How to remove make-up from the neckline
Short answer: Make-up on a neckline is grease and colour at the same time. Loosen the grease with a little liquid detergent directly on the stain, let it work, and then wash at 40 degrees as usual.
Grease first
Foundation, powder and cream contain oil, and the oil has to be loosened before the colour can come out. Rub a drop of liquid detergent into the stain with your finger, on both sides of the fabric. Do not use water first, as water runs off the grease and can spread the colour further.
Let it work
Leave the detergent for ten to fifteen minutes before the item goes in the machine. That makes a bigger difference than scrubbing, because the detergent has time to break down the grease. Hard scrubbing can instead wear the neckline, so it loses its shape and starts to look tired early.
No warmer than 40 degrees
40 degrees is enough to get make-up out of bamboo clothing. A higher temperature sets the dyes instead of removing them, and it also wears on the fabric and the elastic. If the stain is still visible after washing, repeat the detergent treatment rather than turning up the heat.
Check before drying
If the stain is still there after washing, repeat the treatment before the item dries. A tumble dryer or warm air from a radiator makes the stain permanent, because the heat bakes the grease into the fibres. Only hang the item on a rack once you are sure the stain is gone.
Prevent it
Put your top on before your make-up, or place a thin scarf over your face when you pull it over your head. It sounds obvious, but it works. Also let cream and foundation settle for a few minutes before you put on clothes with a close neckline. Less will rub off.
Dark clothing
Light make-up shows most on dark clothing, especially powder and foundation in pale shades. The treatment is the same, but it helps to brush loose powder off with a dry cloth first. See the dark basics in bamboo t-shirt for women, where the neckline is the spot that most often gets marked.
General care
Once the stain is gone, wash the item like the rest of your bamboo clothing. Use a mild detergent, skip the fabric softener and let it air dry. Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that can hold on to traces of grease. The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.
Where it happens most
Make-up settles in the neckline of tops and the collar of shirts. Both are treated the same way, although a collar is often firmer and can take a little more rubbing. See bamboo t-shirt for women and bamboo shirt for men, where the edge at the neck is most exposed.
Lipstick
Lipstick contains more wax and colour than foundation and needs a little more patience. First blot off as much as you can with a piece of paper, without rubbing. Then treat it with liquid detergent and let it work a bit longer than usual. Repeat twice rather than reaching for a stronger product.
Avoid harsh products
Stain removers with solvents or chlorine can be too harsh for bamboo viscose. They can leave pale patches or weaken the fibres so the fabric becomes thin. Liquid detergent and patience are enough in most cases. Always test a new product on a hidden spot before using it on the stain itself.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get foundation out of a white collar?
Rub a drop of liquid detergent into the stain, leave it for fifteen minutes and wash at 40 degrees. Check the collar before drying and repeat the treatment if a shade remains.
Does washing hotter help?
No. A higher temperature sets the dyes in the make-up and wears the fabric. Stay at 40 degrees and repeat the detergent treatment instead, until the stain is completely gone.
How do I avoid make-up on the neckline?
Put your top on before your make-up, or place a thin scarf over your face when you pull it over your head. Let cream and foundation settle for a few minutes first.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
