Perspiration Stains
Perspiration of the body is usually acid, so you can sometimes restore colors changed by a perspiration stain by treating with an alkali. Dampen the stain with water and hold it over the fumes from an open ammonia water bottle. (See Acids, [p. 10].) Old stains may be alkaline; then try vinegar. (See Alkalies, [p. 11].) However, colors changed by perspiration cannot always be restored, particularly if the stain is an old one.
To remove perspiration odors, sponge the stained part with warm water to which a few drops of vinegar have been added, sprinkle powdered pepsin over the stain, work it well into the cloth, and let stand 1 to 2 hours, keeping the spot moist. Then brush off the powder and rinse well.
Yellowish perspiration stains on white material can be removed by:
Soap and water.—If the material is washable, bleach in the sun after washing in soap and water.
Bleaches.—For a stubborn stain, try a bleach.
Hydrogen peroxide.—Sponge with hydrogen peroxide or a mixture of 1 teaspoon sodium perborate to 1 pint peroxide. Rinse with water.
Sodium hydrosulfite.—Quickly dip the stain into a sodium hydrosulfite solution (2 teaspoons sodium hydrosulfite to 1 pint water). Rinse immediately. First test the colorfastness of the cloth to this bleach.