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

[coman]

ok, i have noticed that with my shirts that i work in, they get a strange...almost mildewie smell... originating from the "pits". :oops: my mother and i think it might be some sort of reaction between the axe and sweat. i have tried vinegar, baking soda, fabreese and several other tricks. i have considered using odoban(tm) or some sort of industrial cleaner.... if you have any tips, tricks or hints, or even a suggestion for an industrial cleaner. any help would be GREATLY appreciated. especially from myself and those who have to stand near me at work :oops:

[Momma]

how about the load that you are washing them in? Is it a large load? All of the other ideas you tried sounds like they should have worked.

[mrscleannw]

Welcome to Mrs. Clean's Forum! We should be able to offer you a few suggestions that should help with your situation. This information is from our website under cleaning tips and tricks.

For stains on washable clothing that is caused by pure sweat or perspiration (non-deodorant), use the following:

* Household ammonia and water: mix a half-cup of water with a half-cup of ammonia and dab on the stain. Then launder according to clothing manufacturer’s instruction.
* For stubborn perspiration stains in white blouses or shirts, dissolve two aspirins in a half-cup of water. Pour onto the stain and allow to soak for a couple of hours. Apply a few drops of clear liquid detergent and rub between your fingers, then launder as usual. Be sure to wash thoroughly especially if the owner of the garment is allergic to aspirin!
* Baking soda for stains and odors: Make a paste of 4 Tablespoons baking soda and 1/4 cup of warm water. Rub it into the stain and allow to sit for a couple of hours. This is also good for “ring around the collar” – put the paste on the collar, then just before putting it in the washer, rejuvenate the paste by adding a teaspoon of white vinegar and scrub the stain with an old toothbrush or between your knuckles. Then proceed with the regular wash cycle. Baking soda is great for removing odors!
* We like “green” stain removers! Or yellow. Take lemons, for instance. Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon and add an equal amount of water. Apply to the perspiration stain and scrub before laundering. You might also put the garment in bright sun after applying the lemon juice. Together, they are great bleaching agents! This also works with white vinegar.
* Meat tenderizer? Who would have thought it! Moisten the perspiration stain with water and work in a half-teaspoon of meat tenderizer. Then launder as usual.
* Salt water. Dissolve a half-cup of salt in a quarter of hot water. Dip a clean white washcloth or sponge in the solution and sponge the stain repeatedly until the stain is gone. Be sure the fabric is washable.

One of these methods should do the trick. Good Luck!
Mrs. Clean