How to Get Sweat Stains Out of My Waistband?

[jimk23]

I have minor sweat stains on the inside waistband of my kilt. Is there any safe way to remove them without harming the kilt's wool?

Thanks.

[Pleater]

Wash it - really.

If you use a bathtub and fill it half full of warm water, add a little detergent - hair shampoo will do, then gently lower the kilt into the water and either gently sloosh the water through the fabric or use a jug and scoop up and pour over. It might take a little while for the stains to dissolve, do not worry.

There was once a cargo of wool salvaged from a shipwreck which was found to be perfectly good after 60 years, so you don't need to worry about 20 minutes in a bath.

Do not rub or wring the fabric, just let the water dissolve the salts.

Gently draw the kilt away from the drain and taps, so it is not agitated by the water leaving or falling into the bath. Only when the taps are off should it be spread out and very gently slooshed with a patting motion of the hands.

Rinse in water at the same temperature three times, and add a cup of white vinegar to the last lot. Wool likes an acid pH and the vinegar gets rid of any last trace of the alkaline detergent.

Allow the water to drain from the fabric before lifting it from the bath. If you have a rack or grill the kilt can lie on for a little while until it stops dripping that is good, then tip it up for the water to drain downhill, and finally hang it up and smooth the pleats into place. Do not let it dry 'wonky' as it is difficult to persuade the pleat that you didn't want it to set that way really.

You can drain the kilt a little then lay it on a towel, smooth the pleats then put another towel over the top and roll it up, then press on it to get the water out faster. Repeat until it is dry enough to hang up.

Wool really is washable, but you need to know how to do it.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[jimk23]

Anne,

Thank you for complete and thorough instructions. I'm glad I asked for
advice. I hope it helps some other member as well.

James

[fcgeil]

Great tips, Anne! Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

[CMcG]

I have read various bits of advice on washing kilts, but Anne's description above may actually be the most clear I've encountered. Thanks!

[English Bloke]

Top tips Anne. Should sticky this. After my adventures in the mud-bath that was Beverley Festival I have a kilt needs washing. I might take some pictures while I do it.

[Chas]

Prevention is better than cure.

If you want to stop staining, then you need a barrier layer between you and the kilt. Some kilt wearers are desperate not to wear underwear at any cost. If you are one of those - fair enough. But you should then wear some form of shirt tucked in.

Otherwise this is going to be a recurring problem on a regular basis.

Regards

Chas

[Oddern]

A great washing turtorial from Anne. I just have a tip on what detergent to use. It's important to use a detergent without enzymes. Enzymes breaks down wool fiber so the fabric will wrinkle more easily and be less durable. Here in Norway we use a lot of wool clothing and we have detergents specially designed to wash wool.
Skål!

[tulloch]

Thank you Anne. Very informative and interesting as always.

[TheBrus]

Excellent. At last washing instructions that don't include phrases like "submerge the kilt in the burn, repeat" or "dry the kilt by spreading it on the heather" or "carefully, using a garden hose..."!