Don't sweat it, learn about deodorants
As a teen, I would come running into the house, my mother would take one whiff of me and act like she was going to faint from my obvious body odor. When I went to the military, my D.I. was far less dramatic; however, very direct and to the point about body odor. Last week my crew was forced to work in a very confined space and the issue of deodorant came up and how to use it.
In this week's article I thought I would discuss deodorant, e.g., its history, what it is, how it works, and how to remove it from your clothes.
The problem of body odor is ancient, as are man's attempt to solve the problem. From the dawn of written history, about 5,500 years ago, every major civilization has left records of their effort to produce deodorants.
Historical records show attempts to create deodorant as far back as the ancient Sumerians. Early Egyptians recommended scented baths followed by rubbing perfumed oils under their arms. They made citrus and cinnamon paste that they placed under their arms; however, this became a problem when it became rancid from the heat, which presented another problem.
Both Greeks and Romans derived their deodorants from Egyptian formulas. In fact, throughout history, aside from regular washing, the only real deodorant was perfume, which merely masked one scent with another for a time.
The truth of the matter is, we as humans are a stinky bunch. Anthropologists now believe that we smelled so bad that predators refused to eat us for dinner, which probably helped in our survival.
Body odor is primarily generated in the areas behind the ear, under the arm, around the groin, and rectum, where a high concentration of sweat gland exist. While sweat is initially odorless, it does contain natural oil, called lipids, that provide a growth medium for bacteria living on the skin. These bacteria interact with lipids, converting them into various compounds, e.g., Isovaleric acids, which contribute to the stinky smell of sweat.
There is a huge difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants mask the smell by killing the odor-causing bacteria and antiperspirants actually inhibit the activity of sweat glands so less moisture is secreted.
In 1888, the first trademarked deodorant was created in Philadelphia by an unknown inventor. The product was called “Mum.” Mum was a paste applied to the underarm.
The first effective antiperspirant was called “Everdry.” Everdry was aluminum chloride applied with a cotton swab to the armpit. It took forever to dry, was mess, stung when applied and would eat through clothing (not good). In the mid-1950s, a roll-on was created called “Ban,” and the rest is history.
Over the years I've had folks call in requesting information on how to clean clothing contaminated with antiperspirants. The type of deodorant and cosmetics that were used will determine the color of perspiration marks or rings left on the garment. If you are having difficulty removing these under-arm marks, try this little trick: Soak the marked spots in a solution on one part vinegar and three parts warm water. Let time work its magic - about five to 10 minutes should dissolve the salts and oils stored in the fabric - then wash normally.
When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), email them to madan@surf1.ws, or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee at 310 Church Street, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864, Attn: What would Ed do? For more information about Ed, check him out at NWEES.com
n Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.