How to Get Sweat And Yellowing Out of Cotton
Body oils and salts that yellow fabrics over time.
Fresh Sweat And Yellowing stain on Cotton
Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
- Soak the stained area in white vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Rub in a paste of baking soda and water.
- Launder in the hottest water the care label allows.
- Air-dry and check before drying.
Don’t do this
- Do not use chlorine bleach on yellowed sweat stains — it can yellow them further.
Sources: Kair; University of Georgia Extension
Dried / set Sweat And Yellowing stain on Cotton
Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
- Soak the stained area in white vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Rub in a paste of baking soda and water.
- Launder in the hottest water the care label allows.
- Air-dry and check before drying.
Don’t do this
- Do not use chlorine bleach on yellowed sweat stains — it can yellow them further.
Sources: Kair; University of Georgia Extension
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Frequently asked questions
Is a fresh Sweat And Yellowing stain easier to remove than a dried one?
Almost always. Treat Sweat And Yellowing as soon as possible — dried stains need rehydrating and longer treatment times, and some stains set permanently with heat or age.
Should I test the treatment on Cotton first?
Yes. Always test any treatment in an inconspicuous area of the Cotton first, and check the care label before you begin.
Safety rules for every treatment
- Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
- Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
- Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
- Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
- Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
- Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
- Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
- Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
- Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
- When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.