As summer ends and temperatures drop, light and breathable clothing becomes less necessary. However, months of heatwaves and dry spells may have left stubborn new stains on garments. Sweat stains are particularly hard to remove from white and light-coloured fabrics, as perspiration oils cause unsightly discolouration.
Three-ingredient solution from cleaning expert
Cleaning expert and TikTok creator Chantel Mila shared a trusted three-ingredient solution to tackle these marks. In the video's caption, she explained: "Did you know those yellow sweat stains aren't actually just sweat? They're caused by a mix of sweat, body oils + the aluminium found in many antiperspirants, which can build up in the fabric and leave those stubborn yellow marks."
She added: "This simple laundry trick helps break down that buildup and bring your whites back to life."
How to apply the paste
In a bowl, combine half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of hydrogen peroxide. The baking soda brightens white fabric while neutralising unpleasant odours. The hydrogen peroxide brightens and disinfects the clothing. Finally, add one teaspoon of washing-up liquid to target oil-based stains embedded in the fabric. Mix all ingredients until a loose paste forms.
Using a stiff-bristled brush, apply the solution directly to the sweat stains and allow it to soak for one hour. Then place the garments in the washing machine and launder on a standard cycle.
Why the ingredients work
Baking soda boosts detergent performance, restoring brightness to dull whites and eliminating odours. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a natural bleaching agent, reviving discoloured white garments and sanitising clothing that may harbour bacteria. Clean Heart Maids noted it is ideal for stubborn stains, explaining: "When applied to stains, it releases oxygen, which breaks down the chemical bonds in the stain's molecules. This reaction lifts the stain, making it easier to wipe away."
Specialists at Currys recommended checking detergent and fabric softener quantities to avoid discolouration in white clothing. They also cautioned against using a tumble dryer when treating stained garments, writing: "If you've got whites that have yellow stains, don't tumble dry. Always air dry. The simple reason is that the heat from the tumble dryer will simply lock in stains even more."
