How to Remove Deodorant Marks from Black Shirts

The Logic Verdict

My Take: I watched the DIY demo and it really is a two-part routine: bury the caked-on deodorant under dry baking soda so it can absorb oils and deodorize, then flood the area with distilled white vinegar so the paste foams and loosens the waxy film. The only “tool” they leaned on was a fingernail to squeegee the sludge away, followed by a normal wash and line dry. Start there before reaching for harsher spot removers.

The Science

Most stick deodorants leave waxes, talc, and aluminum salts on the fabric surface. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and alkaline, so it lifts powdery residue while neutralizing odor. When vinegar hits that soda you get carbon dioxide bubbles that physically lift softened wax from the yarns, and the acidic pH dissolves aluminum deposits. Letting the fabric air-dry after laundering ensures any remaining streaks stay visible so you can repeat the treatment if needed.

Step-by-Step Removal

1. Stage the shirt. Lay the black shirt flat on a counter you don’t mind getting damp. Slip a cutting board or towel inside so the vinegar doesn’t bleed through both layers.
2. Bury the streak in baking soda. Shake dry baking soda over the entire deodorant patch—more is better here—then massage it into the fibers with your fingertips. The powder starts wicking up oils and odor instantly.
3. Trigger the fizz. Pour distilled white vinegar directly onto the soda-coated stain. It will foam up; spread the liquid with your fingers so every chalky area stays wet for a minute or two.
4. Scrape the sludge away. While the paste is bubbling, drag your fingernail, a soft toothbrush, or an old gift card across the fibers. You’ll see gray goo lift off the shirt—keep wiping it onto a paper towel until the fabric looks clean.
5. Rinse and launder. Rinse the spot under cool running water, squeeze out the extra moisture, then wash the shirt on a regular cycle with your everyday detergent. Skip fabric softener for this load so nothing re-coats the fibers.
6. Air-dry and inspect. Hang the garment to dry. If you still see a shadow once it’s dry, repeat the baking-soda-and-vinegar treatment before you ever tumble-dry the shirt.

Parts & Tools

• Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (Amazon) – Gentle abrasive and deodorizer that loosens the chalky residue.
• Heinz Distilled White Vinegar (Amazon) – Provides the acidic lift that dissolves aluminum salts and powers the fizzing action.
• Plastic Scraper Set (Amazon) – Gives you a reusable edge if you don’t want to use your fingernails.

What NOT To Do

• Don’t scrape with knives or anything sharp—dark knits snag easily and damaged fibers hold onto residue.
• Avoid chlorine bleach or peroxide-based stain sticks on black fabric; they can leave lighter rings even if the deodorant comes out.
• Never tumble-dry until the stain is completely gone. Heat can re-bake aluminum salts into the cotton and make the buildup permanent.

Resources

• Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (Amazon)
• Heinz Distilled White Vinegar (Amazon)
• Plastic Scraper Set (Amazon)