How to Remove Deodorant Stains and Yellow Armpit Stains

White streaks on a black dress and yellow stains under the arms of white T-shirts are two of the most common laundry frustrations. They have different causes, so they need different fixes. Here's how to remove deodorant stains, from fresh white marks to set-in yellow armpit stains.

Quick answer: For fresh white deodorant marks, rub the fabric against itself, or wipe with a damp cloth, a dryer sheet or nylon tights. For yellow armpit stains, scrub in a paste of baking soda, dish soap and 3% hydrogen peroxide (whites only), let it sit an hour, then wash in the warmest water the fabric allows. Air-dry and repeat if needed.

Why Armpit Stains Turn Yellow

Yellow stains come mostly from aluminum compounds in antiperspirants mixing with sweat and body oils, building up over time. Heat from the dryer sets them further. Deodorants without aluminum tend to cause fewer yellow stains.

Quick Fixes for White Marks (On the Go)

Rub the stained area against a clean part of the same fabric.
Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth or baby wipe.
Rub gently with a dryer sheet or a balled-up pair of nylon tights.

Removing Yellow Stains from White Shirts

Method 1: Baking soda, peroxide and dish soap

Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon dish soap.
Test on an inside seam, then scrub it into the stain with an old toothbrush.
Let it sit for about an hour.
Wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
Air-dry and check before machine drying.

Use this on whites only: peroxide can lighten colors. Learn more in our hydrogen peroxide guide.

Method 2: White vinegar soak

Soak the underarm area in equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes, scrub with a little baking soda paste, then wash. Safe for most colors (test first).

Method 3: Oxygen bleach soak

For heavily yellowed whites, soak in an oxygen bleach solution for a few hours or overnight, then wash. Read How to Whiten Dingy White Clothes for more.

Colored and Dark Clothes

Use vinegar soaks or a gentle enzyme stain remover instead of peroxide.
Turn dark clothes inside out to wash.
Let antiperspirant dry fully before getting dressed.

What NOT to Do

Don't use chlorine bleach on armpit stains: it can react with sweat proteins and aluminum and make yellowing worse.
Don't put stained shirts in a hot dryer until the stain is gone.
Don't mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same container.

Prevent Deodorant Stains

Apply a thin layer and let it dry before dressing.
Consider an aluminum-free deodorant if yellowing is a problem.
Wash shirts after each wear in hot weather.
Pre-treat underarms regularly before washing.

Smell, Too?

Sweat odor can linger in synthetic fabrics. Read How to Get Rid of Sweat Smell in Workout Clothes. For hats with sweat stains, see How to Wash a Baseball Cap.

FAQ

Can old yellow stains be removed?

Often yes, but they may need several rounds. Very old stains on worn fabric might not fully disappear.

Does aspirin remove armpit stains?

Crushed aspirin paste is an old trick, but baking soda, peroxide and oxygen bleach are more reliable.