How to Get Rid of Sweat Stains on Dress Shirts

You’re not alone if you’re wondering how to get rid of sweat stains on dress shirts. Underarm and collar sweat stains are common, and simply throwing your dress shirt in the washing machine doesn’t always work. Because sweat stains can be challenging to remove by machine washing alone, they require special attention.

Underarm and collar stains detract from your shirt’s appearance — and its lifespan. The good news is that you don’t need to run out and search for special stain removers. Basic household products can remove sweat stains on dress shirts — you just need to know how to use them. This article covers effective methods for removing sweat stains, plus you’ll appreciate our helpful tips on how to prevent them in the first place.

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Effective Methods to Remove Sweat Stains

Basic tried and true household products that you probably have in your pantry come to the rescue once again. Although it may be tempting to use chlorine bleach, the reaction between the minerals in sweat and bleach can make the stain worse. Instead, try:

Baking Soda Paste

The mild abrasiveness of baking soda paste works well to remove tough sweat stains.

Before laundering your shirt in the machine:

1. Mix a bit of cool water with baking soda to make a paste.
2. Using your fingers or an old clean toothbrush, work the paste into the stain.
3. Allow the paste to sit on the stain for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Using cold water, rinse the paste from the shirt.
5. Wash the shirt according to the care tag instructions.

White Vinegar and Water Solution

Vinegar’s natural acidity helps dissolve sweat and deodorize fabric. Be sure to use distilled white vinegar.

1. In a bowl, combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and cool water.
2. Using a clean microfiber cloth, dip the cloth in the vinegar solution and dab the stain.
3. Allow the mixture to absorb into the stain for a few minutes.
4. Remove the vinegar solution by rinsing thoroughly with cold water.
5. Wash the shirt according to the care tag instructions.

Lemon Juice for Fresh Stains

1. If a sweat stain is fresh, lemon juice will work well. Because it may interact with fabric dyes, don’t use lemon juice on darker colors.
2. Wet the stain with cool water.
3. Squeeze lemon juice directly onto the wet stain.
4. Pour salt on the lemon juice and rub the area gently so the abrasive salt interacts with the lemon juice.
5. Let the juice sit for 30 minutes.
6. Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water.
7. Wash the shirt according to care tag instructions.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Stubborn Stains

Hydrogen peroxide works well on stubborn set-in stains, but beware — don’t use hydrogen peroxide on dark colored shirts. It may discolor the fabric.

1. Mix ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide with ½ teaspoon Dawn dish detergent.
2. Using an old clean toothbrush, lightly scrub the stain.
3. Allow the mixture to sit on the stain for about 30 minutes.
4. Rinse well with cool water.
5. Wash the shirt according to care tag instructions.

How to Remove Shirt Collar Sweat Stains

Body oils, sweat, and styling product residues can leave stains on a shirt collar. Try to remove the sweat stains as soon as possible.

1. Place your shirt on a flat surface with the collar lying open.
2. Depending on the type of stain, choose one of the solutions mentioned above (avoid lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide if the shirt is a dark color)
3. Dish soap can break down oils.
4. Baking soda will lift stains.
5. Use an old clean toothbrush to work the solution gently back and forth, and up and down along the stain.
6. Let the solution stay on the collar for 30 minutes.
7. Rinse the collar in cold water.
8. Wash the shirt according to the care tag instructions.

How to Remove Armpit Stains on Colored Dress Shirts

Avoid using lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide on colored dress shirts. Both products can cause discoloration.

1. Soak the shirt in a basin filled with ½ cup of distilled white vinegar and cold water.
2. To release the stains, gently rub the area with salt.
3. Allow the shirt to soak for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse the shirt in cool water.
5. Wash the shirt according to the care tag instructions.

Preventing Sweat Stains on Dress Shirts

Wear an Undershirt

It’s just a fact of life — some people sweat more than others. You may not be able to stop sweating, but these suggestions will help prevent sweat stains:

An undershirt is a common solution for avoiding sweat stains on dress shirts. If a regular undershirt doesn’t provide enough protection, experiment with several brands of sweat-proof undershirts with built-in armpit guards.

Inspect the underarms of your shirt when you take it off. Rather than letting the shirt sit in a laundry hamper for a week, take care of the sweat stains immediately. You’ll have a lot more luck removing stains when they’re fresh.

Try sweat guards. Available in peel-and-stick or sew-in, sweat guards act as a layer between your skin and your shirt, preventing sweat stains.

Apply Antiperspirant Correctly

Some of the ingredients in antiperspirants, like aluminum, can actually interact with sweat and cause yellowish stains on clothing. Look for aluminum-free deodorants to prevent sweat stains. Also, try using less deodorant, and be sure your deodorant is thoroughly dry before you get dressed.

Choose Breathable Fabrics

Wearing breathable fabrics helps prevent heat build-up and will allow air to circulate around your body. As breathable fabrics help you stay cooler, you’ll sweat less. Choose dress shirts in natural fabrics that breathe, like 100% cottons and linens with looser weaves.

Buy Quality Dress Shirts at The Tie Bar

Preventative care is the key to avoiding sweat stains on dress shirts. If you can, wash your shirts before stains dry and set into the fabric. However, immediately laundering your shirts in the washing machine isn’t always convenient, so if sweat stains have taken hold, follow our instructions above for removing stains with baking soda paste, white vinegar, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide.

If you’re ready to add some fresh new dress shirts to your wardrobe, explore The Tie Bar’s handsome selection of breathable cotton shirts. You’ll also find some stylish accessories to pair with your shirt so while you’re shopping, also take a look at our beautiful ties and pocket squares to create a polished look.

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