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We're big fans of deodorant because it keeps us feeling fresh, but there's one major downside: those pesky deodorant stains it can sometimes leave behind. There’s nothing worse than seeing yellow stains building up on your favorite T-shirt, or white streaks all over your shirt just as you head out the door.

If deodorant stains are ruining your clothes, we’ve got some tips on how to deal with them. We break down what causes these stains and tell you how to get deodorant stains out of shirts.

Common Types of Deodorant Stains

There are a few different kinds of deodorant and antiperspirant stains, and each one is going to have a different cause and solution. Let’s break down the big three:

White streaks

This is the most common kind of deodorant stain. You're running late, quickly pull on that favorite black T-shirt, and suddenly notice you've got white streaks down the side. They're caused by the combination of sweat and the aluminum compounds in your antiperspirant which can leave white chalky residue on your skin. If these transfer to your clothes, it can create a white streak.

Yellow spots

Not as immediately noticeable as white streaks, but over time they build up. You might not see them after one wear but repeat offenses can turn your white shirts into an unsightly yellow canvas. This happens when the sweat on your shirt reacts with the aluminum in your antiperspirant.

Hardened patches

Remember that favorite cotton T-shirt that now feels like it's got cardboard under the arms? That's hardened patches for you. The culprit here is usually a build-up of deodorant and sweat over time, and the resulting patches are difficult to get rid of. But don’t worry, there's a way, and we’ll be telling you how to get deodorant stains out of shirts a bit further down.

When it comes to stains on your clothes, antiperspirant and deodorant can cause different issues. If you want to know a little more about antiperspirant vs. deodorant, explore our article breaking down exactly makes them different.

Prevention vs Removal of Deodorant Stains

There's no need to stress over stain removal, if you can prevent deodorant stains from the get-go. Let's set some guidelines to keep those shirts stain-free.

Try aluminum-free or anti-white mark deodorants and antiperspirants

As we said, the aluminum in your antiperspirant can be a stain culprit. There are plenty of aluminum-free deodorants out there, or you could choose ones specifically designed to avoid leaving white marks.

If you’re looking for an aluminum-free deodorant which doesn’t compromise on odor protection, check out our Apollo Aluminum-Free Deodorant Formula Stick here.

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APOLLO ALUMINUM-FREE DEODORANT STICK

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Wash T-shirts after every wear

Not everything needs to be washed each time you wear it. But shirts and T-shirts? Get them in the machine as soon as you take them off. By washing them after every use, you're stopping the sweat stains from building up and embedding themselves into the fabric.

Don't let your gym bag fester

After a good workout, you don't just shove your gym clothes into the bag and forget about them. Take them out and wash them ASAP. Leaving a sweaty shirt to hang around for days allows the stains to set into the fabric, making them more difficult to remove.

Embrace the base layer

Want to keep your favorite shirt free from sweat stains? Try wearing an undershirt. Not only does this add an extra layer of protection, but it also helps keep you cool and absorb any excess sweat.

If you haven’t guessed it already, sweat is one of the main contributing factors of deodorant stains. This means that controlling sweat can also help reduce stains. If you’re ready for a deep-dive on how to control sweat, we’ve got the answers.

How to Get Deodorant Stains Out of Shirts

Maybe you're reading this after the damage is done. Don't worry, there are plenty of everyday items and methods to help you get rid of those pesky deodorant stains. Here are a few to try. Note: Some of these are home remedies that might not work for all fabrics – so we suggest trying these methods on everyday items like socks and old, plain t-shirts first.

White vinegar

Acidic solutions like white vinegar are effective at breaking down sweat stains caused by deodorant and antiperspirant. Just mix equal parts of vinegar and water, and gently scrub the stained area using a toothbrush. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wash as normal.

Aspirin solution

Aspirin isn't just good for headaches, it can be a lifesaver for your T-shirts, too. Crush two white, uncoated aspirins into a bowl of warm water, soak the stained area for a couple of hours, and then add to your usual wash.

Baking soda and water

Baking soda can be used to clean lots of things, including your deodorant-stained shirts. Make a paste out of four tablespoons of baking soda and a quarter cup of warm water. Apply it to the stain and let it dry. Once it's completely dry, brush off the residue and wash with the rest of your laundry.

Salt and hot water

In a bucket of hot water, dissolve half a cup of salt. Soak your stained garment for a few hours to help to lift those stubborn deodorant and antiperspirant stains, then wash.

Lemon juice and water

For lighter fabrics, lemon juice can be a natural stain remover. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, and gently rub the mixture into the stain. Allow it to sit for a half hour before washing.

Stain-removing washing detergent

This wouldn’t be a complete article on how to get deodorant stains out of shirts if we didn’t include this key product. Stain-removing detergents are specially formulated with enzymes to break down and remove all kinds of stains, including those caused by deodorant and antiperspirant.

Apply the liquid detergent directly to the stain, rub it gently, let it sit for 15-30 minutes then put through a regular machine cycle. This method is ideal for those deeply set-in stains that haven't budged with other approaches. Just remember to check the care label on your clothes before using it.

Say goodbye to deo stains

We've seen how aluminum is a common culprit when it comes to staining. And no one wants armpit stains when they’re heading out the door – no matter how fresh you feel.

With that in mind, we’ve partnered up with world-renowned perfumers to create five incredible aluminum-free deodorant body sprays and deodorant sticks with five sophisticated fragrance combinations. So, you get sweat protection, fine fragrance and a better chance of protecting your clothes all in one product.

A good place to start is with our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray, awarded by Men’s Health as one of the 20 best colognes for men in 2023. If you’re interested in exploring other fragrances, check out this article to help you find your new signature scent from our Fine Fragrance Collection.