Removing deodorant stains from clothing can take a lot of work, and there seems to be no one definitive method that all agree will work. In all cases, it's best to test any method on a small, unseen part of the clothing before trying it on the stains. Some fabrics may be more vulnerable to detergents, bleaches, or ammonia.
In almost all cases, it's best to treat the deodorant stains as soon as possible. This is because the stains will set, and you have a better chance of removing them sooner than later. One method advocates taking a pair of stockings or nylons and rubbing the stains. This is a safe method to try on just about any fabric, since it will not harm the material.
Others suggest washing the garment inside out to remove the stains. Direct exposure to the agitation of the machine can often help get the deodorant out. This method cannot be used with fabrics that must be hand washed or dry-cleaned, however.
Some cleaning experts suggest rubbing the deodorant stains with a paste made from baking soda, or using whitening toothpaste and allowing the fabric to sit overnight. Many detergents may also contain whitening agents that will effectively remove stains. On dark clothing, however, this method may cause the fabric to discolor.
Many people swear by the vinegar method, which involves applying vinegar to the stains and letting the garment sit overnight in a vinegar and water solution. Use white vinegar, and not wine, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, and do not mix vinegar and baking powder, as this can cause a messy chemical reaction.
Some people say if the deodorant stains are treated soon enough, the best method is to use a commercial stain remover. This again should be used with caution on delicate fabrics. Many feel that a stain sick, similar in look to a deodorant stick, is better than spray stain removers.
If you notice marks on clothes that must be dry cleaned, be sure to point these stains out to the dry cleaner and get the garment to the cleaners as soon as possible. Sometimes, dry-cleaning will remove a stain.
There are many other suggestions for stain removal, and you may need to experiment with several methods before finding the best one. To avoid stains in the future, look for antiperspirants or deodorants that are advertised as non-staining.
