How to Avoid Deodorant Marks

By: Melissa King

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It never fails -- no matter how carefully you put on your shirt or dress, it still gets stained by deodorant. You may not even notice the unsightly marks until after you've left home. It's an embarrassing situation, but you don't need to cope with deodorant stains every day. You can avoid them altogether by using the right type of deodorant and applying it the correct way.

Step 1

Use an invisible solid deodorant or spray antiperspirant. Unlike regular white solid deodorant, these products are less likely to leave marks on your clothes.

Step 2

Apply a thin layer of deodorant. If you slather the product on thickly, it's more likely to rub off on your shirt or dress.

Step 3

Wait for about 30 seconds after applying deodorant before you put your clothes on. This gives your skin time to absorb the deodorant.

Step 4

Trim or shave your armpit hair before putting on deodorant. You'll have less hair for the deodorant to cling to, so less of the product will transfer to your clothes.

Step 5

Hold the can about 6 inches away from your armpit if you're applying spray deodorant. If you hold the can much closer, you may apply more deodorant than you need.

Step 6

Put on an inexpensive or old undershirt before putting on your top garment. This blocks the deodorant from touching your main shirt or dress.

Step 7

Roll the bottom hem of your shirt or dress outward before putting it on. After you've pulled the garment over your head, unroll the bottom of it. If any deodorant gets on the garment, it will be on the inside, where it's not visible.

Step 8

Launder your shirt or dress as soon as possible after you're done wearing it. If your deodorant has left a mark, rub some laundry detergent directly into the armpits of the garment before washing.