How to Remove Sweat Stains From Clothes Naturally

Sweat stains from working out or working hard can quickly set in and ruin clothing if not treated.

However, synthetic-chemical-based stain removers are not the answer!

These products typically contain a toxic cocktail of VOCs, bleach, fragrance, synthetic surfactants, and other ingredients that can damage your body, clothes, and the environment.

Instead, reach for these 5+ human-safe alternatives to remove sweat stains from clothes quickly.

Here’s What You’ll Need

Removing sweat stains naturally can be a quick and easy process, provided you have the right tools and natural stain removers.

Here’s what you’ll need to complete the job quickly and efficiently.

Option 1:

• Branch Basics Concentrate
• Oxygen Boost
• A scrub brush

Option 2:

• Distilled white vinegar

Option 3:

• Baking soda

Option 4:

• Lemon juice
• Salt

Option 5:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Branch Basics Concentrate or Bathroom dilution

How To Remove Sweat Stains Using Branch Basics

Branch Basics’ all-in-one cleaning system is excellent for removing sweat stains…with no sweat.

Here’s how.

For white shirts:

1. Spray the stained area with Branch Basics All Purpose or wet the area with water and treat the stain with a few drops of straight, undiluted Branch Basics Concentrate.
2. Sprinkle Oxygen Boost on top and scrub the fabric together until it starts to get soapy, or use a scrub brush.
3. Let it sit overnight in water to cover while Branch Basics does its magic.
4. Launder as usual.

For colored shirts:

1. Spray the stained area with Branch Basics All Purpose or wet the area with water and treat the stain with a few drops of straight, undiluted Branch Basics Concentrate.
2. Sprinkle Oxygen Boost on top and scrub the fabric together until it starts to get soapy, or use a scrub brush to remove as much of the stain as possible.
3. Next, prepare a soaking liquid by adding 1 teaspoon of Branch Basics Concentrate and a half scoop of Oxygen Boost to a sink or water basin.
4. Soak overnight.
5. Launder as usual. If necessary, repeat.

For more stain removal instructions, visit our Stainmaster Guide.

 

Is Branch Basics Oxygen Boost Effective At Treating Stains? 

Oxygen Boost is one of our go-to MADE SAFE certified products for treating stains. 

Oxygen Boost works so well because it contains two effective and safe bleach alternatives:

• Baking Soda: Also known as sodium bicarbonate, this safe powder is well-known for its versatility as a natural cleaner, deodorizer, and stain remover, making it ideal for sweat stains.
• Sodium Percarbonate: Also known as oxygen bleach, this safe bleach alternative releases a mixture of oxygen, water, and washing soda when added to water, making it an excellent cleaning and laundry agent. It has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-algae, anti-mold, and deodorizing properties and is rated 1-2 for “low toxicity” on the Environmental Working Group database.

Learn more about how Oxygen Boost works in: The Cleaning Power Of Branch Basics Concentrate And Oxygen Boost.

How To Remove Sweat Stains Using Vinegar

If you’re looking for a DIY option for removing sweat stains, plain distilled white vinegar can work very well.

The natural acetic acid in vinegar has a mild bleaching effect and works as a natural deodorizer, fabric softener, and sanitizer.

Here’s how to use it.

1. Combine 1-2 parts vinegar with 3-4 parts water (make it more concentrated for tougher stains).
2. Rub onto the stain using a scrub brush.
3. Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone.
4. Launder as usual.
5. To remove the stain, you can also soak your shirt in a vinegar/water solution using the same ratio for about 30 minutes.

Related read: How To Clean White Clothes Without Bleach. 

How To Remove Sweat Stains Using Baking Soda 

Baking soda is a secret weapon for removing various types of stains and works well alone or combined with vinegar to remove sweat stains.

Here’s how to use baking soda to remove sweat stains naturally.

1. Make a paste with baking soda and water.
2. Rub the paste directly onto the stain using a scrub brush, working in a circular motion to remove as much of the stain as possible.
3. Repeat if necessary until the majority of the stain is gone.
4. Launder, as usual, checking to see if the stain is completely gone before drying. If not, repeat or try one of the other stain-removing options above.

Related read: Cleaning With Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): 12 Surprising Uses.

How To Remove Sweat Stains Using Lemon Juice + Water With Salt

The natural citric acid in lemon juice has a mild bleaching action and helps break up and dissolve stains naturally.

Salt is also a natural stain remover and mild scouring agent.

To use:

1. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water and spray on the stain OR soak the shirt in a 1:1 mixture.
2. Next, add a little salt to the stain (or any remaining stain if soaking) and agitate using a scrub brush.
3. Rinse to check for any trace of the stain, and repeat if necessary.
4. Launder as usual.

Related read: 6 Best Cleaning Products Without Bleach.

How To Remove Sweat Stains Using Hydrogen Peroxide

3% hydrogen peroxide can be used on sweat stains on white clothing. 

Since its natural bleaching action may discolor colored clothes, we recommend trying one of the other methods for colored shirts.

To use: 

1. Pour peroxide directly on the stain.
2. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Agitate to remove the stain.
4. Repeat if necessary.
5. Launder as usual.

If that’s not enough, you can combine 1 part peroxide with 2 parts natural dish soap or Branch Basics Concentrate or Bathroom Dilution.

1. Apply directly to the stain and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Rinse to check for any trace of stain and repeat if necessary.
3. Once the stain is removed, launder as usual.

How To Prevent Sweat Stains From Happening

Sweat stains result from salt mixing with protein from our skin and aluminum in conventional deodorant and antiperspirants.

Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent sweat stains is to switch to a safe, aluminum-free deodorant.

It will save your gym and workout clothes and reduce your heavy metal load, which is even more important in the long term!

Wearing undershirts or sleeveless shirts and opting for breathable, natural clothing instead of synthetic will also help prevent sweat and odors from building up and staining your clothes.

Ready to make the switch to safe deodorant? 

Check out: How To Detox Your Armpits And Switch To A Safe Deodorant for a full tutorial and product recommendations.

Toss the Toxins With Branch Basics

We hope this article has highlighted the often downplayed power of safe and natural products to remove tough stains.

Whether it’s sweat stains, red wine stains, grass stains, chocolate, or grease, Branch Basics has got you covered.

Our all-in-one Concentrate is MADE SAFE certified. It was designed as an alternative to replace every single conventional cleaning and laundry product in your home! Add in Oxygen Boost, and you’ll never need another stain remover again.

Start here to shop Branch Basics refillable Starter Kits (available in plastic or glass), which contain everything you need to clean and remove all types of stains.

To learn more about how Branch Basics works as a multi-purpose stain remover, check out our Stainmaster Guide.