I Learned How to Get Deodorant Stains Out of Shirts, and Now I’ll Never Struggle with Them Again

If you’ve ever worn a black shirt, odds are you’ve dealt with accidentally transferring deodorant onto any part of the garment that touches your underarm. It’s the pits! (Sorry, I had to.) I learned long ago that rubbing the spot with a pair of nylons takes the chalky whiteness away — but not necessarily the stain that can be left behind. 

To help avoid this problem, I spoke to Alicia Sokolowski, a laundry expert and the president and co-CEO of AspenClean, to find out how to get deodorant stains out of shirts.

Some deodorants stain more than others (aluminum-based antiperspirants, for instance), but you’ll need the same supplies regardless of the deodorant type. Here’s what to grab.

• Baking soda
• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Mild dish soap
• Mild laundry detergent
• Water (warm or cool, depending on the fabric)
• Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush
• Clean microfiber cloth or towel
• Natural oxygen bleach (for white shirts)

Your stain removal strategy will change based on whether the stain is fresh or set-in, and if it’s on a colorful shirt or a white one.

1. Dampen the stained area with cool water.
2. Using a clean microfiber cloth, work in a teaspoon of mild dish soap to break down the residue. Rub gently.
3. Rinse the fabric.
4. Launder as usual.

1. Make a paste of baking soda and water (3-to-1 ratio). For extra power, add a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice (about a tablespoon) to the mix. If cleaning white shirts, use a natural oxygen bleach instead of white vinegar or lemon juice.
2. Apply the paste directly onto the stain and gently scrub using a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour (or up to overnight for stubborn stains).
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Launder as usual, preferably with a natural detergent and no synthetic fragrances.
6. Air-dry. Avoid the dryer until you know the stain is gone; heat can set the stain deeper.

Some common cleaning tactics can cause deodorant stains to become more severe and difficult to remove. Sokolowski advises avoiding hot water, as it can set in the stain, and skipping the dryer until the stain is fully gone. She also notes to follow the care labels on your shirt. Delicate fabrics like silk or wool will not react well to harsh scrubbing.