How to remove deodorant marks from bamboo clothing
Short answer: White streaks from deodorant can be brushed off, while yellow marks need soaking. Yellow marks come from the aluminium in deodorant, not from sweat alone, and they settle into the fibres over time.
The white streaks
Dry white marks on the side of a top are deodorant that rubbed off as you pulled it over your head. They usually come off with a dry cloth or by rubbing the fabric gently against itself. Do not use water first, as it can make the residue clump and stick.
The yellow marks
Yellow marks in the armpit form when aluminium from deodorant binds to proteins in sweat. It happens slowly over many wears and washes. The longer the marks stay, the harder they are to remove. That is why it pays to act as soon as you notice the first yellow shade.
Soak it
Soak the top in lukewarm water with a little detergent for one to two hours, then wash it at 40 degrees as usual. If the mark is still there, repeat the treatment rather than raising the temperature. Hotter water can set the residue even harder and wears on the fabric.
Avoid bleach
Chlorine bleach breaks down bamboo viscose and makes yellow marks darker instead of lighter. It can also cause holes and weaken the fabric, so the top lasts less long. Use an ordinary detergent and be patient with repeated rounds. It takes longer, but the fabric can handle it and the mark fades each time.
Prevent it
The best solution is to avoid the marks from the start. Let deodorant dry fully before you put the top on, and do not use more than you need. Wash the top within a couple of days so residue does not settle. Read more in how to avoid yellow sweat marks on white t-shirts.
An undershirt helps
A thin layer between skin and shirt keeps deodorant and sweat away from the outer layer. The undershirt then takes the marks, and it is easier to wash often than a shirt or a jumper. Choose a model that sits close without feeling tight. See bamboo undershirt for men.
General care
Once the mark is gone, wash the top like the rest of your bamboo clothing. Use 40 degrees and a mild detergent, skip the fabric softener and let it air dry. Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that can hold on to residue. The other rules are in the washing guide.
Check before drying
Always check the armpits before the top goes on the rack. If there is still a yellow tinge, soak it again straight away. Heat from a dryer or a radiator can set the residue so it becomes much harder to remove. Air drying on a rack is the safest choice.
White and dark tops
On white tops the yellow marks show, while dark tops more often get white streaks. The treatment is the same, but on dark clothing it is especially important to brush the deodorant off dry before washing. Otherwise a greyish film can remain that shows clearly against the dark colour.
Change deodorant
If the marks keep coming back quickly, the deodorant itself may be the cause. Some types leave clearer marks than others because they contain more of the substances that bind to fabric. Try a different type for a while and see whether it makes a difference. It is an easy test that often solves the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Can yellow deodorant marks be removed completely?
Often yes, if they have not been there too long. Soak the top in lukewarm water with detergent and repeat the treatment a few times. Very old marks may stay, though.
Can I use bleach on bamboo clothing?
No. Chlorine bleach breaks down bamboo viscose and can make yellow marks darker. Use an ordinary detergent and repeat the treatment instead, so the fabric is not damaged along the way.
How do I avoid deodorant marks?
Let the deodorant dry fully before you put the top on, and wash it within a couple of days. An undershirt under your shirt also catches much of what would otherwise reach the outer layer.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
