How do I remove perspiration stains from my outerwear?

Pre-treat the stains with a stain remover, turn the garment inside out, select the appropriate wash cycle and detergent, air dry the garment, and repeat if necessary. Additionally, adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle may be helpful in removing particularly stubborn stains.

What kind of detergent should I use?

It is recommended to use a mild detergent on your outerwear in order to avoid damaging the fabric.

Should I air dry or heat dry my outerwear?

For best results, it's best to air dry your outerwear. Heat drying can damage the fabric and make the perspiration stains even harder to remove.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Perspiration > Outerwear

Five Easy Steps to Erase Perspiration Stains From Your Outerwear

Perspiration stains are one of the worst enemies of outerwear. Not only do they ruin the look of your clothing, but they can also be hard to remove. Thankfully, though, there are a few simple steps you can take that might just help you erase those pesky perspiration stains for good.

Updated 27 Jun 2023

By Noemi Denker

Step 1: Pre-treat the Stains with a Stain Remover

The first step to removing perspiration stains from your outerwear is to pre-treat them with a stain remover. This will ensure that the stains are properly broken down and easier to remove during the washing process. Apply the stain remover to the stained area and allow it to sit for appropriate amount of time before proceeding.

Step 2: Turn Garment Inside Out

Once the stain remover has been applied and the appropriate amount of time has passed, you should turn garment inside out. Doing this will ensure that stains are closer to surface of the fabric, making it easier to wash them out. Additionally, turning garment inside out before washing also helps to preserve the color and shape of the outerwear.

Step 3: Select the Appropriate Wash Cycle and Detergent

When washing your outerwear, it's important to select the appropriate wash cycle and detergent. It is recommended to use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent in order to avoid damaging the fabric. Additionally, if possible, it may be helpful to add a fabric softener during the rinse cycle in order to help keep the fabric soft and free of wrinkles.

Step 4: Air Dry the Garment

After the wash cycle has finished, it's best to air dry the garment. Heat drying can damage fabric and make the perspiration stains even harder to remove. Therefore, it's best to air dry the garment, as this will help to preserve the fabric while still allowing the perspiration stains to be washed out. Additionally, if possible, drying the garment outdoors in sun can help to further remove any remaining stains.

Step 5: Repeat If Necessary

If the perspiration stains are still present after the initial washing and drying process, it may be necessary to repeat the steps outlined above. However, be sure to take extra care when treating the stained area, as too much pre-treatment or too harsh of a wash cycle can damage the fabric and cause the stains to set.

Expert Tip

If you're dealing with particularly stubborn perspiration stains, it may be helpful to add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. White vinegar is a natural stain and odor remover that works great on a variety of fabrics. Just be sure to follow the directions given on the label of your detergent.

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