So it seems we have two problems here; the impact of perspiration on our clothes compounded with the use of antiperspirant. What do we suggest?
- We sort of suggest giving up antiperspirant. Take a look at the ingredients in your antiperspirant, if it contains aluminum chlorohydrate, which tends to clump in cotton and damage fibers, consider switching to another product – like an aluminum-free or neutral pH type of deodorant.
- Allow your deodorant to dry before dressing, which may help a bit with getting too much of it on your clothes.
- Wash or dry clean the garment right after wearing to remove as much of the perspiration and antiperspirant as possible. Fresh perspiration is easier to remove than the dried, caked-on, yellow, crusty, old stuff.
- If the stain remains, don’t place the garment in the dryer or iron it; heat will permanently set the stain into the fabric.
- There are two soaking options. First, soak garments in cold water and a dish soap that contains de-greasers straightaway. After soaking, rinse, and wash according to the care label’s directions. Second, soaking in a mild color-safe bleach could help, but never use chlorine bleach to try and remove a perspiration stain, particularly on white cotton garments. The proteins from the sweat will react with the bleach and make the stain darker.
- Sadly, there are times when the damage is too much, and the garment is past being restored.