How To Remove Antiperspirant Stains

Removing antiperspirant stains from clothing, upholstery or carpet can be difficult, unless you know the right steps.

This is especially true if the stain is old, so the sooner you treat it the better.

Below are step by step instructions for how to remove these stains, with the differences between how to remove old and new stains caused by antiperspirant.

The age of the stain is important in regard to clothing, in particular, because sometimes we don't realize these stains have occurred for a while, and more steps may be necessary to get them out then.

How To Remove An Antiperspirant Stain From Clothing

Step 1: Assess whether the stain caused by the antiperspirant is old or new. If it is old it will most likely have started to change the color of the fabric.

Step 2a: If it is an old stain, then you should apply white vinegar to the stain, and let it sit for approximately 30 minutes.

Step 2b: If it is a new stain, then you should apply ammonia to the stain, and let it sit for approximately 30 minutes. (Be sure to test the ammonia in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it will not damage the fabric.)

Step 3: Rinse either the vinegar or ammonia from the fabric and apply a laundry stain remover.

Step 4: Launder in the hottest water the fabric will allow to get out the stain caused by the antiperspirant.

Hint: Make sure the stain is gone after washing, but before you place in the dryer or you may set the stain. Repeat if necessary.

Alternative method: If this method above for stain removal does not work, you may also try an extended presoak for the clothing in hot water and oxygen bleach.

Removing Antiperspirant Stains From Upholstery

Step 1: Mix a solution of two cups warm water, one tablespoon dishwashing liquid, and one teaspoon of either vinegar or ammonia.

Hint: Do not use both ammonia and vinegar, just choose one, because if you combine them they will neutralize each other's stain fighting characteristics.

Make sure if you choose ammonia that you test, in an inconspicuous location, for color fastness. (Click here for more information on how to clean upholstery.)

Step 2: Using this solution, sponge the stains caused by antiperspirant with a clean white cloth.

Step 3: Next, blot at the solution until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Repeat steps 2-3 until the stain from the antiperspirant is removed from the upholstery.

Step 5: Now that the antiperspirant is removed you should get plain cold water and a new white cloth and sponge the area to remove the cleaning solution, and then blot dry.

Hint: Be sure to get the upholstery only as wet as necessary to remove the stain.

Step 6: If the stain still remains blot at the stain with rubbing alcohol.

Stain Removal Of Antiperspirant From Carpet

The instructions for removal of stains caused by antiperspirant from carpet is the same as for upholstery.

Recommended Antiperspirant Stain Removers

Perhaps you don't want to make your own stain remover, but instead want to use something designed to remove these stains.

Here are some articles and reviews on this site which discuss various products that are designed to remove these marks and stains:

Gal Pal As Deodorant Remover

Carbona Stain Devil #9

PitStop Underarm Stain Remover

You can also share your own stain remover reviews here for other removers that work on deodorant, or any other stain.

Do You Have Any Tips For Anti-Perspirant Stain Removal?

You can share your own tips for how to remove these stains here, or read other tips already submitted.

Get Even More Stain And Spot Removal Help Here

Are you a stain magnet like me? If so, check out the A to Z Stain Removal Guide which gives directions for how to remove over 100 types of stains from all kinds of surfaces.

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CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.