5 Easy Ways To Remove Sweat Stains

On the JJ Barnes Blog, the arrival of Summer means the rising temperatures can play havoc with our outfits, so I’m sharing 5 easy ways to remove sweat stains to keep you looking, and feeling, fresh!

Summer is here! As the temps climb, and we start showing off those tank tops and tees, there’s one pesky problem that can cramp our style: sweat stains. Those yellow marks and white deodorant streaks can be super frustrating and downright embarrassing. But don’t sweat it (pun intended)! With the help of the experts at Chummy Tees, I’m sharing some genius hacks to zap those stains and keep your wardrobe looking pristine. Let’s dive into these simple, budget-friendly tricks to make your clothes look as good as new.

5 Easy Ways To Remove Sweat Stains

1. Aspirin to the Rescue

Who knew your medicine cabinet could double as a laundry hero? Aspirin’s mild acid (acetylsalicylic acid) is a pro at breaking down sweat stains. Here’s the deal: crush two uncoated aspirin tablets and mix them with 120ml of warm water. Soak the stained area for at least two hours—or overnight for those extra stubborn spots. Rinse with cold water, then toss it in the wash. This trick works like magic on white shirts plagued by sweat or deodorant marks.

2. Bicarbonate of Soda Paste Power

Good ol’ bicarb of soda isn’t just for baking—it’s a stain-fighting superstar! Its alkaline nature neutralizes acidic sweat, making it easy to wash away. Mix four tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with two tablespoons of water to create a thick paste. Slather it onto the stain, give it a gentle massage, and let it sit for 20 to 60 minutes (or overnight for tough stains). Rinse with cold water and wash as usual. Your shirts will thank you!

3. White Vinegar Soak

Got deodorant residue that just won’t budge? White vinegar is your new best friend. Its acidic nature dissolves those alkaline deposits (especially from aluminum-based deodorants). Mix 250ml of white vinegar with 250ml of cold water, soak the stained area for 30 to 60 minutes, and gently rub the fabric together afterward to loosen the stain. Pop it in the wash, and voilà—good as new!

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Magic

For those yellow sweat stains that seem to have a personal vendetta against your favorite tee, hydrogen peroxide is the answer. This mild bleach works by releasing oxygen molecules that break down stains into washable, colorless bits. Mix 125ml of hydrogen peroxide with 125ml of water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water and wash. Just a heads-up: test it on colored fabrics first, as it can fade them.

5. Switch to Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Prevention is better than cure, right? A big culprit behind those yellow stains is aluminum salts in antiperspirants, which react with sweat over time. Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant can stop those stains before they start. Your clothes (and your confidence) will stay fresh and clean all summer long.

Wrap-Up

Home remedies that use kitchen cupboard staples, like bicarb of soda and white vinegar, are quite effective at sweat stain removal. But remember to consider skin sensitivity and reactivity with some fabrics when choosing a remedy.

Always apply it to a small, hidden area of fabric first before using any remedy. Removal of the stain can often be material-dependent, and timing is everything: the longer a stain is left to set, the harder it will be to remove.

-Josh Neuman, founder of Chummy Tees

With these easy hacks from Chummy Tees, you can wave goodbye to sweat stains and deodorant disasters. Whether you’re raiding your pantry for bicarb of soda or grabbing some aspirin from the medicine cabinet, these tricks are simple, affordable, and super effective. Plus, making the switch to aluminum-free deodorant is a game-changer for keeping stains at bay. So go ahead, rock those sleeveless looks with confidence—your wardrobe’s got this!