A FABRIC expert has shared her stain elixir for removing sweat stains from shirts.
A preventive cleaning trick helps reduce the severity of stains under sleeves.
Mary Gagliardi, aka Clorox’s “Dr. Laundry,” a stain scientist and laundry expert, shared her laundry tips in a viral Reddit publish.
As a mother, her background in laundry research and development came in handy with her children’s clothes.
“Earning a degree in Textile Science was a great start. Working at Clorox (and seeing firsthand the difference increasing wash temperatures makes!) took it a step further,” she said.
“And then when the kids arrived… wow – I think there are a lot of moms and dads out there who are also laundry experts where it counts most!
“I know how to get rid of stains, get rid of them, and keep clothes looking their best, wash after wash.”
In an open Q&A session, a curious Redditor asked for advice on the best technique for removing sweat stains from her husband’s shirt.
“I hear this question so much – here’s what you can try,” Gagliardi responded.
She explained that a little preparation went a long way in preventing stains.
“Pre-treat with a little liquid soap before washing an item, every time you wash the shirt, even if you don’t see any stains,” she advised.
“This can help prevent the problem from accumulating in the first place.”
For pre-existing blemishes, she recommended a three-step treatment program that eliminates stubborn residue.
“Sweat stains you already have on white t-shirts, especially if they include built-up deodorant, can often be removed by first pouring boiling water into the underarm area to soften the stain,” she said.
“Then, apply a solution of one part baking soda, one part hydrogen peroxide, and one part water to the stain and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
“Rinse the shirt and then wash it in hot water with detergent and ½ cup of Clorox Regular-Bleach, Concentrate.”
Why does sweat stain clothes yellow?
Cleaning expert Jolie Kerr explained in an article that stains on white shirts are often caused by the same thing we use to prevent sweating – deodorant.
The culprit? The active ingredient aluminum.
“Aluminum has a reaction to sweat, which is a protein, which causes the yellowing of the armpits that we fear so much,” she said.
Kerr added that cotton shirts also contain protein, which exacerbates the problem.
The cleaning expert advised laundromat regulars to avoid using bleach on sweat stains, which will only emphasize them.
“Bleach will only make the discoloration yellower because bleach hates protein the same way Red Sox fans hate the Yankees, but without the benefit of being correct about the fact that protein is a drug,” she joked. .
The laundry expert added that while being adept at removing stains is part of her job, another tip is to be reasonable about what’s in your control, whether it’s sweat stains on your kids’ or your husband’s clothes.
“Best advice: Take it easy on your kids being messy,” she said.
“I tell everyone who tells me, ‘Well, your clothes are clean because you work for Clorox,’ that the Clorox products I use are the same ones anyone can buy at the store (just like me!).”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
