How To Get Sweat Stains Out Of Bras
Real talk: Boob sweat is common, and the struggle is real. Especially for women with larger busts, this tends to be a top place for perspiration to collect, and it can make for some major laundry challenges. Of course, it’s an uncomfortable situation. But furthermore, what could be more frustrating than your favorite white T-shirt bra or nude plunge bra having some sweat stains on it?
Removing sweat stains may be challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. In fact, there are several highly effective ways to get rid of these pesky stains.
In this guide, we’ll cover the various methods so you can get your go-to bras back into prime shape.
Treat
One of the most powerful ways to get rid of sweat stains is with a combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. hydrogen peroxide is an excellent solution for your colored and patterned bras because it can lift stains without leaching dye from the fabric. Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a paste, and spread it over the stains. Or, if you don’t have hydrogen peroxide, note that baking soda is a mild abrasive and may also be able to dissipate stains on its own — plus, as an added bonus, baking soda works wonders in terms of eliminating odors. Leave the paste on the bra for at least an hour to set, and once it’s dried, gently peel the paste off the fabric and hand wash the bra with lingerie detergent. You might also add a dash of hydrogen peroxide in with the detergent if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain.
You may be tempted to reach for some bleach, but the unfortunate reality is that this very often isn’t effective. That’s because sweat has traces of minerals in it that chlorine bleach simply won’t dissolve. On top of that, chlorine bleach is extremely harsh, so it can do some serious damage to the delicate materials on a bra.
If you’re dealing with a white bra, you can also try applying a little bit of dish soap to the stain. Think about it: dish soap is meant to remove tough grease from your plates, so it’s often strong enough to remove sweat stains from fabric as well. Be sure never to use this method on colored bras, as it could compromise the dye, causing it to fade or bleed.
Of course, you can also rub color-safe bleach onto the stains (its active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide). Let it sit for up to an hour to break down the stains before rinsing it out.
Related: Bra Care 101: How To Wash Bras
Wash
When it comes time to wash the bra, make sure to rub some detergent directly onto the stain, completely saturating it. Be careful about rubbing the fabric too vigorously so as not to damage the fibers. Then, place the bra in a tub, sink, or basin of cool or cold water.
Let the bra soak for at least 30 minutes. You may find that you need to repeat this process of applying detergent and soaking again.
Finally, rinse the bra until the water runs clear.
Dry
Whatever you do, don’t wring out the bra. Instead, place it between two towels to eliminate excess water. Avoid hanging the bra by its straps, as this can stretch them out. Instead, lay them flat to dry or hang them over a drying rack by the center gore.
Did you know that the sun is a natural bleaching agent? Consider drying your bra for several hours outside on a sunny day. Some final tips for success: Always take a peek at the care tag on your bra to see what it’s made out of because some fabrics (like rayon) are far more delicate than others (like polyester and nylon, which are relatively sturdy). It’s best to treat and wash your bra as soon as possible when you notice any sweat stains. The longer you leave them on, the less likely they are to come out. Also, try not to scrub your bras too aggressively, no matter how bad the stains look — doing so could break down the elastic, compromise the shape of the cups or underwire, or otherwise damage the bra.
Related: 6 Laundry Tips That Will Make Your Bras Last Longer
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
