Sweat stains under the arms are a real scourge for your favorite clothes.
Not only do they spoil the appearance, but they can also cause an unpleasant odor.
However, you shouldn’t rush to throw away damaged items – there are many effective ways to combat this problem.
Before you begin removing stains, it is important to understand the causes of the stains. Sweat itself is colorless and leaves no marks.
Yellow or gray stains are caused by sweat reacting with deodorant or antiperspirant ingredients, as well as bacteria living on the skin. The type of fabric and color of clothing also influence the appearance of stains.
Fresh sweat stains are much easier to remove than old ones. You can use improvised means for this.
One effective method is to treat the stain with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. This solution is applied to the stained area and left for 15-20 minutes, after which the clothes are washed in the usual way.
Another popular method is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice has bleaching properties and helps neutralize the smell. It should be applied to the stain, left for half an hour, and then washed.
To remove old sweat stains, you will need stronger products. One of these is baking soda.
It should be mixed with a small amount of water to form a paste, applied to the stain and left for several hours or overnight. Then the clothes should be washed as usual.
Aspirin can also help in the fight against stubborn stains. You need to crush 2-3 tablets, mix with water to the consistency of a paste and apply to the dirty area. After 30 minutes, the item is washed.
There are many special sweat stain removers on the market. They usually contain enzymes that effectively break down organic contaminants.
When using such products, it is important to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions and first test their effect on an inconspicuous area of clothing.
Many housewives successfully use folk remedies to remove sweat stains. One of these methods is the use of laundry soap.
The soaped area of the garment is left for several hours and then washed as usual.
Another popular method is to treat the stain with a solution of ammonia. This method can only be used for white items, as colored fabrics may become discolored.
The best way to combat stains is to prevent them. To do this, it is recommended to use high-quality antiperspirants that reduce sweating. It is also useful to wear special protective pads for the armpits under clothing.
Choosing clothes made from natural, breathable fabrics will also help reduce sweating and prevent stains.
Synthetic materials, on the contrary, promote increased sweating.
Different types of fabric require different approaches to stain removal. For delicate fabrics such as silk or wool, it is best to use mild detergents or take the stain to a professional dry cleaner.
Cotton fabrics are more resistant and can withstand more aggressive cleaning methods.
Regular and proper care of your clothes will help prevent the appearance of stubborn sweat stains.
It is recommended to wash items immediately after wearing them, preventing sweat from drying on the fabric. It is also important to rinse the clothes thoroughly after washing to remove all traces of detergent.