Are you struggling with how to get deodorant build-up out of shirts? Deodorants can build up in t-shirts and leave a shiny or even glittery mess. Check out these easy tips on how to remove deodorant buildup from black shirts.
I know it's gross, but some of my dark-colored clothes (like black t-shirts) often get deodorant buildup that stays on even after repeated washes. I have found a way to deal with sweat stains on my light colored shirts, but I was scared to use this method on my darker shirts.
After weeks of trying different things, I finally found a simple trick to remove the deodorant build-up from my dark fabrics.
If you are dealing with the deodorant build up on your clothes you know what a pain it is. Some shirts look wet in the armpit area even before you put your shirts on.
Sometimes they are stiff in the armpits and have a sparkle or glittery look to them.
Since I hated putting on clean shirts that were stained I experimented around and finally found out how to remove deodorant build-up from dark clothes.
If you are ready to get rid of deodorant build up from black or dark shirts check out the best tips below!
How To Remove Deodorant Build-up from Black or Dark Clothes
To get started you will need a few things. You probably have all of these things already at home, but if not you can easily get them online or in the store.
- Dawn Dish Soap
- Baking Soda
- Bowl
- Laundry Brush or toothbrush (I really like The Laundress Brush)
Starting to Remove Deodorant Stain
You will want to start by turning your shirts inside out. Then mix up a small bowl of the cleaning solution using the ingredients below.
Add:
- 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap (I use this kind)
- 2 tablespoons of water to a bowl
- sprinkle a little bit of baking soda (about 1/2 teaspoon) into the mixture
Then take your shirt and place the area with the deodorant stain in the bowl Make sure all of the armpit stains soak up some of the mixture.
Tired of laundry stains?
Get the free laundry stain removal printable!
If you don't go far enough on the armpit stain you will notice it after washing. You can see on the shirt below where the stain is still in the lower part of the arm area.
Let The Deodorant Stain Soak & Scrub
Once you get all of your shirts dipped in the mixture you will want to let them sit for about 2 hours.
I just set them in the sink so they didn't drip the mixture everywhere. After about an hour you can use the laundry brush and do a little scrubbing at the areas with the underarm stains.
Machine Wash After Soaking
At the end of the two hours, you can wash them. Put them in the machine on the hottest cycle the clothes will allow.
Add whatever laundry detergent you normally use to the machine. If you have an extra rinse cycle I recommend using it to make sure that all the soap is removed.
Once they are finished in the machine remove them and let them air dry. Make sure all the stains are gone and repeat if necessary.
You can see my before and after below.
I am amazed at how simple this trick is. It works much better than any stain remover I have used.
The dawn gets the greasy armpit stains out and the baking soda gets rid of any odors.
Your clothes will look like new again and those deodorant stains will be removed from the dark or black shirts.
Natasha says
Thank you! I have to try this out - my husband has some t-shirts that really need deodorant buildup removed!
Cathy @ tips4livingbetter.com says
I don't like those stains, together with sweat they look and smell bad.
I will definitely try our your tip you mentioned.
Janeen says
Whenever you post these how-to articles, it's like you've been strolling through my closet! Thanks for the help keeping our clothes looking great.