To get deodorant stains out of shirts, follow these effective steps:
- Brush off any excess deodorant from the shirt.
- Turn the garment inside out and pretreat the stain by applying a paste made from laundry detergent (such as Tide Ultra OXI Powder) mixed with warm water, or by using a mixture of baking soda and water. For tougher stains, add dish soap or hydrogen peroxide to the paste.
- Gently rub the paste into the stain using a soft brush or toothbrush and let it sit for 5 minutes to an hour depending on the recipe.
- Wash the shirt in the hottest water recommended on the care label without rinsing off the pretreatment first.
- Check the stain after washing; if it persists, repeat the process before drying because heat can set the stain permanently.
Additional home remedies include applying lemon juice and salt, soaking the stain in white vinegar, or using crushed aspirin paste for white fabrics. Always test treatments on a small area first to avoid fabric damage or color fading. Dark clothes may require gentler methods (like brush-off and diluted vinegar) to avoid color loss.
