Unilever logo
Cleanipedia UK logo

How to remove deodorant stains

As handy as deodorant is, it can cause nasty stains which are hard to remove. Read on for tips on how to effectively remove deoderant stains!

Updated Reading Time: 5 minutesBy Cleanipedia Team

Clean clothes drying on an airer next to washing machine
Advertisement
Cleanipedia-Mobile-Leaderboards OP2b-2 new product info and offers

Spray, stick, roll-on; whichever you choose, there’s one thing you don’t want to see from your deodorant and that’s white marks on your clothes. Whether you want to know how to get deodorant stains out of shirts or dresses, our top tips for deodorant stain removal will do the job.

There are lots of ways to remove deodorant stains, but you won’t need to use them if you prevent stains from forming in the first place. Choose a specially formulated deodorant, like Dove, to avoid white marks and keep your clothing free from deodorant residue.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
You will need
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RequiredPersil Bio or Persil Ultimate Non-Bio
Persil Non Bio Bottle
  • Liquid detergent
  • Tights
  • Washing machine
Advertisement
Cleanipedia-MPU-banners OP2b new product info and offers

How to remove deodorant stains with detergent

Pre-treating and washing your clothes with a strong detergent can help you remove deodorant stains.

  1. Check the label

    Check your clothes care label and the instructions on the detergent bottle to make sure it is safe to use. This method may not be suitable for delicate fabrics.

  2. Apply detergent

    Apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stained area.

  3. Allow the detergent to pre-treat the stain

    Leave it for a few minutes to pre-treat.

  4. Wash as normal

    Wash as usual with a strong detergent like Persil Bio. Always follow the washing instructions on the bottle and check your clothes label first.

This method doesn’t only help you learn how to get deodorant stains out of clothes, but it can also be used to pre-treat and remove several other common stains.

The Poll

When buying dishwasher tablets, which of these is most important to you?

0 Votes

How to get rid of deodorant stains quickly with tights

Need to know how to remove deodorant stains, fast? This special trick doesn’t involve any kind of cleaner. In fact, all you need are some nylons, and who doesn’t have an old pair of stockings or tights lying around somewhere?

  1. Use the tights like a sponge to dab at deodorant stains.

  2. Carefully rub white marks until they’ve come off completely.

  3. This method works best on fresh stains. Older or dried stains require more work.

This deodorant stain removal tip should work wonders and enable you to use your favourite outfit in an instant without having to throw it in the wash beforehand. It really is the best way to remove deodorant stains from clothes straight after they happen.

How to prevent deodorant stains

What is just as important as knowing how to get deodorant stains out? Knowing how to avoid them in the first place.

  • Put on your deodorant before you get dressed, not after. Then you won’t have to try to avoid it touching your clothes.

  • Leave enough time for your deodorant to dry before dressing.

  • Avoid using too much deodorant. This can leave a sticky residue behind.

  • Choose a deodorant that is formulated to avoid staining your clothes.

  • Wash whites and light-coloured clothes as soon as possible after wearing them with a quality detergent like Persil Bio. If left unwashed, the ingredients in your deodorant can mix with the bacteria in your sweat and cause yellow stains … but don’t worry, we have tips for removing yellow sweat stains from white clothes too.

Whenever you use any new cleaning method, always check the care label of your garment and the instructions on the product first and follow our guide to remove stains without damaging your clothes.

With these hacks, you now know how to get deodorant stains out of shirts, tops, and dresses.

Frequently asked questions about how to get rid of deodorant stains

How can you remove yellow stains caused by deodorant?

Rub a paste of 1-part water and 3-parts bicarbonate of soda into the stain. Leave for a couple of hours, rinse, and wash the garment as normal.

What is the best way to remove deodorant stains from clothes with vinegar?

Soak the stained garment in white vinegar for around 1 hour. Use a clean, old toothbrush to brush the stain then wash the item as normal.

Can you use lemon to remove deodorant stains on light coloured clothes?

Yes, but you’ll need a sunny day to get the maximum bleaching benefit. Apply equal parts lemon juice and water to the yellow stain and leave in direct sunlight for 1 hour. Rinse thoroughly, and then wash the item as usual.

Originally published