No matter how careful I am (OK, sometimes I'm not all that careful), I still get those annoying white "zebra stripes" on my shirts caused by a morning application of deodorant. While animal prints can be done tastefully, unintentional ones are just the pits. (Sorry.)
To keep your deodorant on you, and not your new blouse, I've gathered together some tips on remaining streak free. Check them out when you read more.
The culprit: Probably the biggest culprit of those blotchy white marks is an overapplication of deodorant. To prevent this problem in the future, apply a very thin layer before getting dressed, blot if necessary, and allow it to completely dry. Tip: Hold your arms high and get under a fan or use the "cool" button feature on your blow-dryer to speed the process along.
Dress first: Some people prefer to dress first, then apply. It works OK in a pinch, although you still run the risk of staining on the inside of your shirt, and you have to use a pretty steady hand. Somehow I'm reminded of the game Operation.
Check the label: Just because it says "clear" on the bottle, doesn't mean it actually will be. Sprays, gels, and clear/invisible formulations will most likely be less guilty of causing streaking. However, nothing beats checking out some reviews to see what kind of results others have had.
Crystal ball: It's inevitable. Some natural deodorants still leave residue behind, but many people have had success with crystals (aka crystal stones), such as Crystal Roll-On Body Deodorant ($4).
DIY: Make your own danger-free deodorant, or consider using an essential oil, like bergamot under your arms.
If worse comes to worst: Thankfully, most of these white stains will come out in the wash, but if you find yourself with the stuff all over your clothes, try rubbing it out with another part of your shirt over the stain to help lift it out in a pinch.
Cheat: The Dress Sure Deodorant Streak Shield ($20) is a temporary garment you wear that helps you avoid staining by covering up your armpits altogether while you get dressed.
Source
Martick Jewellery
Since I switched to natural deo's I never get white streaks anymore.... nor do I get yellow staining on my white T-shirts!
1My mom makes her own, I forget how but she swears by it. I tend to over apply but I just rub it off, no biggie.
2rubbing a clean, inside-out sock over the fabric works well for any accidents
3I discovered this little trick a few years ago and i've been doing it ever since:
before you put ur shirt on, roll it up from the bottom, up to the armpits, put it on, and roll it down.
i never ever get deodorant stains on my shirts when i do that. sure it takes 5 extra seconds, but its really worth the hassle and the embarrassment of those white marks on your shirt!
4I am famous for this. I just wipe it of with nylon stocking and it gets it right.
5Or, use a lint brush if it's on your shirt. Not the 'lint roller' type - the kind with the fabric that can only go one way.
6No no! Don't buy anything different! If you happen to get zebra stripes, take a piece of the exact same article of clothing, and gently rub. It work's EVERY time!!! I prefer to use the inside of garment.
7I've heard diaper wipes works to remove stains. I have never tried it.
8Can anyone tell me if they've tried it?
I use a Shout wipe (the ones made for spills and stuff on the go) and poof! it's gone. It takes exactly one wipe across too.
9Dryer Fabric Softener Sheets work too.
10A plain piece of white cotton, such as a sock, works wonders for rubbing out deododerant.
11The first thing I put on when I'm out of the shower is deodorant, so it dries while I'm putting my underwear on.
12great tips!
13If this ever happens to me, I also just rub it off with a towel or some kind of cloth. It always works.
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