Deoderant and anti-perspirant stains: roll-ons vs sticks

Deoderant and anti-perspirant stains: roll-ons vs sticks

This article discusses deodorant and antiperspirant stains, how to remove them and how to prevent them.
It's sad to see a great looking shirt become a work shirt because of the noticeable deodorant or antiperspirant stain in the underarm. Likewise, it can be incredibly frustrating when you're rushing to get out the front door in the morning and discover white deodorant streaks across the bottom of the chic black blouse you've just pulled on. What causes these stains, and how can you get rid of them?
The skin of the underarm is home to millions of bacteria, and when these combine with perspiration, an unpleasant odor can result. Deodorants and antiperspirants are designed to protect against this odor. These products are available in a variety of forms, including roll-ons, sticks, gels, creams and sprays. Deodorants work to prevent odor by covering it up, while antiperspirants prevent both odor and wetness, often through the use of aluminum to block or dry up the sweat. Unfortunately, the chemicals in these products can react with the fabric in clothing, causing discoloration and stains.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways recommended for eliminating deodorant and antiperspirant stains. It is best to begin removal soon after noticing the stain because the longer the stain goes without treatment, the harder it will be to remove. Remember to test the garment for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area before using any of the following methods.

1. Soak the stained clothing in a solution of water and oxygen cleaner. These cleaners come in the form of powder, which when combined with warm or hot water releases oxygen that targets the stains. Follow the directions on the package for the amount of powder to use for stain removal. Rinse and launder as usual.
2. If the stain has caused a color change in the fabric, try sponging the damaged area with ammonia. Mix the ammonia with an equal amount of water when applying it to wool or silk. Rinse well and launder as usual.
3. Another method for stain removal is to lightly rub the stained area with white vinegar and rinse and launder as usual.
4. A quick fix for fresh white marks transferred to a garment you've just put on is to rub the area with a clean, dry towel. This sometimes works to minimize the appearance of the stains.

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and you can save yourself the work of removing stains by using the following tips.
1. The best way to prevent clothing stains is to wait until your deodorant or antiperspirant has completely dried before putting on your clothing.
2. Refrain from using too much deodorant or antiperspirant.
3. Look for an anti-stain formula deodorant or antiperspirant. These are available as roll-ons and sticks, as well as other forms. A perk of clear solids or gels is that they don't leave white residue on clothes.
4. Another option is to use underarm guards. These are pads that attach to the garment, preventing perspiration or deodorant from damaging the fabric.

With a little determination and know-how, you can succeed in rescuing your clothing from the junk pile and prolonging its beauty and useful life.

A guide to PC buying

A guide to PC buying

A guide PC buying: there are many points to consider before you choose your new PC.
When you start to think about buying a new family computer the best advice to give it to sit down and think about what it is you want. Don't go rushing out to the shops with your credit card ready to buy the first thing you see.

There are many points to consider before you choose your new PC:
1. How much are you willing to spend?
2. Are you willing to spend a little more for what you want or is your budget strict?
3. What do you need the computer for?
4. What packages/specifications do you need? (accompanies answer 3)
5. What size screen do you want/need?
6. Will the PC be used for work?
7. Do you need a new printer also?
8. Find out the best places to get good advice - ask friends and see who they recommend.
9. Make sure that the rep in the shop or showroom knows what they are talking about. Subtly test him/her on questions you know the answers to or make mistakes and see if they correct you. If you are unsure, ask to speak to a trained sales rep.
10. Go thorough slowly exactly what is included in the deal you are considering. Many customers believe that have found a bargain only to find that the monitor wasn't included.
11. Take full details of any helpline numbers or contact addresses incase anything goes wrong with your PC.
12. Shop around. Compare prices with rival shops and try to price match with them (if you see a lower price for the same machine ask if the more expensive shop will price match).
13. If there is a friend also looking for a new PC take him along to the shops. If you both find PC's in the same shop ask for a discount - there's no harm in asking and you could be a few hundred pounds better off.
14. Make sure the company is reputable. If it is a new shop ask around to see if anyone has had any problems with them.
15. If you are buying other items in the shop (i.e. printer, paper, software, cartridges, scanner etc) ask for some sort of discount. If they don't oblige go somewhere else.

What will you use it for?

Think about this and list your answers - this is crucial to know before you buy the right computer. If you want to play good graphic games you will need a good, fast computer with lots of hard disk and a fast processor. If you intend to use the PC for work you again need a good reliable PC.

When buying the machine do ask the salesman what packages come with it. Many throw in children's games and learning tools.

If you intend to use the PC for work and will be using it for long periods it is a good idea getting the biggest size screen you can afford. 17/19 inch is fine. Using a smaller screen will inevitable bring constant eyestrain and perhaps headaches for the user: it is worth paying a few pounds/dollars more.

Haggling with the sales reps
All salespeople make commission on what they sell. They want your sale. Make sure that you get a good deal. If things aren't going as you planned or the rep won't haggle with you start to walk away. Seeing a potential commission walk out the door will soon have the salesman changing his mind. When discussing the free packages that come with it make sure you get a good deal with the rep. If you have one or two of the free software packages, barter a lower price or try and get different packages instead of the ones you already have.

Saving money
Most companies charge for delivery or set up of your machine. You don't have to pay this. It often works out cheaper if you can hire a bigger car or van and go and collect it yourself (find out where the depot is before you commit yourself to doing this). Unless you are a complete beginner at computers and haven't a clue ask a friend to help you set up the machine. You'll learn more by doing it yourself and your friend won't charge you!