How to Get Sweat Stains Out of White Shirts

A crisp white shirt is a beacon of professionalism and freshness. But after a particularly active day, your white shirt may have lost some of its luster… and even worse, may have sweat stains developing on it. From past experience, you know that sweat stains can be difficult to get out. Before you spend money on professional laundering or toss out your soiled white shirt, consider treating the stains yourself. Read on to find out how to get sweat stains out of white shirts using common household products.

Before we talk about treatments, the most efficient way to remove sweat stains from white shirts is address the stain immediately. If possible, do not let the sweat stains set in. After removing your sweaty shirt, rinse it or soak it in cold water. Rub together the soiled parts of the shirt. If the stains are gone, great! Wash your shirt with like colors as usual.

If you aren’t able to prevent the stains from setting in, check out these eight ways you can treat the stubborn stains with items from your kitchen or medicine cabinet.

1. Aspirin

What You’ll Need:

• aspirin
• water

Learning how to get armpit stains out of white shirts can be a real headache. Try using the aspirin on your shirts instead of your head! To use this method, crush two aspirin and dissolve them into ½ cup of warm water. Apply the mixture to the stains and allow to soak for 2-3 hours. Then wash the shirt as you normally would.

2. Dish soap

What You’ll Need:

• dish soap
• hydrogen peroxide

Dishwashing liquid is great for removing grease and dirt from from your pots and pans. However, when it comes into contact with hydrogen peroxide it takes on a new superpower: the ability to remove sweat stains from white shirts. Mix ½ cup of dish soap with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Pour the solution on the stained area of your shirt and scrub the stains. Allow it to sit for 60 minutes before you wash the shirt as usual.

The enzymes in meat tenderizer also help break down sweat stains.

3. Lemon

What You’ll Need:

• lemon
• water

When life hands you lemons, use them to your advantage to remove sweat stains from white shirts. Combine equal parts of warm water and lemon juice. Apply the mixture to the stains, rub the stained areas together and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes (or until the shirt regains it color). Then wash the shirt with like colors as usual.

4. Meat tenderizer

What You’ll Need:

• meat tenderizer
• water

You may think meat tenderizer is only good for one thing. But the enzymes in it also help break down sweat stains. To use, dampen the stained area with water and sprinkle with meat tenderizer. Then wash the shirt with like colors as usual.

5. Salt

What You’ll Need:

• salt
• water 

Salt is a staple used in cooking. Now it can be a staple in removing sweat stains from your white clothing. To use, dissolve 4 tablespoons of salt into 1 liter (or roughly 4¼ cups) of warm water. Soak the shirt in the mixture for up to an hour. Then wash the shirt with like colors as usual.

6. Vinegar, Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, Salt Concoction

What You’ll Need:

• white vinegar
• baking soda
• salt
• hydrogen peroxide
• water
• two bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

If you need to figure out how to clean sweat stains from white shirts, an easy DIY solution is to use vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and salt. Combine 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of warm water in large bowl. Soak your white shirt in the vinegar mix for 20 minutes. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Remove the shirt from the vinegar mix, and wring it out. Lay the shirt flat on a non-porous surface. Spoon the paste over the stained areas and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Wash the shirt with like colors as usual.

7. Vinegar

What You’ll Need:

• white vinegar

If you want to know how to get underarm stains out of white shirts with only one ingredient, opt for white vinegar. Simply pour white vinegar onto the stained area of your shirt and scrub thoroughly. Then wash the shirt with like colors as usual.

8. Vodka

What You’ll Need:

• vodka
• water
• clean spray bottle

Don’t let your sweat stains drive you drink. Instead use your booze to your advantage. Try this simple method using vodka to treat your sweat stains. Combine equal parts of water and vodka into a spray bottle. Liberally spray the mixture on the stained areas of your white shirt before you wash it with like colors.

The best way to deal with sweat stains is to prevent them in first place! Instead of becoming an expert on how to get sweat stains out of white shirts, wear an Ejis sweat proof undershirt to protect your white shirts. Our sweat proof undershirts act as a protective layer between your sweat and your shirts. They come in three colors, three styles and two fabric choices.

(Note: Some of these armpit stain removers may not be suitable for bright or dark colored shirts. When in doubt, test a small area in an inconspicuous place. Do not use vinegar on Ejis sweat proof undershirts.)