A simple homemade paste can effectively tackle stubborn stains from white and light-coloured clothing
As summer draws to a close and temperatures begin to drop, the need to wear light, breathable clothing to cope with the British heat becomes a thing of the past. Yet after months of soaring temperatures, heatwaves and dry spells, you may find that some stubborn new stains have appeared on your garments.
Sweat stains can be particularly difficult to shift from white and light-coloured fabrics, as the oils from perspiration can cause unsightly discolouration. To tackle those unwanted, unpleasant-smelling marks, cleaning expert and TikTok creator Chantel Mila has shared her trusted three-ingredient solution.
Chantel wrote in the video’s caption: “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.
“This simple laundry trick helps break down that buildup and bring your whites back to life.”
How to remove sweat stains
In a bowl, combine half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of hydrogen peroxide. The baking soda works to brighten white fabric while neutralising any unpleasant odours, reports the Express.
The hydrogen peroxide serves to brighten and disinfect the clothing. Finally, Chantel incorporates one teaspoon of washing-up liquid into the mixture.
This addition is designed to target any oil-based stains that have become embedded in the fabric. Combine all the ingredients together until a loose paste is formed.
Using a stiff-bristled brush, apply the solution directly to the sweat stains and allow it to soak in for one hour. Once the time is up, place the affected garments in the washing machine and launder on a standard cycle.
Baking soda can boost the performance of detergents, helping to restore brightness to dull whites while also eliminating unwanted odours from clothing. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a natural bleaching agent, working to revive discoloured and lacklustre white garments.
It will also help to sanitise any clothing that may be harbouring bacteria. Clean Heart Maids noted that it is ideal for tackling 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.”
The addition of washing-up liquid to the solution helps to target oil-based stains, drawing them out from the fabric fibres.
To avoid discolouration in white clothing, specialists at Currys recommended checking the quantities of detergent and fabric softener used during each wash. They also cautioned against using a tumble dryer when treating stained garments.
Currys wrote: “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.”

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