HOW TO REMOVE SWEAT STAINS: YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Sweat stains—ugh. Whether it’s those yellow marks on your white shirts or stubborn sweat patches on your favorite dress shirts, they’re frustrating and tough to deal with. But don’t worry, you don’t have to say goodbye to your favorite clothes just yet.

Let's talk through why sweat stains happen, how to get rid of them (fast!), and how to stop them before they start. Ready to rescue your wardrobe?

WHAT CAUSES SWEAT STAINS?

Sweat itself is mostly water, but it also contains salts, proteins, and natural oils. The real problem starts when sweat mixes with deodorant or antiperspirant—especially if it contains aluminum compounds. This reaction can cause those dreaded yellow stains on white shirts or leave chalky white marks on dark fabrics.

Other culprits behind stubborn sweat stains?

Not washing sweat-prone clothes immediately, which gives stains time to set and become harder to remove.
Heat from your dryer can permanently lock in discoloration, turning a minor stain into a lasting problem.
And fabric softeners—while great for softness—can actually trap sweat and bacteria, leading to more stubborn stains and lingering odors.

Now that you know the causes, let’s dive into the best solutions.

FRESH SWEAT STAIN HACK: SIMPLE WAYS TO REMOVE SWEAT STAINS

If the stain is still fresh, quick action can prevent it from setting

Step 1: Blot the stain.

Use a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb excess sweat.

Step 2: Apply white vinegar

Dab vinegar onto the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse with cold water

Never use hot water, as it can set the stain.

Step 4: Wash as usual

Use your regular detergent and air dry to see if the stain is fully gone before using heat.

SET-IN STAIN SOLUTION: HOW TO GET RID OF YELLOW SWEAT STAINS

Yellow stains can be stubborn, but these home remedies work well:

Method 1: Baking soda paste (for light stains)

Step 1: Mix. Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a paste.

Step 2: Apply. Rub it onto the stain using a toothbrush.

Step 3: Let it sit. Leave for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Wash and air dry. Rinse and wash in cold water.

Method 2: Hydrogen peroxide solution (for white shirts only)

Step 1: Mix. Equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.

Step 2: Apply. Pour over the stain and gently scrub.

Step 3: Wait. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Wash and air dry. Launder as usual.

Method 3: Lemon juice (for natural stain removal)

Step 1: Apply. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stain.

Step 2: Wait. Leave it in the sun for 1-2 hours.

Step 3: Wash. Use cold water and air dry.

HOW TO REMOVE SWEAT STAINS FROM DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLOTHING

How to get rid of sweat stains from dress shirts

Dress shirts are typically made from finer, more delicate fabrics like cotton blends or linen, requiring gentler care to maintain their structure and appearance.

Use a baking soda paste and gently scrub with a soft brush.
Rinse with cold water, then wash on a gentle cycle.
Avoid bleach, as it can worsen yellowing.

How to remove sweat stains from white shirts

White shirts, whether casual or formal, are more prone to visible yellowing, especially in areas with frequent sweat contact.

The hydrogen peroxide method works best for breaking down yellow stains.
Lemon juice + sunlight can help naturally brighten fabric.

How to remove sweat stains from workout clothes or synthetic fabrics

Workout clothes are made from synthetic, moisture-wicking fabrics that trap sweat differently than cotton, making stain removal a bit trickier.

Use a sports detergent designed for sweat-wicking fabrics.
Avoid fabric softeners, as they trap bacteria and odors.

HOW TO AVOID SWEAT STAINS BEFORE THEY START

Here are four practical techniques to help prevent sweat stains and keep your favorite clothes looking newer for longer.

1. Go for loose-fitting and natural fabrics

Choose natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool, which allow better air circulation and help your body stay cooler. Steer clear of synthetic materials where you can. These can trap heat and moisture, such as polyester and nylon.
Also, make sure you follow your clothes' care instructions and use stain removal methods that are suitable for them.

2. Choose the right deodorant

Choose a high-quality antiperspirant deodorant to protect you from sweat and odor. Remember to wait a few seconds to let it dry, before throwing on your shirt. Better yet, go for an anti-marks deodorant like the Degree UltraClear range. They dry quickly, fight against sweat stains, and keep you protected from sweat and odor for up to 72 hours.

3. Amp up your defense with maximum protection

Need a bit more protection from sweat? Level up your game with a clinical strength antiperspirant like Degree Clinical Protection. Stay fresh, stay active, and say goodbye to stubborn sweat stains.

FAQS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SWEAT STAINS

Why does sweat stain yellow?

Sweat stains turn yellow because of a chemical reaction between sweat, body oils, and aluminum-based antiperspirants. When aluminum mixes with the proteins in your sweat, it creates discoloration, which is why white shirts often develop yellow stains over time.

Are sweat stains permanent?

Sweat stains don’t have to be permanent, but the longer they sit, the harder they are to remove. Fresh stains can be treated quickly, while older stains may require stronger methods like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda paste.

Can old sweat stains be removed?

Yes, even old sweat stains can be removed with the right techniques. Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda paste, or lemon juice can help break down set-in stains, but multiple treatments may be needed for tougher marks.

How do you stop sweat stains from forming on dress shirts?

To prevent sweat stains on dress shirts, which are typically structured, button-down shirts made from cotton, linen, or blends for professional or formal wear, switch to an anti-marks deodorant to reduce yellowing. You can also wear an undershirt to absorb moisture or use sweat pads for extra protection. Washing your shirts immediately after heavy sweating also helps prevent stains from setting.

Is it normal to leave sweat stains?

Yes, sweat stains happen to everyone, especially on clothes worn frequently in hot weather or during workouts. The key is to treat them quickly so they don’t become permanent.

Is it embarrassing to have sweat stains?

Not at all! Everyone sweats—it’s completely natural. But if sweat stains bother you, knowing how to remove and prevent them can help you keep your clothes looking fresh and stain-free.

Sweat stains don’t have to ruin your favorite clothes. Act fast, use the right stain-removal techniques, and prevent stains before they happen to keep your wardrobe looking fresh. With these step-by-step solutions, you can remove sweat stains from any fabric and stop them from coming back.