Try vinegar or vodka to combat sweaty clothes

August 23, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

Q. I used to work backstage for the wardrobe department in a theater. Actors sweat, and clothes that are not machine-washable are dry-cleaned only once a week. Clothes get sweaty and smell.

The solution that I was taught is to spray undiluted white vinegar or vodka (the cheaper and higher proof the better) on the armpits and other sweaty areas of the clothing. Once the vinegar or vodka dried, the clothes didn’t smell. This worked for the 15 years that I did it.

A. Thanks for this fascinating tip. During the summer, clothes get sweaty quickly. This seems like an affordable solution to a common problem. Before spraying the entire garment, though, it might be a good idea to test the vinegar or vodka in an inobtrusive place to make sure it won’t stain the clothing.

Q. I’ve lost the source of research I read indicating some people experience elevated cholesterol from using glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis. Were you the source of this information, or do you know of the study?

Months ago, my doctor said my cholesterol was way too high. She wanted me to take drugs for it. Instead, I quit taking the supplements. All my cholesterol counts improved greatly. I also ate more oatmeal and started on Levothroid.

I now want to resume the glucosamine protocol and see if my cholesterol goes back up. Before I do, I’d like to know about the study I mentioned.

A. Readers of this column first began reporting in 1998 that their cholesterol levels rose while they were taking glucosamine and chondroitin. Levels fell when they stopped the arthritis supplements.

There is little research on this topic. In 2004, Danish regulators reported a handful of similar cases. Although a placebo-controlled trial did not verify such a connection, some people may be susceptible.

Oatmeal and thyroid hormone (Levothroid) can also help bring cholesterol down. If you monitor your cholesterol carefully, you will be able to tell whether resuming your supplements raises your lipid levels.

Q. I have read many questions about toenail fungus but not much about our issue. My daughter has hot, sweaty feet that smell. She hates wearing socks because she says they make her feet too hot.

What can we do to relieve our problems — her hot, sweaty feet and our daily olfactory invasion? Her aunt also suffers with sweaty, smelly feet.

A. Warmth and moisture encourage the growth of bacteria that can contribute to foot odor. These conditions also allow the fungus that causes nail fungus and athlete’s foot to flourish.

Readers of our column have offered all sorts of remedies for such problems. One suggested drinking a chlorophyll solution from the health-food store for smelly feet. A gentleman reported that diluted vinegar applications plus Vicks VapoRub helped both athlete’s foot and nail fungus.

Another reader shared that he had suffered from excessive foot sweat for years. He tried tannic acid (tea) to soak the feet and noted: “It works. My feet feel and smell better than they have in years.”

We have collected a number of suggestions from readers in our Guides to Home Remedies, Unique Uses for Vicks and Smelly Feet.

XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy” (Rodale Books).