Fabric Staining
Iron Content
Garment Care Guidelines
Formulation Recommendations
BACKGROUND
Fabric staining has long been a concern with antiperspirant
use. Total elimination is impossible but ELEMENTIS offers
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some ideas for minimizing problems caused by
formulations, as well as dealing with stained fabrics.
The first generation of antiperspirant actives, chiefly
aluminum chloride, was highly acidic and extremely harsh
on fabrics. Since aluminum chloride not only stained
fabrics, but caused them to disintegrate and was highly
irritating, a new form of antiperspirant active was
developed – aluminum chlorohydrate. Aluminum
chlorohydrate is less acidic than aluminum chloride and is
thus less harsh on fabrics. The incidence of fabric staining
also decreased with the advent of this active.
FACTORS CAUSING FABRIC STAINING
There are various theories which attempt to elucidate the
cause of fabric staining.
1. The acidic nature of the antiperspirant active in
combination with eccrine sweat causes a fabric
yellowing reaction to occur over time due to repeated
and prolonged exposure.;
2. A second important factor is the presence of iron in
the formulation ingredients, such as the active, clays,
and fragrances;
3. Some other factors which can influence stain
formation are the use of improper laundering
techniques, iron present in the wash water itself may
deposit on the fabric causing a stain, the type of
laundry detergent, and inefficient removal of fatty
sebum soils, some of which can oxidize to contribute
a yellow stain, and/or form a matrix for deposition of
particulate soils from the wash water.
ELEMENTIS minimizes the level of iron present in its
antiperspirant actives. In fact, typical iron values for
ELEMENTIS actives are well below the maximum allowed
by the USP for liquid and powder actives.
4. Along with iron, calcium, and other inorganic metals
found in the wash water may also contribute to fabric
staining. The use of hard water in fabric washing is
therefore not recommended because the presence of
high levels of calcium and iron may inhibit thorough
removal of antiperspirant ingredients and body soils by
precipitating onto the garment. In addition, insoluble
complexes of hard water ions and detergents may
deposit on clothing.
Most light or newly formed stains on washable clothing can
be reduced, if not entirely removed, by first rinsing the
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fabric in cool, soft water with no detergent present, followed
by the standard detergent washing procedure. Whirlpool, a
major manufacturer of washing machines, recommends for
best stain removal results for antiperspirants/deodorants to
“treat with a paste of ammonia and color-safe bleach, let
stand for 30 minutes, and then wash in the hottest water
safe for the fabric.” Staining can also occur if clothes are
not pre-washed before bleach is introduced into the wash
water.
CLOTHES STAINING/GARMENT CARE
 When garments contain residual amounts of
antiperspirant salts after laundering, subsequent
ironing will cause the formation of a white insoluble
solid within the fabric matrix which is difficult to
remove and may cause irreversible damage to the
fabric.
 Tests indicate that there is no tendency for aluminum
ions from antiperspirants to replace metal ions in pre-
metallized dyes. Also, basic dyes are stable in the
presence of aluminum. However, some dyes used in
clothing may be acid sensitive, and will change color
when in contact with an antiperspirant or an
antiperspirant mixed with perspiration. This change in
color is often reversible and can be corrected by
sponging the area with a dilute solution of ammonia.
 Another type of staining occurs when washing
clothing which contains a deposit of aluminum salt
combined with perspiration and body oils. When
alkaline soap or laundry detergent contacts the fabric,
insoluble aluminum soap or aluminum hydroxide may
form within the fabric matrix which is yellow in color
and is somewhat sticky. Repeated ironing or pressing
and/or exposure to heat in a clothes dryer will further
set the stain. Bluing agents (violet dyes) or colored
detergents may also combine with the aluminum salt
to produce a blue or grey stain. Optical whiteners
used in some laundry detergents may increase the
discoloration. However, tests have been conducted to
indicate that there is no interaction between
fluorescent brightening agents and aluminum.
However, fluorescent brightening agents do tend to
form yellow/cream coloration with prolonged
exposure to sunlight. This is a photo-reactive
phenomenon, so the stains formed are permanent
(not removed by washing).
 The use of natural fibers and the increased weight
and thread thickness of sportswear has given rise to
the phenomenon of fabric stiffening. This stiffening is
most likely due to the formation of insoluble aluminum
continued...
 hydroxides or aluminum phosphates which build up in
the fibers after repeated washing and wearing cycles.
The aluminum phosphates form as a result of the
reaction between aluminum chlorohydrate with
phosphate-based detergents. The affected areas can
be treated with dilute acid (0.1N HCl or 1N H2SO4)
followed by a clean water rinse to remove the
stiffness. Dry cleaning solvents will remove the oily
and waxy portions of an antiperspirant product
residue, but will generally leave the aluminum salt in
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the fabric.
 Some incidence of staining of clothing by
antiperspirant products is unavoidable. Natural
fabrics, such as cotton and linen, are more
susceptible to stain formation, while polyester, nylon,
and wool are significantly less susceptible. Nylon is
the least susceptible while some incidence of wool
stain occurs because of its high absorptive capacity.
However, proper garment care will reduce the
majority of staining occurrences.
FORMULATION CONSIDERATIONS
Proper garment care is not the only recourse in the fight
against staining. As mentioned above, raw materials play a
major role in the staining or non-staining of a garment. The
following points are just a few of the ways in which a
formulator can lessen the degree of fabric staining:
Deodorant Compounds
The majority of black, tan, blue, and brown staining of
fabrics was caused by the deodorant compounds that were
used in combination with antiperspirant actives
(hexachlorophene or triclosan). We now know that in
addition to the inhibition of perspiration, aluminum-based
antiperspirant actives also exhibit antimicrobial activity by
themselves, and the inclusion of deodorant compounds in
an antiperspirant/deodorant compound is unnecessary.
Iron
Fabric stains are not caused directly by the aluminum
active but by the iron contained in the aluminum
chlorohydrate, as well as in other common antiperspirant
ingredients such as suspending oils, perfumes, and clays.
Iron can react with organic acids in skin secretions and
result in red/brown stains. We do not know the exact
nature of the chromophoric compounds that are formed.
Clays
Clays are often mined products and not all suppliers
specify or regulate the iron contents of their products.
Others control the iron and heavy metal content of their
products. We know that hectorite clays offer lower staining
potential than bentonite clays.
Chelating Agents
The inclusion of chelating agents in antiperspirant
formulations to form water soluble or water dispersible
complexes with iron was only partially successful. The
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greatest success was with citric acid, triglycollamic acid,
and ethylene bis (oxyethylenenitrilo) tetraacetic acid, all of
which demonstrated a 50% reduction in stain intensity.
Some antioxidants (2-6 ditertbutyl p-cresol and BB’
dilaurylthiodipropionate) were also successful at lightening
stains. However, no additive was found that could totally
eliminate staining, so iron content must be controlled in the
raw materials used to prepare antiperspirants.
Emulsifiers
It has been suggested that certain emulsifiers may aid in
washing out stains or staining agents. This is substantiated
by the fact that emulsion type formulas have a lesser
incidence of staining than other formula types. Most
anhydrous antiperspirant stick products marketed today
also contain a surfactant.
Oils and Perfumes
Some of the oils and perfumes used in antiperspirants can
cause a fabric stain when used independently of aluminum
salts. Natural oils tend to yellow more than synthetics, but
they all tend to contain some degree of unsaturation which
can lead to discoloration upon reacting with sweat.
Silicone Fluids and Special Blends
The various volatile and non-volatile silicone fluids and
special blends that are used in antiperspirants contribute
markedly less to stain formation than many emollient
esters. Some ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactants/
emulsifiers, such as PPG-5-Ceteth 20, are claimed to be
non-staining agents.
STAIN TESTING PROTOCOLS
Three methods for testing the interaction of antiperspirant
ingredients/formulations with fabrics are detailed here. The
first is a quick screening method developed by
ELEMENTIS. The second and third more rigorous methods
are recommended for testing antiperspirant formulations
before they are placed on the market. The two latter
methods were developed by Good Housekeeping
Laboratories and are used to evaluate products marketed
in the USA.
Scorch Test (ELEMENTIS) – Prepare aqueous solutions
of antiperspirant actives at their typical or suggested use
level. Other ingredients used in antiperspirant formulations
may be tested neat or at their use level in the formulation.
Finished formulations should be tested undiluted. Control
solutions for antiperspirant actives usually consist of 20%
aqueous solutions of aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum
chloride.
One drop each of test solution(s) and control solution(s) is
applied to standard linen cloth at four centimeter intervals.
After the test solutions have penetrated the fabric it should
be pressed with a moderately hot iron. Record the visual
results immediately and after 24 hours.
continued...
 Fabric Discoloration Test – This method is used to 9. At the end of 24 hours, lay the swatches,
determine if a particular test material has stained various antiperspirant side down, on paper towels and
fabrics. Squares (3" x 3") of the following white fabrics of press for ten seconds at 135 - 146°C.
varying construction and fiber content are used: 100% 10. Remove 1cm off the ends to yield swatches 15 x
polyester, 100% nylon, 100% cotton, 65% cot-ton/35% 50cm. Cut the swatches into five 15 x 10cm
polyester, 100% silk, 100% acetate, 100% rayon and swatches.
100% linen. It is necessary to prepare a synthetic 11. Condition the swatches at 27°C and 85% relative
perspiration solution. In a 1L volumetric flask, combine 10g humidity for three hours.
NaCl, 1g lactic acid (85% USP), 1g Na2HPO4
12. Test the tensile strength using a grab test with a
(anhydrous), and 0.25g hystidine monohydrochloride and
motor driven tensile strength machine (ASTM
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bring to volume with distilled water. The pH of the freshly

Method 01682-64) or equivalent apparatus.
prepared solution should be 4.1 - 4.5. The samples are
treated as follows for each fabric type:
CONCLUSION
1. Original (untreated control)
2. Suspend an untreated swatch in an oven for 18 There are many precautions that can be taken in order to
hours at 37+/-1 °C. Launder in an automatic washer minimize the amount of garment staining. First, the
with 0.5 cup detergent at a warm (41°C) temperature formulators of antiperspirant products must take care to
setting and tumble dry. Repeat procedure five times. use ingredients that are as low in iron content as possible.
The iron content of all raw materials should be determined
3. Wet out swatch with perspiration solution, blot, and
and consciously minimized since iron is the primary
follow the same procedure as #2.
causative factor of most staining problems occurring today.
4. Wet out swatch with perspiration solution, blot, and
coat evenly with test product and follow the same Consumers can further reduce the chances of fabric
procedure as #2. staining by taking proper care of garments. Do not iron a
stain, if possible, without preliminary laundering as this will
Observations relative to discoloration and staining are
only set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. Try to
recorded by comparing the test swatch (sample #4) to the
avoid washing with hard water. Follow the stain removal
control swatches.
instructions of the washing machine manufacturers. The
A variation of this test is to repeat the fabric treatments a calcium and other trace metals present tend to create
total of six times for each product sample that is evaluated. stains rather than help remove them. If stiffening occurs,
soak the area in a dilute acidic solution such as vinegar.
Fabric Tensile Strength Test – This method is used to This should help to dissolve the aluminum hydroxide
determine the tensile strength of a treated fabric. entrapped within the fabric matrix, thereby eliminating the
Formulations which reduce the tensile strength by 20% or stiffening, or boarding, of the textile.
more should be questioned or rejected.
In any event, staining problems may be peculiar to some
1. Obtain a 36 x 58 cm piece of white cotton percale.
people more than others, just as extremely odorous axillary
2. Wash with a 0.25% aqueous solution of mild sweat is peculiar to some more than others. However,
detergent at 54°C for 15 minutes. Rinse twice. fabric staining can be minimized by following the
3. After drying, press fabric with an iron at 135°C. formulation and recommended garment care guidelines
4. Remove 3 cm of fabric from the perimeter and presented here.
discard.
5. Cut the fabric into two swatches 15 x 52".
6. Mark a 3 cm strip down the center of the length of
the swatches.
7. Leave one swatch untreated and gently apply
antiperspirant to the center strip of fabric. Apply
evenly, approximately 2.5g per 3 x 52" strip.
8. Suspend the swatches in an atmosphere of 27°C at
a relative humidity of 85% for 24 hours.
NOTE: The information herein is currently believed to be accurate. We do not guarantee its accuracy. Purchasers shall not rely on statements herein when purchasing any products.
Purchasers should make their own investigations to determine if such products are suitable for a particular use. The products discussed are sold without warranty, express or implied,
including a warranty of merchantability and fitness for use. Purchasers will be subject to a separate agreement which will not incorporate this document.
© Copyright 2018, Elementis Specialties, Inc. All rights reserved. Copying and/or downloading of this document or information therein for republication is not allowed unless prior written
agreement is obtained from Elementis Specialties, Inc.
® Registered trademark of Elementis SRL, Inc. V01 July 2018

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