How To Remove Deodorant Stains From Black Shirts
If you want to learn how to remove deodorant stains from black shirts, Ban Deodorant has you covered!
There’s nothing worse than finding a big, unsightly deodorant stain on your black clothing when you’re rushing out the door. As bad as these white marks may look, they are easy to remove with some simple products you may already have lying around your house. Here are some helpful ideas on how to remove deodorant stains from black shirts, why they pop up in the first place, and tips to help you keep your tops looking as great as you feel when you wear them.
What Causes Deodorant Stains On Clothes
Deodorant stains, which are chalky marks found on the underarms of shirts, are caused by a pesky mix of alkali, aluminum, and proteins in your deodorant. They can be made worse by putting on too much deodorant, certain fragrances in deodorant, or your body's natural chemical composition.
Deodorant stains, which are chalky marks found on the underarms of shirts, are caused by a pesky mix of alkali, aluminum, and proteins in your deodorant.
In general, black clothing is more susceptible to visible staining due to the contrast between the white stain and the dark shirt.
How To Remove Deodorant Stains From Black Shirts
Deodorant stains can be removed with some simple scrubbing action and basic household items. However, certain items, such as dark-colored or patterned shirts, may require extra care to preserve their color. Here are some methods you can try in order from safest to most damaging for your fabric.
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Before trying any of these tips, please note that there’s a chance you might further ruin your shirt. So proceed with caution! The later suggestions on this list are more likely to permanently ruin your piece of clothing. You also must be careful with delicate fabrics, such as silk, and items that are "dry clean only." If you’re trying to get white deodorant stains out of delicate garments, we recommend taking them to a professional laundromat. We recommend starting with the first few tips, which are less likely to damage your clothes, before moving on to the more drastic tips farther down the list.
- Rub it away with your shirt. If you notice a stain while wearing your shirt, you can use another part of the shirt to rub the stain away.
- Wash with warm water. Run the shirt through a regular wash cycle with warm water if the tip above doesn't work to remove the stain.
- Try a stain lifter. A stain lifter can be used if the wash cycle doesn't help. Follow the directions on the package and test a small part of the shirt before attempting full stain removal over a large area.
- Blot with a damp cloth. If none of the above methods work, try blotting a damp cloth on the stain to attempt to release it from the shirt.
- Rub with nylon. If the cloth doesn't do the trick, try rubbing a clean piece of nylon stocking from the edges of the stain inward until the stain is gone.
- Use a makeup wipe. A pre-moistened makeup wipe can be used if gentler methods weren't sufficient. Try to find a color-safe wipe to remove the stain effectively
- Make a solution with white vinegar. Use a makeup wipe. Make a solution with white vinegar. If none of the most gentle and chemical-free methods remove the stain, combine two to three tablespoons of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water. Soak the stained area for one hour. Then, use a clean toothbrush to scrub the stained area and break up the buildup. Wash the shirt as you normally would, and inspect the stained area afterward.
- Use acid. Acids (like lemon juice) may bond with deodorant stains and can remove them if all else fails. Acids can also damage the look or integrity of colored garments, so these should be avoided if possible.
How To Prevent Deodorant Stains On Dark Clothing
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The best way to avoid dealing with deodorant stains is to prevent them in the first place. Here are a few tips that can help you stay away from any cleaning methods, so your shirts stay fresh from the beginning:
- Don’t over-apply your deodorant. Too much deodorant can leave excess residue on your clothing, causing stains. Three to four swipes of deodorant should be enough to coat your underarms without being soaked or sticky. Use our deodorant application tips to find the best way to apply deodorant.
- Allow your deodorant to dry before putting on your shirt. This prevents some of it from making a damaging transfer to your clothes.
- Switch to roll-on deodorant specifically designed to prevent white marks. Ban Deodorant’s roll-ons go on clear to keep you looking and feeling your best.
- An antiperspirant might be a good choice if you tend to sweat a lot. These formulas combat sweating and may help reduce the amount of deodorant transferred to your shirt's fabric. Learn more about how antiperspirant works by visiting our blog!
