Light-coloured clothes are cool in the heat but pick up yellow or brown sweat marks. Under the arms, sweat, body oil, salt and traces of perfume build up into stubborn stains that ordinary soap often cannot shift.

An enzyme laundry powder can help. Its enzymes break down the organic matter in sweat and body oil, so even old stains can gradually fade.

Rub a little liquid detergent or enzyme powder into the stain with gentle fingers. Then dissolve some powder in lukewarm water and soak the garment for about 30 minutes before washing it by hand or machine, as the fabric allows.

Before drying, check the stain has gone; if not, repeat. Drying a stained garment at high heat can set the mark more firmly in the fibres.

Not every fabric takes the same treatment. Read the care label before choosing a product, and test coloured or delicate fabrics on a small hidden patch first. Washing clothes regularly and not staying long in sweat-soaked clothing also keeps stains from building up.

Source: Bangla Tribune