Stains from cream and oil on nightwear
Short answer: Moisturiser, body lotion and hair oil leave dark stains on nightwear that do not come out in a normal wash. They should be treated as grease stains, with a little liquid detergent applied directly to the fabric before the garment goes in the machine.
Why the stains stay
Cream and oil consist largely of fat, and fat does not bind to water. That is why the wash water alone cannot lift the stain out of the fibres, and it stays visible even after several washes. Over time the stain attracts dust and dirt and grows darker, so it shows clearly on light nightwear.
Treat the stain directly
Put a little liquid detergent directly on the stain and rub it in gently with a finger or a soft toothbrush. The detergent breaks down the fat so the water can rinse it out afterwards. Leave it for fifteen minutes before washing. Treat the stain from the back so the grease is pushed out of the fibres.
Wash at 40 degrees
A higher temperature is rarely needed and wears the fabric and elastic unnecessarily. If the stain does not come out the first time, it is better to repeat the treatment with detergent and wash again at 40 degrees than to raise the heat. Check the stain before drying, because drying can set it.
Old stains
Stains that have been through many washes often need several rounds. Rub in detergent, leave it a little longer than usual and wash at 40 degrees. Repeat two or three times if needed. Some old stains only fade and never disappear completely, but most can be made far less visible with patience.
Prevent the stains
The easiest way around the problem is to let the cream soak in before you put on your nightwear. Give your skin about ten minutes after body lotion or foot cream, and use a thinner layer in the evening. Hair oil can go in a while before bedtime, so most has absorbed by then.
Shoulders and collar
Hair products collect mainly at the collar and on the shoulders, where your hair touches the fabric all night. Look there first when you check your nightwear for stains, and treat them before they darken. If you have long hair, a loose bun at night reduces contact. See bamboo nightwear for women.
The pillowcase
The same stains end up on the pillow, because face cream and hair oil rub off there every night. A pillowcase therefore stains faster than the rest of the bedding. Change the pillowcase more often than the sheet, and treat the stains the same way before washing. See bamboo bedding if you want a spare set.
Light and dark colours
On light nightwear grease stains appear as dark marks, while on dark fabric they more often show as shiny or darker patches. The treatment is the same whatever the colour. With strongly coloured fabric, always test the detergent on a hidden spot first, so you know the colour will not change.
Skip the tumble dryer
Heat from a tumble dryer can set a grease stain that has not fully come out, pushing it deeper into the fibres. Let your nightwear air dry until you are sure the stain is gone. Air drying is gentle on bamboo viscose in any case and keeps both shape and surface looking good for longer.
Read more
Grease is only one of many kinds of stain that clothes meet in everyday life. You will find more advice on coffee, sweat and other types in stains on bamboo clothing. The general rules on temperature, detergent and drying are collected in the washing guide, which covers all your bamboo clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Why do cream stains not disappear in the wash?
Because cream and oil are made of fat, and fat does not bind to water. Liquid detergent has to go directly on the stain before the garment goes in the machine.
Can old stains be removed?
Often yes, but it takes several rounds. Rub in detergent, let it work and wash at 40 degrees. Repeat two or three times if the stain can still be seen afterwards.
Should I wash at a higher temperature to remove the stain?
No, 40 degrees is enough. A higher temperature wears the fabric without helping much. It is better to repeat the detergent treatment and wash again at the same temperature.
See our range of bamboo sleepwear.
