How to Remove Underarm Stains From Undershirts & Brighten White Socks

This is a continuation of a thread from 2 weeks ago.

I recently read Linda Cobb’s (“The Queen of Clean”)(www.queenofclean.com)new book on the cleaning of problem laundry stains. She offers these solutions:

Removing Perspiration Stains from Clothing

“Perspiration stains are truly and literally the pits! Here are some tips you can try.
· After wearing a garment for the first time, prior to laundering, work in some warm water and Fels Naptha Soap, available in the bar soap section of your local supermarket (usually on the bottom shelf), into the underarm area. This will prevent the yellow stains from forming.
· If you have a garment that has only been worn once and odor is present, apply warm water to the area and work in Twenty Mule Team Borax, which is a very effective odor remover.
· If you already have stains, try dampening the fabric with warm water and working in laundry detergent and Biz Activated Non-Chlorine Bleach. Allow this mixture to soak into your garment about 30 minutes prior to laundering. You can also try heated white vinegar on existing stains. Spray it on the fabric, then work in Twenty Mule Team Borax. This is very effective on any odor or stain that might be present. If the color has changed in the fabric, try spraying with sudsy ammonia, let it sit about 15 minutes, then launder as usual.”


SHE ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDS A PRODUCT CALLED “SOAPWORKS” and says it may be the best solution:

“SOAPWORKS is the manufacturer of wonderful, nontoxic, user- and earth-friendly laundry and personal-care products. Originally designed for allergy and asthma sufferers, SOAPWORKS products are very effective. In addition, they are economical, so everyone can use them. Call 1-800-699-9917 or visit them online at http://www.soapworks.com for more information on their line of of healthy, effective products:
· Fresh Breeze Concentrated Laundry Cleaner: Powder or Liquid
· Brilliant Bleach (made with peroxide, spectacular for both whites and colors)
· Rain Fresh Dishwashing Machine Powder
· Sun Shine Concentrated Dishwashing Soap
· Gentle Shower Body Wash and Shampoo
· Natural Touch Bar Soap
· At Home All-Purpose Cleaner”

A word of caution: Fels Naptha is very strong smelling and not very practical for nice dress shirts, as the odor may linger.

By the way, she specifically recommends Brilliant Bleach from Soapworks.

anyone who has to go through all that trouble to remove underarm stains shoudl really go to the doctor and get their sweat glands poly filled or summit, sounds like a disorder to me! hehe :wink:

Great tips, but not a GQ. So moving it to MPSIMS. - Jill