In a nutshell: Key takeaways
Getting Sweat Stains Out of Clothes
This text looks at how to avoid sweat stains, but also how to get rid of them once they've appeared.
Annoying marks on clothes, fabrics, and upholstery can crop up for all sorts of reasons.
Body sweat as a cause of stains
Sweat's mainly a secretion that's over 90% water. But it also contains things like minerals and salts. And it's these very salts that react with the textile fibres when they get damp, which can lead to discolouration.
Skin grease as a cause of stains
To keep our skin supple and build up its natural protective layer, it's always got a light film of grease on it (sometimes more, sometimes less). When it comes into contact with fabrics, this grease can transfer to the material and then 'oxidise', or go off. This oxidation can then cause stains on your clothes.
Ingredients in deodorants as a cause of stains
Normal deodorants don't actually stop you from sweating, but they often contain substances that are meant to kill or reduce bacteria. This is to prevent that unpleasant sweaty smell, which is caused by these very bacteria. However, it's possible that the ingredients in the deodorant might not 'agree' with the fabrics, and this can lead to staining.
Avoid sweat stains with Everdry antiperspirants
Apply Everdry antiperspirants in the evening before you turn in for the night. They'll get to work by the morning. AND so you'll also avoid sweat stains caused by sweat and ingredients that certain fabrics might not take kindly to.
No sweating – no discolouration on fabrics
The simplest way to deal with sweat stains on clothes is... to not sweat in the first place! Easier said than done, you might think? But actually, it's as simple as that: everdry antiperspirant products are the answer! Regular use narrows your sweat pores, effectively and lastingly protecting you from dampness: your skin stays dry – you don't sweat!
What's more, these special deodorants also prevent bacteria from growing, reliably stopping nasty odours from forming: no unpleasant sweaty smell – you won't 'pong'!
Another bonus is that these anti-sweat products are made WITHOUT perfumes, colourants, and preservatives, so there's no chance of a reaction with your clothes from other ingredients. Fancy finding out more about antiperspirants?
Not really an "antiperspirant person"? No worries! In the everdry shop, you'll find loads of high-quality alternatives for dealing with sweat, sweat stains & sweaty smells. For example, have you come across our top-notch MANJANA® undershirts with built-in underarm protection? Or our underarm pads? No? Then have a browse in our everdry shop and discover the perfect products for you.
Useful household tips for sweat stains
Prefer to avoid chemical cleaners and rely entirely on the power of nature? Well, there are a few handy helpers here too that can safely get rid of unsightly sweat stains and unpleasant sweaty smells from your fabrics.
Tip 1: Vinegar
Sweat stains can be sorted out nicely with colourless vinegar or diluted vinegar essence. If you're using vinegar essence, make sure you mix it in a ratio of 1 part essence to 4 parts water. Then, soak the clothes in the vinegar for a few hours. You can even leave them overnight if you like. After that, rub at the sweat stain and wash as usual. You can happily use vinegar on coloured and delicate items too.
Tip 2: Citric acid
Citric acid is used for all sorts of things, like descaling coffee machines or kettles... and it's also good for getting rid of sweat stains. To use it, dissolve about 3-4 teaspoons of citric acid powder (you can get it cheaply in most chemists) in 1 litre of hot water. Simply soak the clothes, or just the stained bits, in it for a good while and then wash as normal. Citric acid is definitely safe for white clothes. For coloured fabrics, we'd recommend testing it on a hidden area first to make sure the colour doesn't run.
Tip 3: Baking powder
Why only use baking powder to whip up something sweet? You can also use its magic to remove stains. For tough, white clothes, like shirts and jumpers, baking powder can be used to tackle stains. Just sprinkle the powder directly onto the sweat stain after you've dampened it, and then rub it in. Leave it to work for a while, rinse it out, and then wash as usual.
If your mum's old remedies don't do the trick
1. Hygiene laundry additive
Antibacterial laundry additives are used instead of your regular detergent and keep clothes and washable fabrics fresh for longer. They're antibacterial and actively prevent bacteria, fungi, and viruses from spreading in textile fibres. Regularly treating your fabrics with these kinds of additives helps to stop stains and bad smells, like that unpleasant sweaty odour, from developing, and it also makes your clothes last longer. Not only is this type of laundry additive environmentally friendly, but it's also particularly kind to skin and suitable for allergy sufferers.
2. Chlorine-based cleaners
Chlorine-based cleaners are generally very effective for getting rid of stubborn stains. However, please be aware that these are strong products that can not only damage your laundry but also have a significant impact on the environment. Before you use them, read the instructions carefully and use these products very sparingly and with care. Chlorine cleaners are added directly to the washing machine along with your detergent. They're not suitable for delicate fabrics like wool or silk.
First published on: 12.05.2011
Updated: 27.05.2025

Content: 0.05 Liter (€378.00* / 1 Liter)

Content: 0.05 Liter (€398.00* / 1 Liter)
