Sweat stains on coloured clothes

Short answer: On coloured clothes, sweat and deodorant can leave light, dark or stiff marks. Soak the garment in lukewarm water with a little detergent, then wash it at 40 degrees. The sooner you act, the better the chance of getting the mark out.

Why the marks appear

Sweat contains salts, and many deodorants contain aluminium. Together they can affect the dye in one spot, so the fabric under the arm turns lighter, darker or slightly stiff. The mark usually builds up over several wears, which is why it is often noticed only once it has already set.

Soak it

An hour in lukewarm water with a little liquid detergent loosens most of it if the mark is fresh. Rub the fabric gently against itself with your fingers, but avoid scrubbing with a brush, which can wear the surface. Rinse well, then wash as normal. An older mark may need repeating a few times.

Not hotter

A higher temperature fixes the mark instead of removing it, because the heat sets the residue in the fibres. Stay at 40 degrees and repeat the treatment instead. Also avoid the tumble dryer until the mark is gone. More tips on temperature and detergent in the washing guide.

No bleach

Chlorine and bleach break down bamboo viscose and can make the mark more visible, because they also strip colour from the fabric around it. On coloured clothes they often leave a pale patch that cannot be undone. Use a mild detergent and some patience instead. Read more in stains on bamboo clothing.

Prevent it

Let the deodorant dry fully before you get dressed, and do not use more than you need. A thin vest under a coloured blouse catches sweat and deodorant before they reach the outer layer, and it is easy to wash often. See the styles in bamboo vest for women, available with and without sleeves.

Wash quickly

The sooner a garment is washed after wearing, the less the mark can set. Do not leave a sweaty top in the laundry basket for a week, but wash it within a couple of days. If you cannot wash it straight away, rinse the underarms in cold water and let the top dry before it goes in the basket.

See the range

Basics in calm colours are easy to keep looking good when they are washed often and gently. A t-shirt worn directly against the skin takes a lot of sweat and should be washed after every wear. See the basics in bamboo t-shirt for women, available in several colours.

Which colours are affected

Mid blue, grey and pale pastels show the marks most clearly, because both lighter and darker changes stand out on them. Very dark and very light colours hide them best. For warm days, the choice of colour can save you some worry. See also the styles in bamboo t-shirts for men.

Old marks

A mark that has been there a long time and washed hot many times is often there to stay. You can try soaking a few times, but accept that some marks will not disappear completely. The top can still be worn at home or as an inner layer under a jumper, where nobody sees it.

Frequently asked questions

Can sweat marks be removed from coloured clothes?

Fresh marks can usually be removed by soaking in lukewarm water and washing at 40 degrees. Old marks that have been washed hot many times often stay.

Can I use bleach on sweat marks?

No. Bleach breaks down bamboo viscose and strips colour from the fabric around the mark, so the patch often becomes more visible. Use a mild detergent and repeat instead.