Perspiration is the body's way of cooling itself. What's not cool are the spots it can leave behind. Follow these tips to erase unsightly sweat stains.

How to Remove Sweat Stains From:
Acetate, Rayon, Silk, Wool

Sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the area with water, then follow with an application of wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia. (Take care when using ammonia on silk and wool.) Cover with an absorbent pad moistened with wet spotter. Let the pad remain in place as long as any stain is being removed. Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep both the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and ammonia. Flush well with water and allow to dry thoroughly.

How To Make Wet And Dry Spotters
Dry spotter:
To make a dry spotter, combine 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution may be stored if the container is tightly capped to prevent evaporation of the solvent. Mineral oil may be substituted for the coconut oil, but is not quite as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are poisonous and may
be flammable.

Wet spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use. Store wet spotter in a plastic squeeze bottle.

How to Remove Sweat Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic,
Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex

Try an enzyme presoak product and use according to package directions. After soaking, launder as usual. For older laundry stains, sponge area with a diluted solution of white vinegar and water, then launder. If fabric color has changed, stretch the stained area over a bowl of ammonia so fumes penetrate while the spot is moist. Prompt treatment of perspiration stains is necessary, as they can weaken most fibers. Caution: Never iron a garment with perspiration stains -- the heat will set them.

How to Remove Sweat Stains From:
Leather, Suede

Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge. Wipe with a clean dry cloth. On leather only, follow with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.

How to Remove Sweat Stains From:
Vinyl Clothing

Wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Lots of everyday situations cause people to work up a sweat. These stain removal tips will make sure unsightly underarm circles remain your little secret.