Antiperspirant deodorant protects against excess sweat and unpleasant odor. There is only one bad thing: an indispensable hygiene product sometimes leaves white and yellow marks on clothes, and it is not so easy to remove stains from deodorant under the arms. At least the washing machine can't handle them. Why does this happen and how to effectively clean clothes? Let's figure it out.
Why does deodorant leave white streaks?
The active ingredients in antiperspirant deodorants (aluminum or zirconium salts) harden upon contact with sweat and form these white deposits.
It's easier to prevent stains: You can minimize their appearance simply by using deodorant correctly. Always apply the cosmetic to perfectly clean and dry skin (one layer is more than enough).
Let your skin dry thoroughly before getting dressed (if you're in a hurry, blot your armpits with a paper towel to absorb excess).
It is important to choose an antiperspirant that leaves no residue. Or use a natural one, for example, baking soda and eucalyptus essential oil.
Preventing stains
In commercials you can often hear that deodorant does not leave marks on clothes. In most cases this is true.
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“Invisible” deodorants work if you follow the rules for their use. To prevent them from leaving traces, you need to:
- Apply antiperspirant to clean, dry armpits. It is best to use it after a shower, 15–20 minutes later, when the body is completely dry and cool. When applied to wet or dirty skin, the deodorant cannot be absorbed properly, imprints on the fabric and generally does not work effectively.
- Put on clothes no earlier than after 5 minutes. Antiperspirant needs some time to dry: aerosol - 5 minutes, gels and sticks - 10 minutes.
- Spray the spray from a distance of 20 cm. If you hold the bottle too close, the concentration of active substances will be exceeded and they will not be able to absorb into the skin.
- Follow the dosage. Antiperspirants are applied in a thin layer no more than 1-2 times a day. If applied too frequently and generously, the deodorant accumulates under the arms and remains on clothing.
General rules for preventing the appearance of sweat marks and deodorant under the arms:
- Wash clothes as they become dirty. The longer you wear it, the stronger the stains become. Also, you should not leave things in the dirty laundry basket for a long time - for a maximum of 1-2 days.
- Do not iron something that has already been worn. The heat seals any dirt. Even if the T-shirt looks clean, there are still particles of skin and secretions from the sebaceous glands on it.
- Give preference to natural, breathable fabrics. Cotton, silk, and linen allow air to pass through best and allow sweat to evaporate effectively.
- Avoid tight clothing. If the item, and in particular the sleeves, fit tightly to the body, air circulation is disrupted. The body begins to sweat more. In addition, tight clothing rubs the skin, absorbing all the secretions and applied hygiene products.
Give preference to quality deodorants. They are more expensive, but are spent more economically. Plus, with them you don’t have to spend money on products to remove stains on your armpits.
"Rexona" for white and yellow spots
Rexona is considered one of the high-quality deodorants. The brand appeared in Russia in 1996 and has since occupied a leading position. Thanks to innovative technologies, Rexona antiperspirants effectively protect clothes from white and yellow stains. The manufacturer himself recommends using:
- deodorant “Invisible on black and white” for complaints of white marks on clothes;
- deodorant “Maximum protection” for yellow marks from sweat.
"Rexona" is one of the few antiperspirants that effectively combats increased sweating and leaves no residue.
Armpits are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. They contain a large number of sweat glands, and are also always warm, dark and damp. Antiperspirant deodorant regulates sweat production, but still does not stop sweating completely. Therefore, you need to wash clothes adjacent to your armpits regularly, just like washing your body. Then it will be minimally contaminated, and there will be no need to use special products to remove white and yellow marks.
Cleaning hacks
You can use a life hack. All you need is nylon, and who doesn't have a pair of old nylon tights at home? It is necessary to rub the whitish areas with tights as if it were a sponge: gently clean the stains until they completely disappear.
The "nylon" tip only applies to white clothes with fresh stains. Will not work on dark or colored clothing with old stains.
Fresh contaminants
Have you noticed deodorant stains on your clothes? Wash them as soon as possible! The longer you store it, the more deodorant residue will be absorbed.
The easiest way is to use liquid laundry soap specifically designed for removing stains. Before use, read the instructions on the product packaging.
Pay attention to the clothing label. Some materials require a different type of washing.
Remember: cotton, lycra and silk fabrics are more susceptible to alkali.
- Apply clothing soap directly to the stain.
- Leave the clothes to soak in the soap and water for 10-20 minutes.
- Wash items in the washing machine as usual.
If the stain persists, you will need to dissolve the remaining deodorant using a stain remover or a more aggressive home remedy.
Universal means
If you don’t have the time or desire to find out the origin of the fabric and select an individual solution for removing stains, then pay attention to the following list. Here are simple and affordable products that are suitable for any fabric and will give visible results.
- Dishwashing liquid . Any one you have in your kitchen today will do. Apply to a damp cloth, lather and leave for 30-60 minutes. Rinse and machine wash.
- Ammonia . This is a real lifesaver for heavily soiled clothes. Make a solution of liquid ammonia and water in a 1:1 ratio. Dampen the stain and rinse thoroughly after a few minutes.
- Hyposulfite solution . Dissolve a spoonful of the product in a glass of water. Treat the stain and place in the washing machine.
Professional series. Specialized stain removal products :
- "Antipyatin" . Allows you to quickly get rid of any stains. It is available on the market in the form of soap, gel, foam and powder. Contains active oxygen and allows you to remove white and yellow stains in one wash cycle.
- Udalix ultra. Pencil and stain remover powder. Suitable for all types of fabrics.
- Faberlic Edelstar. A unique pencil that can make life easier for every housewife. The method of application is simple: rub the pencil onto a cloth dampened with water and leave for 15 minutes. Then wash as usual.
- Vanish OXI Action. Soak the item in water with the addition of Vanish Gold Oxi Action Crystal White for up to 6 hours, depending on the degree of soiling. After this, even the most stubborn antiperspirant stains disappear.
- Astonish OXY Plus . A potent product for both white and colored items, with the exception of silk, wool and leather items. Antiperspirant stains disappear after the first wash, to which the stain remover is added.
- Ecover. The stain remover contains only herbal ingredients and is effective in removing stains from sweat and antiperspirant.
- Frau Shmitd. Stain remover soap, available in bar and liquid form. An effective and gentle stain remover based on bile concentrate, designed for all types of white and colored fabrics that can be washed. Suitable for delicate fabrics, wool and silk.
- Sarma Active. Will clear any, even old yellow spots under the arms. At the same time, the price is quite affordable.
- Amway Pre Wash. Removes ink and paint from fabric, removes chewing gum, and does not forget about yellow stains from antiperspirant. A convenient spray that will always come in handy around the house.
Antiperspirant stains are an annoyance, but not a tragedy. There are a lot of means that allow you to say goodbye to them. Among those presented, everyone will find a worthy stain remover from a series of folk or professional products.
Stains on dark fabrics
The combination of baking soda and vinegar is ideal for removing deodorant stains from a dark T-shirt. In addition, baking soda has the advantage of eliminating sweat odors.
- Sprinkle baking soda onto the deodorant stain and rub it with your fingers.
- Add some vinegar. The chemical reaction will cause bubbles to form.
- Let the mixture sit for a while, then scrub the stain with a toothbrush in a circular motion.
- Repeat the procedure several times until the dirt disappears.
Cleaning according to fabric color and type
Clothing that cannot be protected from stains should be divided into several groups. Cleaning products should be used according to the color and type of fabric. Some cleaning methods may change the color of the fabric, so even after removing the white or yellow stains, you may not be able to wear the item.
White material
First of all, study the composition of the detergent used. Yellow stains on white clothes are created by a combination of proteins from sweat and chemicals present in deodorant. Modern laundry detergents are designed to dissolve protein stains. Pour some detergent directly onto the stain, scrub, and leave for 30 minutes.
You can also use a special stain remover. After applying it directly to the stain, wash your clothes as usual.
Important! Before using any product, read the label on the clothing you are going to clean. Check whether the substance you are using is approved.
A good way to remove antiperspirant stains from light-colored fabric is a warm bath with salt (1 handful of salt per 1 liter of water). You can also clean woolen fabrics and sweaters with salt.
Expert opinion
Irina Kovtun
Dirt can be removed with a paste of washing powder and water applied for several hours.
You can also use alcohol diluted in water (1:1) for cleaning; dampen the cloth with the solution and gently wipe away the stains. After cleaning, wash the item.
If the above methods do not work, you can try pre-washing with bleach containing active oxygen. It is great for removing biological stains, but is not suitable for some types of materials such as wool, silk. Therefore, before use it is necessary to study the instructions for use. Also remember to wear protective gloves. It is important that the fabric is strong enough, otherwise the bleach may damage it.
Stains on white clothes
To remove deodorant stains from white clothes, you can use the method already described (with baking soda and vinegar essence). Two aspirin tablets dissolved in water will also help: apply the paste with a toothbrush. Leave it on for at least an hour to wash off all the dirt.
There are special cleaning products available to remove deodorant stains. But not everyone is effective. Most likely, the fact is that the remnants of the deodorant are too “ingrained”. Therefore, it is necessary to mix the ingredients using the above methods. Then treat the items with stain remover. And wash it in the washing machine.
What traces appear after antiperspirant?
Antiperspirant leaves two types of marks on things – white and yellow. The first ones resemble wax and appear immediately after putting on clothes. The latter are formed from mixing aluminum salts contained in the product with sweat. Both white and yellow marks are equally difficult to get rid of. If you try to remove stains with washing powder, the opposite effect will occur.
The sooner you start removing a stain, the greater the chances of getting rid of it quickly and effortlessly. If you don’t have time to immediately start cleaning the item, you should soak it in warm water with powder diluted in it. This will stop the stain from absorbing.
Antiperspirants and deodorants almost always cause stains on clothes
The first thing you need to do is try to deal with it using ordinary means – laundry soap and a brush. The main thing is not to use hot water. It will only cause the stains to eat into the fabric even more. The soap should be grated, the crumbs should be dissolved in water, and the item should be placed there. Clothes can be lightly rubbed with a brush, paying special attention to the edges of the dirt. You should move from the edges to the center. If you do the opposite, the area of pollution will only increase.
Important! It is best to wash things by hand. If you want to wash your clothes in a machine, you should choose a low temperature setting.
Old deodorant stains
When an already dry deodorant stain is exposed to more sweat, yellow discoloration usually appears. Moreover, the fabric becomes rough.
To remove hardened deodorant from a shirt, it is recommended to use oxygenated water (or hydrogen peroxide):
- Lightly dampen deodorant stains with oxygenated water, then apply some liquid detergent and baking soda.
- Apply the paste to dirty areas with a toothbrush.
- Let the treatment last anywhere from an hour for colored or patterned clothing to overnight for light or white ones.
- Wash everything on a normal wash cycle.
Why do stains appear in the armpits and can they be washed off?
The human body is capable of producing 1 liter of sweat per day. More than 3 million glands are involved in the process of thermoregulation. There are two types:
- Eccrine. They are located over the entire surface of the body and actively participate in the process of thermoregulation. The sweat produced consists mainly of water.
- Apocrine. They do not participate in the process of thermoregulation, but react to stress. They are also located in the armpits. Unlike eccrine glands, apocrine glands secrete fat and salts that appear as a result of cell destruction. This sweat has a very specific smell, and the color is especially noticeable on light-colored clothing. It takes on a yellow tint either on its own or when mixed with deodorant.
Why is it so difficult to remove sweat and deodorant stains? Bacteria begin to interact with the components of the antiperspirant and multiply, resulting in the formation of a mixture that firmly settles in the tissue structure.
The situation is aggravated by washing with the use of phosphate-based powders, and 98% of the total assortment on the market today. Such detergents contribute to the formation of silicone deposits on the fibers. Therefore, simple washing does not allow us to remove yellow stains from the armpits. For best results, use stain removers with active oxygen.
Handy methods
With these home methods and natural products, you can remove not only dried out antiperspirant, but also yellow sweat marks. These techniques neutralize odors caused by bacteria and disinfect clothing.
They are effective, environmentally friendly and easily accessible (these are products that every housewife already has at home).
Salt and white vinegar
A mixture of salt and white vinegar is ideal for removing old stains. It penetrates the fibers, dissolves deodorant residues, leaving the fabric clean and odorless.
The mixture is easy to prepare:
- Place ¾ cup coarse salt in a bowl, mix with 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup hot water.
- Add ½ tablespoon of liquid laundry soap to the mixture.
- Dip your clothes into the mixture and leave for 3-4 hours.
- Rinse and wash everything as usual.
Aspirin
Aspirin is an excellent remedy not only for headaches, but also for removing yellow marks under your hands. It works thanks to the acidic compounds it contains.
How to get rid of stains using aspirin:
- Grind 2-3 aspirin tablets in a mortar until you get a powder.
- Place aspirin in a bowl and add ¼ cup hot water.
- Apply the solution with an old toothbrush and let it sit for an hour.
- Rinse with cold water and machine wash.
How to avoid problems at the initial stage
In general, deodorant tends to form stains on clothes only if it is used incorrectly and applied to the body.
There are several important rules that can be used to avoid classic problems when using antiperspirants:
- deodorant covers dry and perfectly clean skin, on which there is no sweat or oily secretions;
- There is no need to immediately put on clothes after applying deodorant. A dry pencil should dry within 4-5 minutes, and a liquid aerosol for 1-1.5 minutes. This will prevent you from getting stains due to the deodorant smearing on your clothes;
- liquid aerosol cannot be applied close to the skin; the recommended distance is 15-25 centimeters.
How to deal with wax stains on clothes: rules for removing greasy paraffin stains
The elementary and simple rules and remedies that are described in the article will perfectly help you cope with stains of any complexity from the use of deodorant. These products will help you smell good and keep your things clean.
Lemon
Lemon is an excellent ally at home in the fight against various types of dirt. As with aspirin, the key ingredient is acid. It not only removes dirt, but also restores the white color of the fibers.
The procedure is simple:
- Dissolve ¼ cup lemon juice in 2 cups hot water.
- Place the dirty blouse into the solution.
- Wait about 2 hours.
- Machine wash.
Baking soda
Baking soda has countless uses when it comes to cleaning your home and revitalizing your clothes. It should always be on hand, as it is ideal for cleaning the washing machine, doing laundry, or simply removing stains.
It also neutralizes the unpleasant odors that accompany stains.
Using baking soda to remove deodorant stains is also easy:
- Mix ¼ cup baking soda with water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste and leave for an hour.
- Rub the mixture in with an old toothbrush and rinse.
Hydrogen peroxide
The liquid is ideal for white fabrics, but it is not advisable to use it on colored clothes, as they may fade. How to remove deodorant stains with oxygenated water?
Very simple:
- Add ¼ cup oxygenated and 2 cups plain water to a bowl.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Apply the solution and leave for 40 minutes.
- Wash it all off with plenty of neutral soap and water.
Deodorant and sweat stains can be stubborn, but the practical methods above will help get rid of them. If you combine several methods, there will be no trace of white spots left.
Useful tips when using products
When using the effective means described above, there are several nuances that will make the method even more effective. These techniques include the following:
- Initially, the fabric is cleaned with a brush, especially carefully walking along the edges of the stain. After applying the substance, there will be no boundaries of a “clean” spot compared to the area of the entire thing. This often happens on white things, when the product whitens the stain, but the thing itself remains a little grayish. Using a brush will retouch the edges, making the transition softer. It is also advisable to moisten the area around the stain with plain warm water.
- Before using a substance on your item, you need to conduct a “test drive” on any fabric with a similar texture, determine the effect, and then use it without fear of consequences.
- The stains are erased from their borders to the center; if you do the opposite, the stain will be smeared from the center - the largest accumulation of deodorant secretions - to the borders.
- When removing, it is necessary to pay special attention to the borders of the stain, since when it re-forms, the stain will begin to “grow” from the borders and become much larger.
- Stains must be removed immediately after they are noticed. The sooner we get involved in the fight for clean clothes, the greater the likelihood of getting rid of the stain right away, without having to deal with the manifestations of old age and callousness.
