SUMMER STAINS

The most common summer stains are caused by antiperspirant and perspiration. Sometimes yellow or tan stains, streaks, or rings appear after dry cleaning, laundering, or just after a period of time in use or storage. There may also be sudden local color loss areas on or near the neck edge, wrists, and underarm areas of silk blouses or golf shirts.

These stains progressively develop on fabric from contact with solutions containing alcohol and/or mild oxidizing agents that are found in perspiration, antiperspirant and deodorant, lotion, perfume, and after shave. These substances tend to "oxidize" over time and turn fabric yellow or brown, or cause colors to fade. The heat used in cleaning, drying and pressing or steaming can accelerate this oxidation making stains more noticeable after cleaning.

You can reduce or eliminate these stains by washing or dry cleaning these garments as soon as possible after wear.

Washable Fabrics
" Sponge washable fabric with water. Then sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Do not use alcohol on silk or wool. Dilute the alcohol a lot (three parts water to one part alcohol) for acetate.
" Sponge with cool water, then work liquid detergent into the stained area. Rinse with water. Let dry.
" If the stain remains, soak the fabric in a mixture of 1 qt. warm water and 1 tbsp. stain-removing enzyme product for 30 to 60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and re- launder in hot water, with a bleach that's safe for the fabric.
" Bleach with hydrogen peroxide as a last resort.

Dry-Cleanable Fabrics
" For best results, take the garment to your Lapels Dry Cleaner as soon as you can. Point out where the stains are.
" If you need to remove the stain yourself, sponge with white vinegar, then water. If that doesn't do it, apply a paste of enzyme product ' but not to silk or wool. Leave on 30 minutes, then blot with a warm- water sponge.
" Try applying a paste of baking soda and water to the stain. Work in a little white vinegar with a sponge. The bubbling of the chemical reaction may work to get the stain out.