How to remove deodorant marks from bamboo clothing

Short answer: White streaks from deodorant are brushed off, while yellow marks need soaking. Yellow marks come from aluminium in the deodorant, not from sweat alone, and they settle into the fibres over time.

The white streaks

Dry white marks on the side of the shirt are deodorant rubbed off. They come off with a dry cloth or by rubbing the fabric against itself.

The yellow marks

Yellow marks in the armpit appear when aluminium binds to proteins from sweat. The longer they are left, the harder they are to remove.

Soak it

Put the shirt in lukewarm water with a little detergent for one to two hours, then wash it at 40 degrees. Repeat rather than raising the temperature.

No chlorine

Chlorine bleach breaks down bamboo viscose and makes yellow marks darker rather than lighter. Use an ordinary detergent.

Prevent it

Let the deodorant dry completely before putting the shirt on, and wash the shirt within a couple of days. See how to avoid yellow sweat marks on white t-shirts.

A vest helps

A layer between skin and shirt keeps deodorant and sweat away from the outer layer. See bamboo vest for men.

General washing

The rest of the rules for bamboo viscose are in the washing guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can yellow marks be removed completely?

New marks usually yes. Old, ingrained marks rarely go completely white again.

Can I use chlorine bleach?

No. Chlorine breaks down the fibres and often makes the marks darker.

Does washing hotter help?

No. High heat fixes the proteins. Soak and wash at 40 degrees instead.