Say Goodbye To Deodorant Stains: This Dryer Sheet Hack Saves Clothes In A Pinch

Few things are more annoying than catching a glimpse of white deodorant smudges on your shirt in the mirror right when you're running out the door. Whether it's on a black dress, a favorite T-shirt, or your go-to workout set, those chalky marks are unsightly and instantly make your outfit — and by extension you — look unkempt. While your first instinct might be to change clothes or grab a damp cloth, there's actually a much easier fix hiding right in your laundry room: a dryer sheet. Yep, the very same dryer sheet that keeps your clothes soft and static-free, bests many of the easy ways to remove stubborn deodorant stains from your laundry.

This quick trick costs nothing, works on the go, and doesn't require any fancy cleaning products or water. It works because dryer sheets are slightly textured and still contain softening agents — albeit not a lot — that help loosen and grab the chalky particles of traditional deodorant residue.  A used one is ideal for this hack because the tumbling action and heat of the dryer change its texture. They still create just enough friction to buff out rather than spread the stain, but are soft enough to use on delicate fabrics and won't leave behind any residue of their own. As an added bonus, any fragrance left in the dryer sheet will leave your clothes smelling fresh.

The first step is to stop tossing those used dryer sheets in the trash after doing the laundry. Collect them in a snap-lock container or sealable bag. Then, when you next get a deodorant stain, all you'll need is your clothing item and a single used dryer sheet from your stash. Lay the shirt or dress flat on a clean surface. Take your used dryer sheet and gently rub it over the white deodorant mark. The residue should begin to lift and fade almost immediately. Continue rubbing in a circular motion until the mark completely disappears. You don't need to press hard — light pressure and a few passes over the stain with the sheet should do the trick.

Maybe you've read about why you should place a few dryer sheets in your garage (hint: they keep mice away). It doesn't hurt to keep a few used dryer sheets in your entryway console, car, or purse for deodorant emergencies, too. If you're in a real pinch and don't have a used sheet one handy, you can try wetting your dryer sheet with water or household vinegar to get a similar — or, arguably, even better — result. Alternatively, if you're at home, you could try removing deodorant stains from your clothes with a wardrobe essential, tights, or simply place the item in the laundry basket and wear something else.