Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[thklemm]

How can I remove salt and sweat stains from shirts?

[mrscleannw]

Hi thklemm,
Welcome to Mrs. Clean!

Sweat or perspiration stains happen to the best of us. The first thing to do is to determine whether it is an actual sweat stain, or anti-perspirant build up.

Perspiration stains are yellowish, antiperspirant stains are either greasy or brownish looking.

All stains are removed more easily if you treat it as soon as possible.

Believe it or not, sweat stains are best treated with a good old pre-treat of plain old detergent. Just use your laundry detergent, and cover the stain and let the detergent work for about 30 minutes then launder as usual.

Note not to dry the article you are removing in the dryer until you are certain the stain is removed. The heat will further set the stain. If you see some of the stain remains, more tips are available here:


http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/ ... stain.html

If the stain is from antiperspirant, then follow the tips for grease stains located on these pages:

http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/ ... stain.html
http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/ ... stain.html

[thklemm]

Some of the stain is actually white to an off-white. Thus I posted concerning salt stains. I work in a Foundry here in Columbus, GA, so sweating is an everyday occurance.

[mrscleannw]

Ah, thats a bit more clear:

Salt stains are usually caused by calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. With time the minerals become embedded and build up in the fabric, the embedded minerals are more soluble at lower temps, so use cold or lukewarm water when trying to remove.

The best way to get those stains out is to put the garment in for a pre-treating overnight soak of 50/50 water and plain white vinegar. The vinegar is acidic, and will break those mineral deposits up. Follow with a cold water washing. If some stains remain, another vinegar bath should do the trick.