Before treating sweat stains, check the garment’s care label and the directions on the laundry product you plan to use. Fabric, dyes, finishes and trims can affect which treatments are appropriate.
Start With the Labels
Use a laundry product only as directed for the garment. Follow its instructions rather than adding ingredients or extending a treatment on the assumption that more will work better. For delicate, valuable or dry-clean-only clothing, ask a professional cleaner before treatment.
Avoid Homemade Chemical Mixtures
Do not mix vinegar with hydrogen peroxide or layer one over the other on clothing. Do not add peroxide or other cleaners to a laundry product unless its directions specifically call for that use. This article does not recommend a homemade stain-removal recipe.
Protect Yourself and the Garment
Avoid contact with skin and eyes and do not ingest cleaning products. Follow each product’s precautions. Check the garment care label and product directions for warnings about bleaching, color changes and unsuitable fabrics. Scrubbing or treatment can damage a garment; do not assume that a method is appropriate for every fabric.
If the Stain Remains
Check the product’s instructions before repeating treatment. A persistent stain is not a reason to combine chemicals. If you are unsure what the fabric can tolerate, consult a professional cleaner.
