Sweat can often leave behind stains on light-colored clothing, especially bras. In most instances, using regular chlorine bleach will not get rid of the stains since sweat contains traces of minerals. Before you decide to discard your stained bras, you might want to clean them with several household products that you can find at home. Read further to learn how to remove stains from bras using some household products such as hydrogen peroxide, dish detergent, baking soda, lemon juice or color-safe bleach.
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Important considerations on the fabric
Eliminating sweat stains on bra can be a tricky ordeal. Although most want an effective treatment for the stains, it can be harsh but still gentle to avoid damaging the delicate fabric.
Before washing your bras, you might want to check out the fabric content. Rayon and acetate are quite delicate while nylon, Spandex, and polyester are quite durable. For the sturdier fabrics, you can wash them normally along with the addition of an enzyme pre-treatment. The enzyme pre-wash products typically contain protease which breaks down the proteins.
Steps on how to remove stains from bras using hydrogen peroxide
- It is recommended to use a basin or bucket to wash your bras. Simply fill the bucket or basin with cold water and laundry detergent. Add 3% hydrogen peroxide to the bucket and combine thoroughly. This technique works best for wide stains and the 3% hydrogen peroxide can be utilized on any bra, whether it is white, patterned or solid colored.
- Add the sweat-stained bras into the solution and gently swirl around. Make sure that each bra is completely soaked and leave in place for an hour or longer.
- Rinse the bras under cool water. Avoid wringing out the bras but gently press the water out of it. You can also try rolling the bra in a towel to remove the excess water.
- Hang the bras under the sun. Take note that the sun is an excellent bleaching agent and will get rid of any lingering stains. Avoid using a dryer on your bras since this can damage the fabric including the elastic and underwire, leaving your bras misshapen.
How to use baking soda
- Prepare a thick paste of water and baking soda. Apply this paste on the stained areas thoroughly. This technique can be used on white, patterned or solid colored bras. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that is ideal for textured fabric as well as removes the odor.
- Leave the bra under the sun for a few hours. This allows the baking soda enough time to get rid of the stain.
- Carefully remove the paste from the bra before washing. This will prevent the build-up of gunk on your washing machine or sink.
- Washing the bra will remove any leftover paste and ensure that they are fresh. Avoid wringing out the bra but simply press gently to get rid of the excess water. You can even roll the bra gently in a towel to remove the excess water.
- Allow the bra to dry under the sun. As a bleaching agent, the sun will remove any leftover stains.
How to use lemon juice
You can also use lemon juice to eliminate stains on your bra. Let us take a look at the steps.
- Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon into a bowl. Add an equal amount of cold water and mix the solution thoroughly. This technique is recommended for white bras and can cause further stain on colored fabrics.
- Rub the solution on the stained area. Make sure that the entire stain is fully saturated. You can use an old toothbrush to rub the solution into the fabric.
- Allow the solution to soak for up to an hour. This allows the solution to saturate into the fabric and remove the stain.
- Wash the bra as usual. Avoid wringing out the bra but carefully press the excess water out. An option is rolling the bra in a towel to get rid of the excess moisture.
- Hang the bra out under the sun to dry. As a bleaching agent, exposure to the sun can get rid of any lingering stains.
How to use dish detergent
- Add a small amount of liquid dish soap on the stained area. Any dish soap that you are using will work. This is suitable for white bras only.
- Rub the dish soap into the stain, making sure that the stain is completely saturated, including the edges. Use an old toothbrush to brush the soap into the fabric.
- Wash the bra in cold water. Add mild laundry detergent to help eliminate the soap. You can wash the bra again to ensure that both the soap and detergent are completely washed out.
- Allow the bra to dry under the sun.
How to use color-safe bleach on sweat-stained bras
- Pour color-safe bleach directly on the stained area. Make sure that the entire stained area is covered inside and out. Rub the bleach into the fabric or use an old toothbrush. Color-safe bleach can be used on white, solid-colored or patterned bras.
- Leave in place for a few minutes. This will allow the bleach enough time to break down the stain and get rid of it. You have the option to leave the bleach on for up to an hour if the stains are stubborn.
- Wash the bra normally with detergent to eliminate the bleach and the stain. Avoid wringing out the bra but press gently to get rid of excess moisture.
- Leave the bra under the sun to dry.
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How do you get deodorant stains out of a black bra?
For those who are using black bras, they are likely to end up with deodorant stains. One way to avoid these stains is to use a clear gel deodorant but for those who prefer using white roll-on, it will require some scrubbing to get rid of the streaks they leave behind. Let us take a look at steps on getting rid of deodorant stains.
- Prepare a thick paste with a tablespoon of oxygen powder and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Use an old toothbrush to brush the paste on the stained area. Dab on a substantial layer to cover the stain on both sides. Leave the paste in place to saturate the stain for 15-30 minutes before laundering the bra.
- With a basin or sink filled with enough lukewarm water, submerge the entire bra. While the water is still running, add a tablespoon of mild laundry detergent.
- Immerse the bra in the foamy water and swish it back and forth. Scrub on the stain while the bra is being submerged. Continue scrubbing until the stain is completely removed. In case the fabric is delicate or lacy, scrub carefully.
- Hang the bra to air dry.
When it comes to deodorant stains, they must be treated right away. The longer the stain is left to set on the fabric, it will be harder to remove.
How do you get sweat smell out of bras?
Regularly washing your bras and providing them a day or two of rest in between uses will help prevent odor. For those who are sweaty, it is recommended to air out the bra before placing in the hamper so it has enough time to fully dry. You must also make sure that your bras are fully dry after washing. Avoid putting them away or wearing them while still slightly moist or damp.
In case your bra has a stinky odor, there are ways to neutralize it. One is to spray vodka or diluted vinegar on the smelly spots and allowing the bra to air dry. Another approach is to use liquid castile soap on stubborn odor. Since it is a concentrated soap, use a minimum amount and rinse the bra thoroughly.
How often you should wash your bra
Although it is recommended to wash your bras every 3 to 4 uses, a complete answer can be complicated.
Bras are items that are worn directly on the body. Due to this, they should be washed on regularly. If it is not washed after every 3 to 4 uses, it will start to accumulate oil, dirt, bacteria, and sweat that comes off the body.
Final thoughts
When it comes to stains on bras, especially from sweat, it must be dealt with right away to prevent it from setting as well as producing odor. With the techniques discussed on how to remove stains from bras, it will ensure that your bras are clean and stain-free.
