Nifty trick disarms stains left behind by deodorant

Last week while at a job site some of my crew started harassing another crew member about his body odor; granted, the internal temperature of the area we were working in exceeded 80 degrees. A little deodorant would have saved this apprentice some embarrassment, I’m sure he got the message.

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 clothing.

The problem of body odor is ancient, as are mans 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 glands exists. 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 the lipids, converting them into various compounds, e.g. Isovaleric acid which contributes 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 the 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 messy, 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. Depending on 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 of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts warm water. Let time work it magic, about 5 to 10 minutes should dissolve the salts and oils stored in the fabric, then wash normally.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (208-255-2266) or toll free at 1-877-311-NWES. E-mail them to nwees@hughes. net  or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St. , Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?  For more information about Ed’s company, check him out at NWESINC. COM.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the president of  Northwest Executive & Environmental Services, Inc.