How to Get Rid of Deodorant Smears on a Dress

Deodorant smears on dresses are obvious and often embarrassing for women. White deodorant is especially distinct on black or other dark-colored dresses. In some cases, deodorant discolors fabric and ruins a dress’ appearance. However, this discoloration typically occurs when deodorant has set on fabric for long periods or is exposed to perspiration. The longer deodorant smears set, the more embedded in a dress’s fabric they become. Promptly remove deodorant smears from a dress using convenient techniques.

Dull knife
1/2 tsp. non-bleach dishwashing soap
1 tbsp. household ammonia
Bowl
Spoon
Clean cloth
Liquid laundry detergent
Washing machine
2 oz. oxygen bleach

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape off excess deodorant using a dull knife. Remove as much deodorant residue as possible.
- 2
  Pour 1/2 teaspoon of non-bleach dishwashing soap and 1 tablespoon of household ammonia into a bowl. Add 1 quart of lukewarm water to the bowl. Mix the solution.
- 3
  Soak the deodorant-stained portion of the dress in the solution for an hour.
- 4
  Blot the underside of the deodorant stain with a clean cloth. Remove as much deodorant as possible.
- 5
  Continue soaking the deodorant-stained portion of the dress in the solution for an additional 15 minutes.
- 6
  Rinse the deodorant-stained portion of the dress thoroughly with cool water.
- 7
  Saturate any remaining deodorant with liquid laundry detergent. Let the stubborn smear soak for five minutes.
- 8
  Launder the dress with 2 ounces of oxygen bleach. Follow the garment's care label concerning the appropriate washing cycle and water temperature.
- 9
  Let the laundered dress air-dry completely.

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