Dear Helosie: I have a problem. My husband has used various antiperspirants/deodorants. We can't find one that doesn't leave waxy residue at the armpit that won't come out when laundered, no matter what I do to coax it along.
I have rubbed detergent into it before I wash it, to no avail. I have used various products that don't put a dent in it.
He is now using a solid with the maximum level of active ingredient, but because laundering doesn't remove it, if you iron the shirt, the armpits turn brown. Help! I will watch your column in the hope that you can help me clean up this mess.—Jacque in Ohio
Jacque, help is on the way from our friends at the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute International. Antiperspirants and deodorants may cause damage after prolonged contact with a fabric and when combined with perspiration. Also, not laundering often enough and overuse of an underarm product can cause a buildup of a caked, stiff residue (you certainly know about that!) that often can damage the fabric. Try these hints:
• Don't overuse antiperspirant/deodorant, and be sure to let it dry before putting on clothes.
• Soak the shirts in an enzyme presoak or an enzyme detergent before laundering.
• Use the hottest water safe for the fabric.
• Don't let the shirt sit too long before laundering.
• Don't wear the shirt two times in a row without laundering — that really causes a buildup.
Stains can ruin a garment, and if you can't wear it, that costs you money. Learn how to take care of them with my Handy Stain Guide for Clothing, with more than 40 different stain types and removal hints! You probably have the solutions in your home. Just send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (59 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Stain, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can visit Heloise.com to order. Cheap hair shampoo can be used to banish ring around the collar for just pennies. Just scrub it into the area and wash the garment.—Heloise
Dear Heloise: I use a can of pressurized air (from a local office-supply store) to blow out my razor. It has the right amount of air pressure to clean it without damaging it. I also use the air to blow out or dust other household things like the mixer, computer keyboard, stereo equipment, etc.—Patrick Trotman, Dallas
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-435-6473 or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
© King Features Syndicate Inc.