The safest way to treat deodorant and sweat stains is based on the fabric and the stain remover used. Gently remove fresh residue, check the care label and test a product on an inconspicuous spot. There is no universal approach with cold water or liquid detergent that applies to every fabric.
Where do yellow marks come from?
Yellow marks form when sweat, deodorant or antiperspirant and the fibres of your clothing come together. Often the ingredients in the deodorant play a part, such as aluminium salts, which in combination with sweat leave a stiff, yellow deposit on the fabric. That is why you see it mainly on white and light clothing. The stain is often there long before you see it, and becomes visible after a few washes. The sooner you step in, the easier it is.
Step by step: removing deodorant stains
- Check the care label. Choose the maximum temperature and treatment permitted for the garment.
- Choose a suitable pre-treatment product. Use it according to the instructions and test first on a hidden spot.
- Keep to the prescribed working time. Leaving it longer is not automatically better.
- Wash the garment. Choose the temperature and programme on the care label.
- Check before drying. Still see a mark? Then repeat the treatment. A garment with a stain in the dryer is much harder to get clean.
What works for which fabric?
| Fabric | Approach | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Use a suitable product and follow the label | Finish and weave determine how much friction the fabric tolerates |
| Viscose and lyocell | Treat gently with a suitable product | Follow the product label and avoid hard scrubbing |
| Polyester with elastane | Pre-treat and wash at the temperature on the label | Do not use hot water |
| Bamboo and microfibre | Pre-treat carefully | Always follow the care label |
The rule above all rules: always read the care label first and test every product on an invisible spot, such as an inside seam. You can read more about symbols and temperatures on our care instructions page.
Examples from the wardrobe
Hamilton, Cordelia and Delphine all three have a maximum wash advice of 30 °C, but differ in construction and material. So do not treat deodorant stains based on the fibre name alone. For each product, follow the label and the chosen stain remover.
The Atticus polo in white (70% cotton, 25% polyester and 5% elastane) and the Ophelia polo in white in 100% lyocell can also discolour under the arms now and then. With lyocell, treat the spot gently: dab and rinse rather than rubbing hard. You will find more clothing in light shades in the collections blouses for Women and shirts for Men.
And if the stain has been there longer?
Older stains call for more patience. Let the garment soak for a few hours in lukewarm water with a splash of detergent, then pre-treat the spot again and wash it at the temperature of the label. Feel free to repeat this once or twice before giving up. If it does not help, a professional dry cleaner can offer a solution. Tell them it concerns sweat stains, then the cleaner knows how to tackle the spot.
White streaks on dark clothing
The opposite problem is a white deodorant mark on a dark blouse or polo. Dab the spot with a slightly damp cloth or gently wipe it away with a dry, clean hand. Do not rub hard, because then you push the residue into the fabric. Also let deodorant dry first before you get dressed: that prevents most marks.
What does the care label say?
The care label is your most important aid. It tells you what the maximum wash temperature is, whether you may spin and whether bleaching is allowed. Pre-treating is almost always allowed, but stay within the temperature of the label. If it says hand wash, then treat the spot by hand and rinse well. If it says nothing about bleaching, assume it is not wise.
What you had better not do
- Do not use a higher temperature than permitted. The right temperature differs per fabric and stain remover.
- Only use bleach if the label and the product allow it.
- Not in the dryer with a visible stain. Heat makes the result permanent.
- Not too much detergent. An overdose can leave residue in the fabric.
Which clothing needs extra attention?
White and light clothing show stains first, so that is where you start with prevention. Dark clothing shows yellow marks less, but sometimes leaves white deodorant marks. Pieces with a lot of elastane or a fine knit deserve gentler treatment than a sturdy cotton shirt. When in doubt, always look at the label and choose the gentlest method that still works.
How to prevent new stains
Let your deodorant dry completely before you get dressed. Do not use too much of the product, because a thick layer leaves more residue in the fabric. In summer, where possible wear a thin undershirt under a blouse, hang clothing up to air after wearing and do not leave white clothing unwashed for too long. That way white stays truly white, and your favourite blouse stays beautiful for years.
Shop the look
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, white
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck, white
Delphine: tailored blouse, white
Atticus: striped cotton polo, white
Ophelia: ribbed polo with quarter zip, white
Frequently asked questions
How do you get deodorant stains out of a white blouse?
Check the label, use a suitable stain remover and follow the recommended working time and wash temperature.
Why does white clothing turn yellow under the arms?
That is due to a combination of sweat and the ingredients in deodorant or antiperspirant, which build up in the fibres. It is mainly visible on white and light colours.
May I use chlorine bleach against yellow marks?
Only use it if both the garment label and the bleach allow it for the fabric in question.
May a garment with a deodorant stain go in the dryer?
Preferably not. First check that the stain is gone, because heat sets a remaining stain.
