The funds might not always be available for special deodorizers and stain removers in a group home budget. Even with skilled group home support staff’s prompts, regular showering is avoided by some group home residents and body odor becomes a problem. Washing clothes with the inexpensive laundry detergent that is is most group home laundry rooms can add to the problem.
There is an inexpensive solution that won’t require a request for added funds. When doing the grocery shopping, two inexpensive items can be added to the grocery list:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
The large containers of each are very affordable. Both vinegar and baking soda won’t damage fabric like bleach can.
Removing body odor
Vinegar can be used in the wash to cut through and remove body odor from the following:
- Shirts
- Socks
- Shoes
- Bedding
- Furniture covers
Simply add 1-1 1/2 cups along with the laundry soap. Once the washer fills up and agitates a few times, the lid can be lifted (or use the pause button if there is one) to soak especially smelly items.
Removing sweat stains
For those pesky yellow stains from sweaty arm pits (these can occur even with good personal hygiene), take baking soda and mix it with some water to form a paste. Allow it to soak for about 20 minutes before washing. This works best on yellow arm pit stains that have not “set”. If you suspect that excessive sweating on a particularly hot and humid day may lead to yellow stains, treat the stain as soon as you can before it gets washed the first time. There seems to be a connection with increased sweat stains and antiperspirant. If you have a recurring problem, try a different brand or switch to a deodorant.
Other hints for sweat stain removal:
- Sprinkle vinegar on armpit of clothes as soon as they are removed
- Soak with dish washing liquid. If a colored liquid soap is used on whites, be careful. Especially really inexpensive dish washing liquid, the dye may stain clothes.
- Soak with hair shampoo for oily hair
- Hydrogen peroxide can be applied to the stain. Hydrogen peroxide, if left on overnight or longer, may damage fabric (similar to bleach), but doesn’t change the color.
- Toothpaste scrubbed into the stain may help remove it. You can even use an old toothbrush!
Body odor removal and sweat stain removal doesn’t need to be expensive. Group home support staff who use these simple and inexpensive hints will help group home residents to keep their clothes looking and smelling good longer.