a simple guide:
- Sweat-proof under layers: "Opt for washable dress shields, bra liners or undershirts made from moisture-wicking fabrics."
- Seamless underwear: Choose underwear for the lower body that are breathable like mesh or bamboo.
- Antiperspirant: "Apply antiperspirant at night because it gives the active ingredients time to block sweat ducts before the next day."
- Underarm pads: "These can be discreetly sewn or adhered into the lining."
Vinnik recommends using the following formula:
- Combine one part dish soap, two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply the mixture to the stain. “You can use a toothbrush to scrub if it is harder to come out,” she adds.
- Soak the garment in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Wash as normal.
Swart adds that sun exposure can be "surprisingly effective" when it comes to removing stains from white garments. "Apply lemon juice to the stain and let the garment dry in direct sunlight. This natural bleaching method can help lift residual yellowing without damaging the fabric."
According to Paige, dry-clean-only fabrics like silk, wool or structured formalwear require a different set of steps. She recommends avoiding strong detergents which can damage the delicate weaves of a garment and do this instead:
- Lightly blot (never rub) with a clean, damp cloth to lift surface salts.
- Use a garment steamer to gently loosen perspiration salts from fibers. Test it on a small area first to make sure it won't damage the garment.
- Bring to a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible. Be sure to tell them the nature of the stain so they can pretreat correctly.
"If the stain is old, on silk, wool or a cherished piece, bring it to a professional dry cleaner before attempting DIY fixes," adds Rechelle Balanzat, founder and CEO of New York City-based dry-cleaning company, Juliette.
Sammy Wang, senior laundry scientist at P&G, says you'll find polyester and spandex (synthetic fabrics) tend to trap sweat and odors more than cotton (natural fibers).
"That’s because synthetic fibers are more attracted to greasy substances, which are common in body soils like sweat and sebum. The hard water minerals in wash water can then bind with these greasy residues, creating a layer of buildup that traps sweat and odors and makes them difficult to wash out,” she explains.
If you don’t have immediate access to a washer, your best bet is to let your sweaty items dry out before putting them in the hamper, advises Wang. “Putting damp, sweaty items into your hamper can transfer the sweat to other fabrics and can cause odors to become worse.”
A stain remover is also a safe bet, according to Balanzat. You can’t go wrong with using a stain remover. “Always test your stain remover on a hidden part of the fabric to make sure it won’t cause fading or damage,” she warns.
How we chose
We selected these products based on insights and recommendations from textile experts, stylists and laundry experts.
Jannely Espinal has been with the Shop TODAY team for over three years and has covered a variety of topics with a focus on fashion, textiles and footwear.
Meet the experts
- Hayley Paige is a bridal designer. She has been featured on HGTV's "Say Yes to the Dress" and as one of Vogue's top 10 bridal designers.
- Suzanne Vinnik is a fashion designer and CEO of her eponymous brand, byVINNIK. She also provided expertise on wrinkle-resistant clothing.
- Noor de Swart is the founder and CEO of Super Label Store. She has 15+ years of experience as a designer and textile expert.
- Rechelle Balanzat is the founder and CEO of Juliette, a dry cleaning service based in New York City. She has previously shared expertise on the best white tank tops, stain removers, lint rollers and more.
- Sammy Wang is a senior scientist in fabric care at Procter & Gamble with more than a decade of experience in the field.
