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Perspiration Stain Removal
 ~Pooja Chakrabarty

The Basics of Perspiration Stain Removal

Not only do perspiration stains spoil the look of your clothes, but they are also embarrassing. Moreover, perspiration stain removal is not an easy process. Perspiration leads not only to stains but may also cause the fabric to become yellow and weak. Plus, the deodorants that you use to tackle the sweat may also damage the fabric. What do you do in such a situation?

In hot humid climate, perspiration is the rule rather than the exception, and you don’t have to be a pig to sweat like one. In such a situation, perspiration stains are but natural.

Perspiration stain removal is a continuing process. Perspiration should not be allowed to remain in the fabric as it would only weaken the fabric.

Deodorants and anti-perspirants contain aluminum chloride, which also may weaken the fabric. Prevention is after all far better than cure, so wash your clothes immediately after wearing them, and avoid indiscriminate use of deodorants.

Even if you have managed to accomplish your task of perspiration stain removal, an odor may remain

Older perspiration stains are almost impossible to remove as they have already been set, and zinc salts and aluminum chloride have already been allowed to accumulate.

Fresh perspiration stains are acidic in nature and can be easily removed by washing. However if the fabric color is affected already, it could be tackled by exposing the area to ammonia fumes.

Older perspiration stain removal can be done by using a white vinegar solution. This treatment performs the dual function of restoring color to the discolored fabric, and removing odor.

Having read the garment care instructions, you could follow the following methods for perspiration stain removal
Lighter stains could be rubbed with a liquid detergent before laundering as usual.

Heavier stains could be allowed to stand for about 10 minutes in a pre-wash stain remover. They could then be laundered with a suitable bleach.

One disagreeable consequence of perspiration stains is a yellowing of the fabric. If the yellowed fabric can be washed by bleach (as per the garment care instructions), do so.

Ironing a fabric that has been discolored by perspiration is a bad idea. Heat only helps the perspiration to set on the fabric.

Even if you have managed to accomplish your task of perspiration stain removal, an odor may remain. You can deal with this by immersing the washed garment in a warm water salt solution.

[The picture used in this article has been taken from the photo library of stock.xchng.]

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