Say Goodbye to Gross Sweat Stains on Your Sheets and Blankets
Are you tired of dealing with stubborn sweat stains marring the look and feel of your bedding? Discover this surprisingly simple and effective method to eliminate those unsightly marks and refresh your sheets effortlessly. Your laundry will look and feel brand new!
Recently, I was browsing a cleaning forum—yes, that’s my idea of fun—and I came across multiple mentions of using dish soap to tackle stains around collar areas on shirts. It immediately made sense because dish soap is designed to cut through grease and grime, so why not apply that same power to your laundry? Eager to test this theory, I grabbed some dish soap and put it to the test. The results were astonishing! If sweat stains are ruining your sheets, check out these proven tips for removing them. Trust me, you won’t believe how effective this method is!
How to Remove Sweat Stains from Sheets
If sweat stains are causing trouble on your bedding, there’s a simple solution that can make your sheets look pristine again. I’ve found that washing with a combination of borax and dish soap works wonders—especially when dealing with stubborn stains similar to those on shirts’ collars. My mattress pad, which is white, had accumulated some truly disgusting sweat stains, but after trying this method, they disappeared completely.
Here’s what you’ll need: laundry detergent, borax, dish soap, and your stained sheets or blankets. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Soak the Stained Bedding
Begin by filling your washing machine with hot water—use the hottest setting suitable for your sheets. Place the sheets or blankets into the washer, ensuring they have enough space to move freely. Then, add approximately 1 cup of borax and 2 tablespoons of dish soap. Depending on your preferred dish soap brand, you might want to adjust the amount slightly. I recommend sticking with reliable, grease-cutting brands like Dawn or Palmolive rather than vegetable-based soaps such as Dr. Bronner’s, as they tend to perform better on stains.
Start the washer and let it run for a few minutes to ensure the dish soap and borax are thoroughly mixed into the water. This step is crucial for optimal stain removal. Once the mixture is well dispersed, stop the cycle and let the load soak for about an hour. Feel free to extend the soaking time if needed—this approach allows the solution to penetrate deep into the fibers, loosening the stains. During this period, you can run errands or relax—your sheets are doing all the work!
Step 2: Wash Thoroughly
After soaking, restart your washing machine and run it through a complete cycle. For extra cleanliness, I recommend selecting an additional rinse cycle—it helps remove residual detergent and any remaining sweat stains. If your machine has an extra rinse option, definitely use it, especially for bedding. A thorough rinse ensures your sheets are fresh, clean, and free of any lingering residues.
Step 3: Repeat if Needed
Once the wash cycle is complete, inspect the sheets to see if the stains have been eliminated. If any stubborn marks remain, don’t hesitate to repeat the soaking and washing process. Sometimes, especially with years of buildup, multiple treatments are necessary for complete removal. Always ensure you’re using hot water and adequate amounts of dish soap for the best results. For small remaining spots, pretreat by applying a little dish soap directly onto the stain, gently rubbing it in, and then rewashing.
Tired of Pesky Laundry Stains?
Download our free laundry stain removal printable for quick reference! After the second wash, I typically run the sheets through one more cycle with regular detergent to ensure all residues are gone. Follow the drying instructions carefully for your fabric type, and you’ll be amazed at the transformation. I couldn’t believe the difference in my mattress pad—see the before-and-after photos below. The results are truly remarkable!
How to Prevent Sweat Stains in the Future
If sweat stains are a recurring problem, consider adding a small squirt of dish soap to each laundry load. This simple step helps prevent buildup of body oils and sweat, keeping your sheets cleaner for longer. It’s a quick, easy addition that can significantly reduce stain formation over time.
I’m genuinely amazed at how effectively this straightforward trick works. It not only removes years of stains but also makes laundry less of a chore. The best part? The machine does all the heavy lifting! This method has also proven successful for removing sweat stains from pillows—check out my detailed guide on how to machine wash and refresh your pillows for a healthier sleep environment.