How to Get Sweat Stains Out of Workout Clothes
Train hard enough and your clothes will show it. Sweat can leave marks, stiff patches and buildup, especially around the collar, underarms and waistband. Here is how to clear them out without damaging your gear.
What causes sweat stains?
Sweat itself is mostly water, but it also carries salt and body oils. Mixed with deodorant and left to sit, that combination can build up in the fabric and leave marks. Light colors tend to show yellowing. Dark colors are more likely to show white, salty marks or stiff patches.
How to remove sweat stains
- Rinse in cool water as soon as you can after training. Hot water can help set stains.
- Pre-treat the spot. Gently rub a small amount of regular liquid detergent into the area with your fingers.
- Soak. Let the piece soak in cool water for about 30 minutes. Some people add a splash of white vinegar, which can help loosen buildup.
- Wash as normal. See how to wash workout clothes the right way.
- Air dry and check. If the mark is still there, repeat before it goes anywhere near a dryer. Heat can make stains harder to remove.
Fixes by stain type
- White salt lines on dark clothes: these usually rinse out with cool water. Soak for a few minutes, then gently work the fabric between your fingers.
- Deodorant marks: rub the area gently with a dry cloth or another part of the same garment first. Pre-treat and soak if it's still there.
- Stiff underarm patches: that's buildup. A longer cool soak with a splash of vinegar, repeated over a couple of washes, can help break it down.
- Yellowing on lighter colors: pre-treat and soak right away. Older yellow stains are much harder to shift.
Skip bleach on performance gear. It can weaken the fibers and discolor dark fabrics. Hard scrubbing can rough up the surface too.
How to prevent sweat stains
- Don't let sweaty clothes sit. Hang them up or rinse them right after training.
- Let deodorant dry before you get dressed.
- Skip softener and dryer sheets. They add to buildup. See can you use fabric softener on workout clothes.
- Choose darker colors. They hide sweat better while you train. See what color gym clothes hide sweat.
Gear that's easy to care for
The KYNOS Performance Tee is a quick-dry nylon, polyester and spandex blend in black, olive, blue and purple. The KYNOS FlexStride Jogger is 80% nylon and 20% spandex in navy, black and olive.
If your clothes are clean but still smell, see why gym clothes smell after washing.
Browse the full KYNOS men's collection.