OK, it's not the prettiest issue, but we've all had clothes that have been dirtied by sweat stains. And, we've learned that it's the type of stain that becomes harder to remove if it's left untreated over time. So, more often than not, throwing a seriously sweat-stained shirt in the washing machine just doesn't cut it. But, it's not impossible to clean. Here's what you'll need to know about removing sweat stains from your clothes.
Our sweat contains a compound called urea, which causes the sweat to yellow on our clothing. While deodorants obviously help, many also contain aluminum, which mixes with the sweat and causes those white stains on dark clothing. To get rid of these, start by running the stained area under water. Next, make a paste out of four tablespoons baking soda and a quarter-cup of warm water. Slather a generous amount of the paste on to the stained area, and let the paste absorb by gently rubbing your shirt together. Then, let the paste sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse and machine wash as usual.
If the stain remains, crush up three aspirin pills and mix the powder with a half-cup of warm water in a shallow bowl. Aspirin contains salicylic acid that works similar to acetic acid found in vinegar, which can also be used to remove stains. Submerge the stain in the mixture and let it sit for two to three hours. Then, wash as per usual.