How to Actually Get Rid Of Deodorant Stains, From A Cleaning Expert

However, it's not impossible to rid those pesky marks in record time: If you've got a deodorant stain on your clothes that won't budge (or you want to be prepared for the next time this occurs), see below for the best expert tips and at-home treatments:

If you have the time, try to steam the stain beforehand: "This will help relax the material as well as the stain," Harris says. If you don't have a steamer, you can hang the garment next to a steamy shower. Then begin to rub in circular motions with the sheet. "You should see the stain easily begin to lift," Harris says. 

Finally, Harris explains, "Use a cloth, old toothbrush, or a laundry brush to gently scrub the stain." Follow up by washing the garment as you normally would with a trusty detergent. 

If you're constantly on the go, you may consider keeping a sponge with you. These dry sponges from Spa Sister are perfect for impromptu stain removal. Harris recommends keeping one or two of these in your purse for when you're in a pinch.

Instead of reaching for a wet towel, use one of the methods listed above. These remedies are sure to fight the stain without spreading or compromising the color of your clothing. 

If your issue is more to do with armpit and sweat stains, you may need something more intense. Just like vinegar, baking soda is another household DIY favorite. To make your cleaning concoction mix baking soda with splashes of water until it forms a paste. Then apply it directly on the the stain for several minutes (like 10 to 20 should do the trick!). Once the timer goes off, rinse the garment with warm water. Always spot treat first to make sure the mixture doesn't harm the fabric.

Now that you know how to get rid of any stains you currently have, allow us to suggest a few preventive measures for next time: 

So as for the clear part, look for deodorants with a plant-based propylene glycol or propanedial high up on the INCI list, as that should give you the sheer appearance and gel consistency you're looking for. These deodorants may also contain powders (like arrow root or tapioca powder) as supporting ingredients, but the overall formula is usually not as opaque white.

This one may seem like a given, but the small tweak can help limit white streaks left behind on your favorite pieces. As a rule of thumb: Put on your deodorant before doing your beauty routine. This way, your product will be fully dry by the time you get dressed. 

It might be tempting to toss your stained garment into the laundry bin and let it sit until wash day, but that may make matters worse. "The fresher the stain, the easier it is to remove," Harris says, so try to treat these marks soon after they happen. 

Rather than rubbing the stain with a wet towel, opt for a dryer sheet, dry sponge, or a vinegar bath. In the future, look for a no-transfer, natural deodorant and let it completely dry before dressing. Now, if it's sweat stains you're dealing with? That's an entirely different story.