Sweat Stain Removal Guide

Below you will learn tips and techniques for sweat stain removal so you can remove these stains from clothing, and also from upholstery and carpet, with step by step instructions.

We've all been there -- you get out in the hot sun, or play a sport and you come back all sweaty.

While perspiration is good for your body, and helps keep it cool, it does not look so great on your clothing.

In addition, over time this bodily fluid can start to make a stain on those clothes, making them unattractive to wear.

Less common, but also a problem can be removing sweat stains from upholstery and carpet.

These types of marks can occur if you sit down on your couch or carpet while you are all sweaty.

Here are step by step instructions for removing stains caused by sweat and perspiration:

Sweat Stain Removal From Clothing And Washable Fabric

Step 1: Assess whether the sweat stain is old or new. If it is old it may have started to change the color of the fabric because of the acidity of the perspiration.

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

Please note that recently there's been some debate here on the site about whether vinegar actually works for these spots or not (click the link to read the discussion if you're interested).

Step 2b: If it is a new stain, then you should apply ammonia to it, 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.)

Hint: Do not apply both ammonia and vinegar to the stain at the same time.

Because vinegar is a mild acid, and ammonia is an alkaline solution, they will just neutralize the effectiveness of both if combined together.

Step 3: Rinse either the vinegar or ammonia from the fabric.

Step 4: Apply a laundry pretreater containing enzymes, or blot liquid laundry detergent containing enzymes onto the stained area and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Launder in the hottest water the fabric will allow to get out the spot.

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

Step 6: For really stubborn sweat stains you can also try relaundering with either chlorine bleach, if safe for the fabric, or color safe bleach if not, in the hottest water also safe for the fabric.

I've also gathered several home remedies and tips for removing these stains from clothing together, which you may find helpful (including several product recommendations from readers).

In addition, if you've got yellowing or sweat stains on the underarms of your bras, here are tips for removing that discoloration.

How To Remove Sweat Stains From Upholstery

Step 1: Mix a solution of two cups cool 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 colorfastness on your upholstery.

Step 2: Using this solution, sponge the spots or marks with a clean white cloth.

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

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

Step 5: Now that the spot 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.

Click here for more information on how to clean upholstery.

Removal Stain Sweat Tips For Carpet

In the unlikely event that you get sweat stains on your carpet the instructions for removal are the same as for upholstery.

Submit Your Own Tip For Removing Sweat And Perspiration Stains

Do you have your own perspiration stain removal tip? If so, submit your tip about removing perspiration 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.

Related Pages You May Enjoy

A-Z Removal Guide: Instructions For Removing Over 100 Types Of Stains

Removing Deodorant Stains

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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.