How to Remove Sweat Stains: Tips and Guidelines

Perspiration is the body's way of cooling itself. What's not cool are the spots it can leave behind. Follow these tips to erase unsightly sweat stains.

The first step in removing sweat stains is to identify the stained material.

Below are the most common types of materials that can become sweat-stained, with steps on how to remove sweat from each:

Delicate fibers such as Acetate, Rayon, Silk or Wool
Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester or Spandex
Leather or Suede
Vinyl Clothing

Delicate Fibers

Follow these steps to remove sweat stains from Acetate, Rayon, Silk, Wool:

Sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the area with water, then follow with an application of wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia. (Take care when using ammonia on silk and wool.)
Cover with an absorbent pad moistened with wet spotter.
Let the pad remain in place as long as any stain is being removed.
Change the pad as it picks up the stain.
Keep both the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and ammonia.
Flush well with water and allow to dry thoroughly.

Washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove sweat stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex:

Try an enzyme presoak product and use according to package directions.
After soaking, launder as usual.
For older laundry stains, sponge area with a diluted solution of white vinegar and water, then launder.
If fabric color has changed, stretch the stained area over a bowl of ammonia so fumes penetrate while the spot is moist.
Prompt treatment of perspiration stains is necessary, as they can weaken most fibers. Caution: Never iron a garment with perspiration stains -- the heat will set them.

Leather or Suede

Follow these steps to remove sweat stains from leather or 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 with a clean dry cloth.
On leather only, follow with cleaners such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.

Vinyl Clothing

Follow these steps to remove sweat stains from vinyl clothing:

Wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added.
Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean cloth.