Stains on clothing can be very unsightly and give a sense of unhygienic conditions. They can even ruin a garment, rendering it unusable. Sweat stains are the most common, and they frequently appear on our everyday clothes. Caused when the body perspires, due to temperature changes, or physical exertion, knowing
how to remove sweat stains from T-shirts can save some of your favorites.
8 tricks to know how to remove sweat stains from T-shirts
Many
cleaning products on the market are designed to combat these specific stains. However, most don't take delicate fabrics into account, so
they are harsh on garments and may even be too harsh for your skin . Therefore, the best alternative for removing stains are
natural tricks , as they avoid the use of these types of detergents and bleaches.
Whiten with white vinegar
White vinegar is a highly recommended product for delicate garments. This is because it doesn't contain toxins that could damage clothing, and it also
produces a disinfectant effect . Furthermore, white vinegar is not only able to remove stains, but it also eliminates odors and makes fabrics softer. Simply let the garment sit for 15 minutes in water with half a cup of white vinegar before washing it normally and drying it in the sun.
Baking soda for grease and bad odors
Baking soda is one of the most effective remedies, as
it's excellent at combating grease and unpleasant odors , and also enhances the effectiveness of the detergent. Besides removing the stain,
removing the smell of sweat from clothes is equally important.
One of the most effective ways to apply it is with hydrogen peroxide: mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with half a glass of hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the stain. Simply rub gently and let it sit before washing traditionally for a unique result.
Hydrogen peroxide for non-recent stains
Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known remedy for helping to whiten clothes. In this specific case, it's ideal for
white garments with sweat stains that aren't recent and that look dry and yellow. Simply rub gently with a brush and let it sit for 15 minutes to work on the stain.
There are hundreds of chemical stain removers, but be careful with them because many are quite aggressive and can damage fabrics.
Salt, the least known
Perhaps one of the least used remedies, although it's also quite effective. There are several techniques that involve salt to help you remove sweat stains from T-shirts.
- The first technique involves mixing two tablespoons of salt with half a cup of alcohol and rubbing it into the stain, letting it sit for 30 minutes. If the stain is aggressive, you can repeat the process several times.
- The second technique involves soaking the shirt until it's damp, then applying salt to the stain and letting it sit for about 15 minutes. Once this time has passed, rub the stain gently and wash the garment as usual.
Lemon, a classic for everything
The natural components of many fruits are very helpful. In this case, lemon is especially valuable due to its citric acid, which is why it has become a very useful ingredient for cleaning with different variants:
-
Lemon and baking soda: This mixture is designed for those stains that often occur on the same garment. Simply apply the resulting paste and let it sit for 30 minutes.
-
Lemon juice: The easiest way to let the acid do its work is to squeeze the lemon and apply the juice directly to the stain. After letting it sit for a while, simply wash the garment with your usual detergent.
-
Lemon and hydrogen peroxide: Slice the lemon, place it in a container with the stained garment and a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for about an hour.
Aspirin
The fizz in aspirin is caused by salicylic acid, a component that many experts have found can be
very useful in brightening white clothes . It's also a very quick and easy remedy, as you only need to dissolve the tablet and spread the mixture on the discolored stain. After gently scrubbing with a small brush, let it sit for 10 minutes and wipe off any residue.
Baking soda, salt and vinegar
This is a
very effective mixture , but you need to know the procedure, as baking soda should not be mixed with vinegar. Therefore, you should first mix hot water with white vinegar, then let the garment sit for about 20 minutes. After this, use a paste made with baking soda and salt to gently rub the stain so as not to damage it, and then wash it normally. This formula is especially useful for
restoring color to the garment .
Sun exposure
This is a complementary method to all those described above. Sun exposure is very effective in helping to remove sweat stains from white t-shirts.
The sun's UV rays have natural bleaching properties that can help lighten sweat stains without the need for harsh chemicals. When you expose a white t-shirt
to the sun after washing it , the UV rays can help break down and dissolve the sweat residue that causes stains and odors.
Place the shirt in an area where it will receive direct sunlight. Make sure the stained area is exposed to sunlight.
Leave the shirt in the sun for several hours . The time required may vary depending on the intensity of the sun and the severity of the stain.
In addition to lightening,
the sun can also kill bacteria and microorganisms present in fabric, which can contribute to the unpleasant odor associated with sweat.
In conclusion, sweat stains on white T-shirts can be a challenge, but with the right tricks, they can be effectively removed and keep your clothes fresh and clean. From methods like baking soda and vinegar to sun exposure, each strategy should have its place in your cleaning arsenal.
Remember that on our blog we also tell you how to treat other specific stains, such as how to
remove blood stains from clothing or
urine stains from underwear .
