Deodorant stains? Here’s what to do…

posted in: Deodorant 0

It’s a fact of life for most of us. We’ve all seen the yellow pit stains on our white shirts at some point during our lives. Annoying? YES. But what’s the alternative? Body odor…? Both seem socially offensive…and mortifying!

Enter the age of natural deodorant. This amazing product no longer gives a hue of yellow, but now we seem to have another issue. Some fabrics and colours will darken when wonderful ingredients such as coconut oil and beeswax absorb into them. A frustrating occurrence, but do not throw the garment away. We would like to give some advice if you have found yourself with deodorant stains.

First, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Always ALWAYS apply sparingly and apply as directed after a bath or shower when your pores are open so that the deodorant will absorb into your skin. When applied like this, and given a chance to soak in before you put a shirt on, the deodorant will virtually disappear, creating an undetectable layer of protective amazingness. Also, be conscious of how warm the stick is. When using a coconut oil based deodorant such as this, you’ll soon realize that it can change consistency with temperature. So remember that if it’s summertime and your bathroom cabinet or bedroom is warmer than usual, so will your deodorant. This means that the stick will be softer and likely to apply thicker, causing excess product that will be mopped up eagerly by fabrics that lie in close proximity. It is worth noting here to never leave your deodorant stick in a hot location, such as your car in summer or beach bag on hot sand. You may find deodorant soup when you return!

Too late to prevent? Well, stains happen to everyone. If you have a stain from the deodorant, remember that it’s coconut oil. Dish soap is great for breaking up food oils. You can apply a few drops and work it in with a little warm water to the affected fabric, followed by a hot wash with your favorite detergent. Be sure to mind the washing instructions for the particular fabric if it’s a delicate piece.

Baking soda and a little water can also be used as a pre-soak by applying it as a paste to the stain and allowing it to sit for 15 minutes before tossing in the wash. Again, be sure to read the garment care instructions, and test in an inconspicuous area if you are unsure of the fabric. Murphy’s Law seems to apply stains most firmly to the fabrics that require the most delicate washing. Refer as often as possible back to methods of prevention in this case.