How to Remove Deodorant Stains

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D­eodorant may be designed to stop odors, but the si­ght of it can be less than pleasant. Whether it comes from exercise or from accident, it can ruin the appe­arance of many materials.

Here's how you can get rid of those embarrassing deodorant stains.

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After you identify the affected material, follow these steps to remove deodorant stains:

  • Non-washable fabrics such as Acetate, Burlap, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Cotton, Fiberglass, Linen, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate and Wool
  • Washable fabrics such as Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester and Spandex
  • Household surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic, Glass/Tile, Chromium, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Grout, lron, Linoleum, Marble, Masonry Tile, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile and Vinyl Wallcovering
  • Leather and Suede
  • Wallpaper
  • Wood

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Non-washable Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove deodorant stains from non-washable fabrics such as Acetate, Burlap, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Cotton, Fiberglass, Linen, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate and Wool:

  • Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with alcohol (dilute alcohol with 2 parts water for acetate, Rayon, and triacetate; test silk for colorfastness before using alcohol).
  • Keep both moist.
  • Allow to stand as long as any stain is being removed.

If the stain remains (and as a last resort):

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  • Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining materials and residue from stain removers) with a solution of warm sudsy water with a little ammonia added (use special care on silk and wool).
  • Rinse with clear water.
  • Apply a solution of warm water with a little white vinegar added, taking special care with this solution on cotton and linen.
  • Rinse again with clear water.
  • Dry thoroughly.

If the color of the fabric has been changed, it may possibly be restored by sponging (the method of using light strokes with a dampened pad working outward from the center of the stain) lightly with a solution of 2 parts water and 1 part ammonia.

Caution: Never iron material with a deodorant stain. The combination of chemical and heat interaction will ruin most fabrics.

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Washable Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove deodorant stains from washable fabrics such as Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester and Spandex:

  • Most deodorant stains can be removed by pretreating (the method of applying a stain-removing agent directly to the stained area before laundering) with a liquid detergent or prespotter.
  • Launder as usual.

If the stain doesn't seem to be loosening with the pretreatment:

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  • Rinse out the detergent.
  • Flush with white vinegar.
  • Rinse in clear water.

If the stain remains:

  • Flush the area with denatured alcohol.
  • Rinse with clear water.
  • Dry or launder as usual.

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Household Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove deodorant stains from household surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic, Glass/Tile, Chromium, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Grout, lron, Linoleum, Marble, Masonry Tile, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile or Vinyl Wallcovering:

  • Wipe the area with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
  • Rinse well.
  • Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

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Leather and Suede

Follow these steps to remove deodorant stains from Leather and Suede:

  • Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water.
  • Swish to create a great volume of suds.
  • Apply only the foam with a sponge.
  • Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
  • On leather only, follow with a leather cleaner or saddle soap to condition the leather.

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Wallpaper

Follow these steps to remove deodorant stains from Wallpaper:

  • Carefully wipe the wallpaper with a sponge dampened with clear warm water.
  • Do this immediately after staining the wallpaper, as deodorants can permanently stain the paper.
  • Strokes should be overlapped to prevent streaking.
  • Gently pat dry with a clean cloth.

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Wood

Follow these steps to remove deodorant stains from Wood:

  • Wipe spills or deodorant-sprayed area as soon as possible with a sponge or soft cloth dipped in mild sudsy water.
  • Wipe dry.
  • Apply wax or polish as needed.

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