How to Remove Sweat Stains | Sweat Zone | Degree® US (2024)

If you lead a pretty active life, there are times when you’re going to get a sweat on. A good anti-perspirant will help combat that, but over time, sweat can take its toll on your clothes.

Here’s how to deal with sweat stains, and the best ways to stop them happening in the first place.

Why do sweat stains happen?

Let’s be clear, sweat itself is colorless. But when sweat patches get onto your clothes and dry, the salt, proteins and oils in your sweat can leave a residue. This normally disappears with machine washing.

But here’s where your problems can start. You might not do a wash for a few days, the sweat patches on your clothes are allowed to dry. And there could be a build-up of your anti-perspirant or deodorant product mixed in as well.

Over time, the aluminum in the product and the salt in your sweat combine to form those familiar (but unwelcome) yellow sweat stains. And they're harder to remove with normal machine washing.

What causes the white marks on clothes?

If you’ve got white stains or marks on your clothes, these probably come from your deodorant or anti-perspirant. Some transfer easily onto your clothes and leave marks, especially if you’re dressing in a hurry and the product hasn’t had time to dry properly.

Products like Degree's UltraClear Range, are specially formulated to prevent white marks on your clothes, giving you all-round sweat protection, for you and your clothes.

What are the best ways to get rid of sweat stains?

These are our top tips:

Use a biological washing powder

This will help to break down both the sweat patches and the product in the fabric.

Never iron a sweat stain or sweat patch

The heat will cause it to ‘set’, making it even harder to shift.

Soak the stain before washing

If the stain is really bad or it’s ‘set’, soak the area in a mixture of two parts white vinegar and one part water before washing – this will help break down the stain.

Don’t try this with delicate fabrics though.

Delicates need specialist care

With delicate fabrics like silk and lace, you may need professional cleaning to get rid of sweat stains.

What are the best ways to prevent sweat stains happening?

Wear loose-fitting, natural fabrics

Natural fibers like cotton, linen and wool let the sweat evaporate from your body more easily.

Let your anti-perspirant deodorant dry before you dress

Don’t be in too much of a hurry to whip on that favorite shirt.

Alternatively, use a ‘dry on application’ product like an aerosol.

Don’t overdo it

Using too much anti-perspirant deodorant every day can lead to a build-up and cause yellow sweat stains.

Try a stronger anti-perspirant

If you’re super active or you sweat a lot, consider switching to a maximum protection product, like Degree Clinical Protection.