Sweat stains can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can remove them and keep your clothes looking and smelling fresh. Here’s Nina‘s guide to tackling sweat stains.
The Science Behind Sweat
Sweat itself is clear and odourless, but when it interacts with other substances, it can lead to stains and smells.
The yellow discolouration on clothes happens due to a reaction between sweat and the aluminium compounds found in many antiperspirants. When aluminium salts mix with the natural proteins in your sweat, they create a compound that clings to the fabric, causing characteristic yellow stains. Over time, these compounds can build up, making stains harder to remove.
Now that you understand what causes sweat stains on your clothes, here are some steps to prevent and treat them more effectively.
The Best Way to Get Sweat Stains Out of Clothes
Follow these steps for effective stain removal:
- Pre-Treat
- Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stain and gently rub. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Baking soda acts as a natural abrasive and pH balancer, helping to break down and lift the stain from the fabric.
- Soak the Garment
- Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 litre of warm water.
- Soak the garment for 30 minutes.
Vinegar is acidic and breaks down the alkaline components of sweat stains, loosening their grip on fabric fibres.
- Wash the Garment
- Use a cold wash cycle with a mild detergent.
- Avoid hot water—it can set the stain permanently.
Cold water prevents the stain from becoming fixed while detergent removes any remaining residue.
- Air Dry
- Lay the garment flat or hang it to dry. The heat from dryers may worsen any remaining stains.
Air drying avoids exposing the fabric to high temperatures, which can set any lingering stains.
How to Get Sweat Smell Out of Clothes
Sweat smells often linger even after washing. Here’s how to fix that:
- Vinegar Soak
Add 1 cup of white vinegar to a basin of water. Soak the garment for 30 minutes before washing.
Vinegar neutralizes odour-causing bacteria and breaks down sweat residue, leaving fabrics smelling fresh.
- Use Enzymatic Cleaners
Enzymatic cleaners can be found in the laundry aisle at most supermarkets. These break down sweat molecules and remove odours. Check the label to ensure it’s safe for your fabric.
Enzymatic cleaners target and dissolve proteins and oils found in sweat, eliminating the source of the smell.
- Dry Outdoors
Sunlight can naturally eliminate odours.
UV rays from sunlight kill odour-causing bacteria and help freshen fabrics without chemicals.
Tips to Prevent Sweat Stains
- Use aluminium-free deodorants to reduce staining.
- Wait for the deodorant to dry before getting dressed.
- Wear undershirts to absorb sweat and protect outer layers.