Black clothing is generally forgiving when it comes to stains, but it's not immune to certain substances. While red wine is avoided when wearing white, black attire should steer clear of powdery substances like flour or chalk.
Deodorant, however, is unavoidable in polite society, and even gel-like formulas can leave powdery residues that stain black garments both inside and out.
Here are some tips to remove deodorant stains from your favorite black shirt:
HOW TO REMOVE DEODORANT STAINS FROM BLACK SHIRTS
Here are five super easy methods. In fact, most of them are home remedies utilizing things you probably already have in your kitchen or pantry.
SOAK YOUR CLOTHES IN WHITE VINEGAR
To remove deodorant stains from your black garment using white vinegar, follow these steps:
1. Fill a bowl with enough white vinegar to completely submerge the garment.
2. Place the stained area of the garment into the bowl of white vinegar.
3. Allow the garment to soak in the vinegar for about an hour.
4. After soaking, use a clean, spare toothbrush to gently scrub the stained area.
5. Once you've scrubbed the stain, proceed with washing the garment as you normally would.
Avoid using any other type of vinegar besides white vinegar, as other varieties may potentially add to the stains rather than lifting them.
If the deodorant stains are still visible after soaking the garment in white vinegar, use a toothbrush to gently brush the affected areas. Apply light pressure and brush in a circular motion to help lift the stains from the fabric. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, especially if the fabric is delicate, to avoid damaging the garment. After brushing, proceed with washing the garment as usual.
This method actually works on light clothing, too, so if your white shirt has sweat stains, feel free to subject it to the pre-wash vinegar dip, too.
THE LEMON JUICE METHOD
Lemon juice isn’t just great for digestive health. It’s also a great spot treater for shirt stains.
To remove deodorant stains from your black garment using lemon juice, follow these steps:
1. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a cup.
2. Pour the lemon juice mixture directly onto the white deodorant marks on your garment.
3. Allow the mixture to sit on the stains for a few minutes to let the citric acid work on dispersing the stains.
4. After a few minutes, rinse the garment with water to remove the lemon juice mixture.
5. For light-colored shirts, place them in the sun for about an hour after spot-treating them with lemon juice. The combination of lemon and sunlight helps to bleach the surface and brighten it up, in addition to removing the stain.
This method is effective for both light-colored and dark-colored shirts, but sunlight exposure is particularly beneficial for light-colored garments to enhance the bleaching effect.
THE BAKING SODA CLEANING SOLUTION
Yes, creating a cleaning solution using baking soda and warm water is a popular and effective method. Here's how to do it:
1. Mix baking soda and warm water together until it forms a paste.
2. Aim for a consistency similar to toothpaste, but slightly grittier.
This paste can be used for various cleaning tasks around the house due to baking soda's natural abrasive properties and its ability to neutralize odors. It's a versatile and environmentally friendly cleaning solution.
To remove deodorant stains using the baking soda paste method, follow these steps:
•Apply the baking soda paste directly to the underarm stains or any other affected areas.
•Allow the paste to sit on the stains for about half an hour. For stubborn stains, you can leave the paste on overnight.
•After the designated time, rinse the garment with hot water to wash off the paste.
•The paste should lift most, if not all, of the stain. •Any remaining residue can be easily tackled by washing the garment in the washing machine.
This method is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for treating deodorant stains on various types of clothing.
HIT THAT STAIN WITH SOME NYLON STOCKINGS
It's important to address stains promptly for the best chance of removal. The longer you wait, the more the stain can set, making it more challenging to remove. Acting quickly increases the likelihood of successful stain removal.
If you notice a fresh deodorant stain on your shirt immediately, you can use a nylon stocking to rub over the affected areas. Nylon is effective because it's elastic and strong, making it tough on the stain but gentle on the garment.
Alternatively, you can use a dry sock or towel, although nylon tends to be more effective.
After rubbing the stain, immediately throw the shirt into the washing machine. This quick action should help remove the stain, leaving your shirt looking brand new.
GET YOUR SHIRT PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED OR USE STAIN REMOVER
If all else fails, consider getting your shirt professionally cleaned, especially if it's a stubborn deodorant stain. Visit a trusted dry cleaner and show them the stain, explaining the situation.
For delicate materials like silk or cashmere, it's best not to attempt stain removal yourself to avoid damaging the garment. Instead, rely on professionals who have experience handling delicate fabrics.
Alternatively, you can try using stain removers designed for delicate materials, which you can purchase at stores or online. There are also sprays available that can be applied to the stained areas before washing the shirt.
While it doesn't always work for deodorant stains, keeping a stain removal pen like Tide on hand can be useful for quick spot treatments, especially if you anticipate being in situations where spills are likely, such as summer white parties.
FAQS
Here are some quick TLDR answers to questions covered in this article:
HOW DO YOU GET WHITE DEODORANT STAINS OUT OF BLACK CLOTHES?
There are several great home remedies, such as soaking the garment in vinegar or using a lemon juice or baking soda solution on the affected areas. From there, you can throw it in the wash.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE OLD DEODORANT STAINS FROM BLACK CLOTHES WITHOUT WASHING?
The best way to do that is to get it dry-cleaned. Otherwise, you’ll have to use methods that include water.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE DEODORANT BUILDUP FROM SHIRTS?
If it’s fresh, just take a piece of nylon, such as a nylon stocking, and run the buildup off of the shirt.
HOW DO YOU GET ARMPIT STAINS OUT OF BLACK CLOTHES?
Before washing your stained garment, you can try store-bought stain removers, vinegar soaking, a lemon juice solution, or a baking soda paste. If all else fails, a professional cleaner is a good way to go.
WHAT NOT TO DO TO GET WHITE DEODORANT STAINS OUT OF BLACK SHIRTS
I hope all of this helps!
It's important to avoid using hydrogen peroxide for stain removal, especially on black garments, as it can cause staining. Hydrogen peroxide works well on lighter-colored clothes but should be avoided entirely unless the garment is true white, not cream or beige.
For delicate or expensive pieces, it's best to refrain from DIY stain removal and instead seek professional cleaning services. Additionally, treating deodorant stains as soon as they occur is crucial for better removal results. The sooner you address the stain, the better chance you have of successfully removing it.
How do you get stains off of your black clothes? Have you tried any of these methods? What’s worked best and less well for you? Let me know in the comments!
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