Natural and non-toxic deodorants like SONDR are a fantastic option for staying fresh without exposing your skin to harmful chemicals. But if you’ve made the switch, you may have encountered an unexpected issue: deodorant stains on your favourite clothes. So, why does this happen, and more importantly, what can you do about it?
In this blog post, we'll dive into why even the best natural deodorant can stain clothes and share some tips on how to prevent and treat these stains.
Why Does Natural Deodorant Stain Clothes?
Natural deodorants are free from chemicals like aluminum, parabens, and other harsh chemicals, making them a healthier option for your skin. However, the ingredients that make them so good for you can also cause staining. Here’s why:
1. Oils and Butters:
Many aluminum-free deodorants are formulated with nourishing oils like coconut oil or shea butter. While these are great for moisturizing your skin, they can also leave oily residues on fabric, especially lighter materials.
2. Sweat:
Without aluminum blocking your sweat glands, natural deodorants allow your body to sweat naturally. While this is healthier for your skin, your body chemistry, aka sweat can react with certain deodorant ingredients, leading to discolouration over time. Thanks to each person's unique body chemistry, some people may never experience it, some, after prolonged use, while others will notice this darkening after only a few wears.
How to Prevent Natural Deodorant Stains
1. Apply Sparingly:
Less is more when it comes to natural deodorant, especially SONDR! A small amount goes a long way, so avoid over-application. Too much product can sit on your skin and transfer to your clothing, leading to stains.
2. Allow Time to Dry:
After applying your natural deodorant, give it a few minutes to absorb into your skin before getting dressed. This helps prevent the oils and other ingredients from immediately transferring onto fabric.
3. Choose the Right Fabrics:
Unfortunately, the clothes we often sweat in the most; synthetics like nylon, spandex and polyester, are also the most likely to stain. If you are able to opt for natural fibres like hemp, cotton or bamboo, this is your best bet to avoid stains.
4. Pre-Treat Stains Early:
If you notice a stain forming, treat it as soon as possible. The longer it sits, the harder it is to remove.
How to Remove Natural Deodorant Stains from Clothes
Ok, but who actually wears hemp or 100% cotton to work out? For those of us who opt for stretchy leggings or moisture wicking t-shirts, here's how to easily get rid of stains.
1. Nellie's Wow Stick *OUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE*:
Made with natural ingredients, the Wow Stick Stain Remover is easily our favourite way to easily and quickly brighten up the underarms of our workout gear. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3 (... 4, 5)! 1) Fill a sink with warm water & submerge your garment
2) Rub the Wow Stick on the affected area of the wet garment 3) Gently rub the garment together for a few seconds. You'll see a slight lather. 4) Quickly rinse in the garment in the water before 5) Tossing that shirt in the wash with your other clothes!
2. Baking Soda and Water Paste:
Create a thick paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing the garment in cold water. Baking soda helps break down the oils that cause stains.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide:
For white or light-colored fabrics, hydrogen peroxide can be a great stain remover. Apply a small amount to the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then wash the garment. Be cautious using hydrogen peroxide on darker fabrics, as it can bleach the color.
4. Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and works well on white clothing. Apply lemon juice directly to the stain, let it sit in the sun for 15 minutes, and then wash as normal.
For tips on how to get old sweat smell out of your clothes, check out this blog post!
Concerns over staining are no reason to not make the switch to a healthy deodorant like SONDR! Now you have a healthy, effective deodorant, and no dull, dark armpit stains! We're just over here, removing every single obstacle to Make Clean Mainstream!