How to Remove Set in Perspiration Stains

Perspiration stains can ruin a shirt.

Perspiration stains happen as a result of nervousness or heat. The best time to get rid of perspiration stains is as soon as you notice them, but sometimes that's not possible. If you have set perspiration stains in your clothing, you can remove them using supplies from home.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Bowl
• White vinegar
• Water
• Baking soda
• Old toothbrush
• Enzyme prewash liquid

Instructions

1. Pour one half cup of water into a bowl. Add one tbsp. each of baking soda and white vinegar. The chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda will cause a little bit of foaming.

2. Dip an old but clean toothbrush into the mixture and rub it onto the set perspiration stains in your clothing. Scrub the solution into the fibers of the fabric. Let the solution sit on the perspiration stains for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Scrub the mixture into the stains with the toothbrush. Allow the baking soda and vinegar combination to sit on your sweat-stained garment for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. 

   Use a cold water rinse for stain removal.

   Run cold water over your garment to wash off the baking soda and vinegar solution.

5. Saturate any remaining set perspiration stain on your garment with an enzyme prewash. Work the prewash liquid into the stain by rubbing the fabric together. Allow the prewash to sit on your garment for 15 to 20 minutes then launder according to the directions on the care label.

Tips & Warnings

• Deodorants and antiperspirants become ineffective, over time. Switch to a new deodorant and antiperspirant every three months.

• Avoid the use of bleach for perspiration stain removal. The bleach will cause permanent discoloration at the site of the perspiration stain.

References

• Stain Expert: Removing Personal Stains
• Ohio State University: Stain Removal Guide