by Christine Anderson

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: September 03, 2011

After experimentation and the application of some chemical knowledge of household cleaning products, I have developed an effective way to remove crusted-on perspiration stains and odors from the armpit areas of shirts and dresses. This method is also, safe for delicate and colored fabrics. I needed to come up with a method that would be effective at room temperature, on colored fabrics, and on delicate hand-washables. I experimented with a way to remove both perspiration stains and deodorant stains, as well as the odors associated with them. I found that the following multi-step cleaning method completely removes perspiration stains and odors from fabrics.

The following is a description of the method that I devised. I use a small plastic laundry tub for soaking the garments and I pour a thin layer of water in the tub, with just enough water to wet the fabric. For the first chemical treatment, I liberally spray Tilex soap scum remover (without bleach) onto the arm pit area. I use a battery operated Tide Stainbrush to rub the soap scum remover into the fabric.

A soft toothbrush or rubber-gloved fingers could also be used. I use the Tilex soap scum remover because it contains the chemical, tetrapotassium EDTA. This chemical is effective in dissolving the aluminum and zinc chemical complexes that have formed from deodorant chemicals combining with body oils. So, if Tilex soap scum remover is not available, then read the labels of other cleaners and purchase one that has tetrapotassium EDTA.

Then, I sprinkle on about 1 level teaspoon of Biz Double-Action Laundry Stain Fighter. This laundry stain remover has non chlorine oxygen bleach and enzymes. I again use the Stainbrush to rub the Tilex soap scum and Biz chemicals into the fabric. The Biz oxidizer removes the perspiration stains and the enzymes remove the body oils that are released by the soap scum remover. I leave the Tilex soap scum remover and Biz to soak into the fabric for about half an hour.

After the Tilex and Biz treatment, I rub the fabric between my hands to release the soils and stains, and I thoroughly rinse the chemicals from the fabric. Then, I apply about 1 level teaspoon of 20 Mule Team Borax Natural Laundry Booster to the fabric and rub that into the fabric with the Stainbrush. The Borax removes any odors that might be lingering in the fabric. Borax will react with Aluminum and Zinc to form an insoluble precipitate, so care must be taken that all the chemicals from the previous step, which used the Tilex and Biz treatment, have been rinsed away. After soaking for another half hour, the Borax treated garments can be laundered, or washed by hand.

This method may seem to be tedious and it is rather expensive to treat a big load of stained undershirts. However, I have found that my expensive garments and favorite shirts have been restored to like-new condition. A heavily soiled undershirt might need a touch up, where some the soil has been missed, but I found that my method was, on the whole, effective with one treatment, and gentle enough to be used on silk and colored garments.

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