Summer is a time for enjoying the small things in life, from lounging around the pool with family and friends to indulging in a sweet ice cream cone. Still, summer’s extreme heat and humidity can lead to some issues with your laundry, including sweat stains. Sweat stains are a nuisance, leading to yellowish discoloration under the arms of your favorite shirts that can be difficult to remove. Sweat stains can also affect your confidence, causing you to think twice about stepping out for your favorite summertime activity. OXXO Cleaners That Care has the solution, with a guide outlining how to prevent and remove sweat stains, so you can stay fresh all summer long.
Understanding Sweat Stains
Sweat stains occur when salt and minerals from our bodies mix with antiperspirants such as deodorant. The combination of these ingredients can cause discoloration, including yellow-looking stains on white clothes and gray or dingy-looking stains on colored clothing. Sweat stains tend to occur most frequently in summer, when temperatures tend to be higher, though people who struggle with heavy sweating could deal with sweat stains all year round.
Sweat stains tend to occur most often around clothing seams or where the most sweat accumulates, including the back, collar, and underarms. Certain fabrics are more prone to sweat stains. These include fabrics that are tightly woven and absorbent, such as polyester. Very delicate fabrics or special occasion garments, such as prom dresses and graduation gowns, should be treated by a professional dry cleaning service. If you aren’t sure whether something should be dry cleaned or not, err on the side of caution and bring it to the dry cleaners. A professional laundry service, such as OXXO Cleaners That Care, can offer advice and tips on how to remove and prevent sweat stains, so you can be confident in your wardrobe.
How to Prevent Sweat Stains
Choosing the right fabric is the first step to preventing sweat stains. Breathable fabrics, such as linen, cotton, and performance fabrics, are more effective at repelling sweat. Additionally, light-colored clothes are less likely to accumulate visible sweat stains. If you’re attending an outdoor event or if the forecast calls for high heat, avoid wearing anything made from polyester or nylon, since these fabrics can trap heat and moisture.
Wearing an undershirt can absorb sweat and protect your outer layer of clothing. For extra protection, choose a moisture-wicking undershirt or tank top. If you do decide to try this, wear fitted undershirts under your top layer to avoid looking bulky.
Using effective antiperspirants is another way to combat sweat stains. Experiment with different antiperspirants until you find one that works well with your body chemistry. Clinical-strength antiperspirants are generally the best option, especially for people who struggle with heavy sweating. You can also try applying deodorant at night for improved absorption and effectiveness.
Immediate Actions for Fresh Clothes
Sometimes, sweat stains happen despite prevention measures. If you notice sweat stains on your clothes or realize that you’ve sweated heavily, blot the spots immediately to prevent stains from setting. It’s also a good idea to air these clothes out to dry, to eliminate residual moisture and make it more likely clothes don’t stain.
You can use stain removers on sweat stains to minimize the chance of the stain setting and ruining the garment. Select a gentle stain remover product and follow the instructions listed on the product packaging for the best results. If you try stain-treating a garment with one product and it doesn’t work, you can always try another.
Sweat Stain Washing Techniques
Always pre-treat stains before washing. This gives you a better chance of removing the stain. To pre-treat sweat stains, mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For really tough stains or extreme perspiration, let the garment sit for up to an hour. You can also mix a paste of baking soda and water, a DIY stain treatment that works well for set-in stains. Use a soft brush to work the solution into the fabric, using gentle strokes so as not to damage the clothes.
Washing your clothes is the final step for removing stains. Using cold water is recommended to prevent stains from setting. Always use a gentle detergent when washing sweat-stained clothes and steer clear of bleach, which can react with sweat and worsen discoloration. You can try adding a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine during the rinse cycle to break down sweat residue and make it more likely that stains are eliminated.
Drying and Storing Clothes
While you can use a machine, air drying is the preferred method for drying sweat-stained clothes. This is because heat settings in most standard dryers can cause stains to set into clothes. Dry your clothes in a well-ventilated area or even outdoors, in a cool, shady spot. Don’t try to dry clothes outside during a windy day, since you’ll likely have to retrieve your clothes and wash them all over again.
Proper storage is also important in preventing moisture buildup and mildew. Always put clothes in a cool, dry place, storing them in breathable garment bags and folding them appropriately. If you have a closet or room to hang clothes, use hanging garment bags. It’s a good idea to store clothes seasonally, for improved organization and easier access to pieces you want to wear. This means storing your summer clothes when the season ends and rotating your wardrobe appropriately when a new season begins.
Discover Thoughtful Laundry Services From OXXO
Sweat stains are annoying, but they don’t have to be a fact of life during the summer months. With some thoughtful prevention and fast action when sweat stains occur, you can keep your clothes looking and smelling fresh so that you can stay confident. Try out these tips for maintaining your wardrobe! If you need a professional laundry service that treats your clothes with care and expertise, visit us at OXXO Cleaners That Care. We can tackle tough stains so you can focus on all your summer activities.
