How to Get Rid of Stubborn Sweat Stains (Naturally)

Whether you’re a weekend athlete, parent to three, or generally just prone to perspire, sweat happens—but when laundry day comes around yet again, sweat stains shouldn’t slow you down. You might think you need a harsh detergent (those ones in bulky plastic jugs) to get them out, but with a few common ingredients (ones you probably already have at home), powerful natural detergent, and a plan, stuck-in sweat stains will be a thing of the past.

Why Does Sweat Stain Clothing?

Sweat alone doesn’t stain—it’s essentially just water and salt. It’s when sweat gets on your clothes, mixes with the sebum, bacteria, and dirt on your skin that it becomes an oily, more stain-prone solution. Add deodorant residue into the mix and you’ve got the perfect formula for a very tricky stain.

Does Sweat Stain Clothing Permanently?

Not necessarily—but the longer you wait, the harder it gets. Sweat stains can become permanent if they’re left untreated for too long or repeatedly exposed to heat (like from the dryer). Over time, those compounds can bond with fabric fibers and become increasingly difficult to lift.

But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. If you catch the stains early, avoid setting them with heat, and use natural yet effective stain-fighting methods, you can rescue most items. 

The other good news? Whether you’re trying to get sweat stains out of well-worn hats or your favorite shirt, there are fixes that are better for you—and the planet.

How to Remove Sweat Stains from Clothes

To effectively tackle tough sweat stains, it’s important to follow a few simple steps to break down the stain and leave your clothes looking fresh again:

Step 1: Soak

First things first, start a soak. It’s simple—mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a sink or bucket, drop in your sweaty clothes, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. Fun fact: white vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and odor neutralizer too—perfect for particularly sweaty workout clothes.

Step 2: Spot Treat

For any stubborn leftover stains, a little baking soda and water should do the trick. Mix a tablespoon or so of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste, and apply directly to the sweat stain—gently rubbing with a gentle medium like an old cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush. Much like white vinegar, baking soda is another natural fabric softener and odor eliminator in addition to a stain remover. Win, win, win.

Step 3: Wash

Once you’ve pre-treated your sweaty garments, give them a full refresh with our laundry detergent tablets. Gentle on the planet (they use a plastic-free formula!), but tough on stains, our detergent tablets work best in cold water. Just drop one tablet directly into the washing machine drum, start the cycle, and walk away. For larger or especially dirty loads, you can use two tablets. You might be wondering, “how effective are Blueland’s laundry tablets for stain removal and beyond?” Turn to our in-depth product guide for a closer look.

Step 4: Dry

Once the spin cycle is complete, it’s time to dry. If time, patience, and space allows, we’re very pro-air dry, especially with moisture-wicking athletic attire. However, life gets busy and the dryer is there for a reason—if you’re going to dry your clothes, throw a wool dryer ball in to help soften, absorb moisture, reduce static clean, and dry more efficiently. When the dryer buzzer goes off, you should be left with sweat stain-free clothes, all the more ready to get sweaty again.

Additional Tips for Treating Sweat Stains

Now that we’ve laid out the basic steps for sweat stain removal, here are three extra tips to keep in mind for tackling sweat stains effectively and ensuring your clothes stay fresh, clean, and stain-free.

Treat Right Away

The sooner you tackle sweat stains, the better the results. If you notice a stain forming, try to start the treatment process as soon as possible. The longer sweat sits on fabric, the harder it can be to remove. Start with an immediate soak, and you’ll have a better chance of completely removing the stain.

Avoid the Dryer

Heat can set stains into fabric, making them much harder to remove. If the stain persists after washing, treat it again and rewash before drying. Air drying your clothes is often the safest option to prevent setting stubborn stains. Again, if you're in a rush, opt for a low-temperature dry paired with wool dryer balls.

Choose Aluminum-Free Deodorants

Aluminum-based compounds in many deodorants can contribute to tough stains, especially around the underarm area. These compounds react with sweat, creating yellow stains on clothing. Switching to aluminum-free deodorants can help prevent these stains from forming in the first place. Plus, it’s a better option for both your skin and your clothes!

Sweat Stain Cleaning Solutions at Blueland

As summer heats up, sweat stains are practically unavoidable—but there are simple, effective ways to get rid of them.. With the right laundry routine and a few natural solutions, you can keep your clothes fresh and stain-free, without relying on harsh chemicals.

Make the switch to Blueland’s Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent for a clean that’s tough on stains but gentle on the environment. Shop now and discover more tips on how to handle common summer stains the sustainable way. 

Sources: 

• IOP Science. A novel washing algorithm for underarm stain removal

• National Library of Medicine. Deodorants and antiperspirants: New trends in their active agents and testing methods

• Sage Journals. Textile laundering and body odor: a comprehensive review