White and light clothing is an ideal choice for summer weather, but it can also be most prone to yellow sweat stains. If you find that you've washed a shirt but the stains remain, we have some effective tips on how to get rid of those pesky sweat stains once and for all.
How to Remove Yellow Stains from Clothing with Laundry Detergent
Stain removers or bleaches and whitening agents can be very helpful.
Pre-treat stains manually using the product according to the instructions on the packaging. Apply the product directly to the stain and gently rub it in. Avoid scrubbing the clothing too hard to prevent damaging the fabric. Then wash as usual, either by hand or in the washing machine. Be cautious not to wash the item with bleach alongside coloured items, even pastels, as the bleach can strip their colour.
Regarding water temperature, most yellow sweat stains are best removed when washing in warm water at 40–60°C. Always check the garment's label to ensure that the water temperature is suitable for the fabric.
If you want to avoid using fabric softener, try using laundry perfume.
Washing Sweaty T-Shirts and Sportswear
Special attention is required when washing sweaty sportswear. By following the correct procedure, you can remove not only dirt but also unpleasant odours.
- Wash clothing inside out to preserve its functional properties.
- If there are visible sweat stains on the garment, gently pre-treat them with a stain or odour remover.
- Use products specifically designed for sportswear.
- Avoid using fabric softener, as it can clog the pores in the fabric and reduce its breathability. Instead, go for laundry fragrance oils.
- Wash sportswear at lower temperatures, ideally around 30–40°C. Higher temperatures can damage elastic fibres and reduce the garment's lifespan.
- Use the delicate wash or sportswear programme.
- After washing, immediately remove the clothing from the washing machine and allow it to air dry. The tumble dryer can damage the fibres and set any remaining odours.
Home Remedies for Dealing with Sweat Stains
If you don’t have a special laundry detergent or stain remover available and need to remove a stain quickly and cheaply, try some of these time-tested home remedies.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the most effective solutions for removing yellow sweat stains. It has the ability to break down salts and proteins that settle in fabrics. Therefore, it not only removes the stain but also neutralises the odour.
Proceed as follows:
- Mix white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Apply this mixture directly to the stains and let it sit for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Then thoroughly rinse the clothing with cold water and wash as usual.
Be cautious when using vinegar. Always test the solution on a hidden area first.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleaching agent, while baking soda helps to neutralise odours and loosen stains.
- Create a paste by mixing 3% hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of baking soda.
- Apply the paste directly to the stains and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
- Then thoroughly rinse the clothing and wash it in warm water.
Lemon Juice and Salt
Lemon juice is another remedy that can help remove yellow sweat stains. It acts as a natural bleach and deodorant.
- Squeeze the juice from one lemon and mix it with two tablespoons of salt.
- Apply the mixture to the stains and gently rub it into the fabric.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes in the sun, which will enhance the bleaching effect of the lemon juice.
- Then thoroughly rinse the clothing and wash it as usual.
Aspirin
The acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin helps break down stains and restore the original colour of the fabric.
- Crush a few aspirin tablets and mix them with water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Then wash as usual.
Got any tips or tricks for dealing with sweat stains or preventing them altogether? Feel free to share them with us.