Sweat & Deodorant on Cotton & Clothing

Medium·⏱ 15–30 min

  1. For fresh sweat: soak in cold water + 1 cup white vinegar for 30 minutes.

  2. Apply a paste of baking soda + a little water to the armpit area, leave 15 minutes.

  3. Scrub gently with a soft brush.

  4. Machine wash in the warmest temperature safe for the fabric.

What you'll need

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Dish soap
  • Lemon juice

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ✗Never use hot water on sweat stains before the stain has been treated — it oxidizes and sets the yellowing.
  • ✗Avoid bleach on yellow armpit stains — it reacts with the aluminium in deodorant and can make yellowing worse.

Pro tip

The yellow colour isn't from sweat alone — it's from the reaction between sweat and aluminium-based antiperspirant. Switching to an aluminium-free deodorant prevents the problem entirely.

⚠ Warning

Hydrogen peroxide has a mild bleaching effect — test on a hidden seam before applying to coloured fabric.

Always check the garment's care label and test any solution on a hidden area first. StainsGone provides general household guidance, not professional textile or restoration advice.