How to Get Sweat Stains Out of Clothes | Lyrebird Laundromat
Introduction
Few laundry problems are as annoying as sweat stains. The yellow marks you see under the arms of shirts aren’t just from sweat—they come from a reaction between antiperspirant aluminium compounds and the proteins in sweat. Over time, this build-up can leave clothes discoloured and smelly.
The good news? With the right pre-treatment and wash routine, you can restore freshness and keep your clothes looking sharp.
Step 1: Pre-Treat the Stain
Start with a quick paste treatment:
- Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
- Apply directly to the stained area.
- Let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Baking soda helps break down the stain and neutralise odour at the same time.
Step 2: Soak with Vinegar
- Fill a basin with warm water.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Soak the garment for 30 minutes.
Vinegar loosens the chemical bond in sweat stains and tackles bacteria that cause odour.
Step 3: Wash in Cold Water
- Use a cold wash cycle with mild detergent.
- Avoid hot water—heat can set stains permanently.
At Lyrebird Laundromat, our Speed Queen washers with auto-dosing detergent ensure the right balance for fabric care and stain removal.
Step 4: Air-Dry First
- Always air-dry before using a dryer.
- Heat from tumble drying can “lock in” stains that haven’t fully lifted.
Once you’re sure the stain is gone, you can safely use a medium dryer setting.
Step 5: For Lingering Odours
Sometimes sweat smells remain even after a wash.
To banish them:
To banish them:
- Soak again in vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Try an enzymatic cleaner (available at most supermarkets) to break down proteins and oils in sweat.
- Sun-dry outdoors when possible—UV light is a natural odour fighter.
Prevention Tips
- Switch to aluminium-free deodorants to reduce yellowing.
- Let deodorant fully dry before dressing.
- Use undershirts to protect outer layers from sweat build-up.
Fresh Clothes, Made Simple
Sweat stains don’t have to ruin your favourite shirts. With a quick pre-treatment and a proper wash at Lyrebird Laundromat, you’ll keep fabrics looking fresh and odour-free.