How To Easily Remove Sweat Stains From Sheets & Bedding

From the day we're born, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping.¹ Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night – a significant period essential for our bodies to recuperate.² But all that time spent warm and cozy in our beds also provides ample opportunity to accumulate sweat stains on our sheets and bedding.

In this guide, we've outlined six simple solutions on how to get sweat stains out of sheets and bedding. These tips will help you maintain a fresh and inviting bed, guaranteeing you wake up revitalized and ready to conquer the day.

Why does sweat stain your bedding?

Regardless of whether you experience excessive sweating or not, daily sweating combined with the residue from the natural oils your body produces can leave sweat stains on sheets and mattresses over time.

What’s making them turn yellow?

If you don't wash your sheets often and you get into bed without showering after spending time outdoors, you may notice yellowing and stains gradually accumulating on your mattress. The tricky thing with sweat stains on sheets is that they start invisible, but over time, nightly sweat, natural body oils, and residue from body products (like lotions and creams) can build up.

Daily sweating combined with the residue from the natural oils your body produces can leave sweat stains on sheets.

2. Wash the sheets

Once your sheets have had a good soak, it's time to hit the washing machine. The ACI recommends using a little more detergent than you normally would (without going overboard) and also washing in the hottest water temperature safe for fabric.⁴ Of course, always check the care label for any fabric-specific washing instructions and ensure you adhere to them.

3. Repeat if necessary

After the first wash, assess the stain. If it's still visible, don't hesitate to repeat the process for optimal results.

How to prevent sweat stains on sheets

Preventing sweat stains on sheets and bedding requires a combination of lifestyle tweaks and good hygiene habits. Here are some tips to help you keep your sheets sweat stain-free:

1. Choose breathable sheets and bedding.

Select breathable fabrics for your bedding, such as cotton or linen. These materials allow for better air circulation, helping to minimize sweating.

2. Use a mattress protector.

If you want your mattress to last longer, invest in mattress protectors to create an additional barrier between your body and the mattress. This can prevent sweat from seeping into the mattress and causing sweat stains.

3. Adopt a bedtime shower routine.

Take a quick shower before bedtime to remove oils and sweat from your body. This may even help you sleep better. Research suggests that taking a warm bath or shower an hour or two before bedtime can help you relax and sleep quicker.⁵

4. Sleep in a well-ventilated room.

Maintain a comfortable sleeping environment by keeping your bedroom cool and ventilated. A cooler room temperature can help reduce night sweats.

5. Follow a regular bedding routine.

Develop a routine for washing your sheets and pillowcases regularly. This will help prevent the buildup of sweat, oils, and bacteria that can lead to stains.

Your sheets and duvet collect dead skin cells, sweat, and even dust mites. So, it’s best to wash your bed linen no less than once a week – especially if you sweat a lot.⁶

6. Stay hydrated.

Adequate hydration can regulate your body temperature, potentially reducing the likelihood of excessive sweating during sleep, which means fewer sweat stains on sheets.

7. Opt for a lightweight duvet and sleepwear.

Waking up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat is a clear sign you should consider switching to a lighter duvet. An all-season duvet could be the perfect choice, providing comfort throughout the year. Wearing light sleepwear can also keep you from overheating.

Uncomfortable night sweats disrupting your sleep? Explore prevention strategies in this in-depth guide.

8. Use an antiperspirant at night.

Consider applying a small amount of antiperspirant on areas prone to sweating before bedtime. In fact, applying antiperspirant at night may even offer you better sweat protection the following day. That’s because our sweat glands are less active at night, allowing the antiperspirant to soak in more effectively.

We recommend our UltraClear range, which provides 72-hour sweat and odor protection. Plus, it’s formulated with a unique anti-stain technology that fights against white marks on black clothing and yellow stains on white clothes.

For men: Degree® Men UltraClear Black + White Driftwood Antiperspirant Deodorant

For women: Degree® Women UltraClear Black+White Pure Fresh Antiperspirant Dry Spray Deodorant

If you’re tired of dealing with unsightly sweat stains on your clothes, check this article on how to effectively remove sweat stains and keep your wardrobe looking fresh.

There’s nothing quite like the bliss of bedtime in clean sheets; use these prevention tips to keep your bedding free from sweat stains and maintain a fresh sleep environment for some well-deserved deep slumber.

References:

1. Aminoff MJ, Boller F, Swaab DF. We spend about one-third of our life either sleeping or attempting to do so. Handb Clin Neurol. 2011
2. Suni E, Singh A. How much sleep do you need? Sleep Foundation. Updated 2024.
3. Stain removal guide. American Cleaning Institute.
4. Laundering problems & solutions. American Cleaning Institute.
5. Neilson S. A warm bedtime bath can help you cool down and sleep better. NPR. 2019.
6. Noyed D. How often should you wash your sheets? Sleep Foundation. Updated 2023.