Cleaning expert reveals: How to get rid of deodorant stains for good!

We’ve all been there – you’re getting dressed for the day or maybe even for a special occasion, and you notice a deodorant stain on your clothing that just won't budge. It's so frustrating, isn’t it? You’re already in such a rush. You need to be out the door right now because otherwise, you’ll be late for that lunch, but now you have to change your outfit. Unless there’s something you can do about that stubborn deodorant stain?

shutterstock_685190452.jpg
Deodorant stains are easier to get rid of than you think. Image source: Shutterstock.

If this has happened to you before (and we're willing to bet it has), then don't worry – the SDC is here to help. Below, we've compiled some of the best expert tips and at-home treatments for removing those pesky deodorant stains once and for all!


Use a dryer sheet.

This may seem like an odd solution, but it actually works really well. The first thing you might think of when removing a deodorant stain is to grab a damp towel and rub or dab - but this technique suggests otherwise. You won’t only be able to get rid of the stain, but you also won’t have to wait for the patch of water to dry either.

‘The key, surprisingly, is to look for something dry with texture, like a dryer sheet or even balled-up pantyhose,’ according to cleaning expert, Tonya Harris. Just rub the dryer sheet over the stain in circular motions until it starts to lift off. Easy peasy!

If you have time, try to steam the stain beforehand. ‘This will help relax the material as well as the stain,’ Harris says. If you don't have a steamer, you can hang the garment next to a steamy shower. Then begin to rub in circular motions with the sheet. ‘You should see the stain easily begin to lift,’ Harris says.


Make a vinegar bath.

Ah, yes. White vinegar comes to the rescue yet again. That’s right, white vinegar isn’t just good for softening your fabrics, or cleaning your benchtops. It’s also fantastic at removing stains! Unfortunately this tip isn’t for those who are trying to remove their stains whilst rushing out the door, but we can assure you, if you have the time, this vinegar bath will have your stains removed before you know it.

If your deodorant stain is extra stubborn, try soaking it in a mixture of 4:1 white vinegar to water ratio. Just be sure to let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before scrubbing with a cloth or old toothbrush, then wash normally afterwards.


Skip damp towels and try dry sponges.

We said it before, and we’ll say it again. In this scenario, a damp towel is not your friend. Many people think that rubbing a damp towel over their clothing will get rid of stains quickly, but this isn't true at all! ‘A wet towel is not ideal, especially for dark clothing. It can cause the colour to run, and it can also further set the deodorant stain into the shirt,’ says Harris.

Instead of reaching for a wet towel, you can try a dry sponge. Yep! Those sponges you wash your dishes with will do the trick. Just make sure it’s a new one and isn’t already covered in stains and food.


Alternatively, you can avoid deodorant stains altogether by opting for a natural, clear deodorant. According to Harris, ‘pit stains are actually typically caused by a reaction of sweat to chemicals in antiperspirant, particularly aluminium.’ So if you make sure your deodorant is clear and natural, you're sure to avoid both deodorant and pit stains in the future. You can find natural deodorant at most Coles, Woolworths and IGA stores, also any health food store should stock them.

Please note, we know natural deodorant isn’t a product for everyone for a multitude of reasons, so our other advice would be to pop your deodorant on well before you need to get changed! Maybe straight out of the shower after you’ve patted yourself dry.

So, members, what do you think of this deodorant stain advice? Will you be giving any of these tips a try? Better yet, do you have any better tips you could share below?
 
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We’ve all been there – you’re getting dressed for the day or maybe even for a special occasion, and you notice a deodorant stain on your clothing that just won't budge. It's so frustrating, isn’t it? You’re already in such a rush. You need to be out the door right now because otherwise, you’ll be late for that lunch, but now you have to change your outfit. Unless there’s something you can do about that stubborn deodorant stain?

View attachment 6849
Deodorant stains are easier to get rid of than you think. Image source: Shutterstock.

If this has happened to you before (and we're willing to bet it has), then don't worry – the SDC is here to help. Below, we've compiled some of the best expert tips and at-home treatments for removing those pesky deodorant stains once and for all!


Use a dryer sheet.

This may seem like an odd solution, but it actually works really well. The first thing you might think of when removing a deodorant stain is to grab a damp towel and rub or dab - but this technique suggests otherwise. You won’t only be able to get rid of the stain, but you also won’t have to wait for the patch of water to dry either.

‘The key, surprisingly, is to look for something dry with texture, like a dryer sheet or even balled-up pantyhose,’ according to cleaning expert, Tonya Harris. Just rub the dryer sheet over the stain in circular motions until it starts to lift off. Easy peasy!

If you have time, try to steam the stain beforehand. ‘This will help relax the material as well as the stain,’ Harris says. If you don't have a steamer, you can hang the garment next to a steamy shower. Then begin to rub in circular motions with the sheet. ‘You should see the stain easily begin to lift,’ Harris says.


Make a vinegar bath.

Ah, yes. White vinegar comes to the rescue yet again. That’s right, white vinegar isn’t just good for softening your fabrics, or cleaning your benchtops. It’s also fantastic at removing stains! Unfortunately this tip isn’t for those who are trying to remove their stains whilst rushing out the door, but we can assure you, if you have the time, this vinegar bath will have your stains removed before you know it.

If your deodorant stain is extra stubborn, try soaking it in a mixture of 4:1 white vinegar to water ratio. Just be sure to let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before scrubbing with a cloth or old toothbrush, then wash normally afterwards.


Skip damp towels and try dry sponges.

We said it before, and we’ll say it again. In this scenario, a damp towel is not your friend. Many people think that rubbing a damp towel over their clothing will get rid of stains quickly, but this isn't true at all! ‘A wet towel is not ideal, especially for dark clothing. It can cause the colour to run, and it can also further set the deodorant stain into the shirt,’ says Harris.

Instead of reaching for a wet towel, you can try a dry sponge. Yep! Those sponges you wash your dishes with will do the trick. Just make sure it’s a new one and isn’t already covered in stains and food.


Alternatively, you can avoid deodorant stains altogether by opting for a natural, clear deodorant. According to Harris, ‘pit stains are actually typically caused by a reaction of sweat to chemicals in antiperspirant, particularly aluminium.’ So if you make sure your deodorant is clear and natural, you're sure to avoid both deodorant and pit stains in the future. You can find natural deodorant at most Coles, Woolworths and IGA stores, also any health food store should stock them.

Please note, we know natural deodorant isn’t a product for everyone for a multitude of reasons, so our other advice would be to pop your deodorant on well before you need to get changed! Maybe straight out of the shower after you’ve patted yourself dry.

So, members, what do you think of this deodorant stain advice? Will you be giving any of these tips a try? Better yet, do you have any better tips you could share below?
Thank You I certainly will.
 

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