Foundations often end up on clothes. They are well absorbed into the fabric, and under mechanical stress they penetrate deep into the threads and spread to neighboring areas. If this has already happened, it is better to immediately use alcohol wipes, since it will be difficult to wash foundation off clothes later. Old stains will have to be removed with special means.
Can foundation wash off clothes?
In most cases, foundation contains fats and oils that are easily absorbed into the fabric. The situation is aggravated by the presence of dyes in the composition. For this reason, it is most often impossible to remove stains without first soaking and using special products.
The chances of success depend on the composition of the cosmetic and the type of fabric. If the dye is not too bright and the clothes are white, bleach will help. The most difficult stain to remove is from wool and cotton colored fabric, especially if the cream is on a leave-in basis and the stain is old. Even such defects can be removed, but if excessive friction occurs, the item may lose its bright colors or become deformed.
What should you do first while the stain is fresh?
It's easier to clean clothes immediately after they get dirty. The foundation has not yet had time to penetrate deep into the tissue, so even under the most unfavorable conditions you can wipe off most of it and simplify further removal.
Try to carefully remove excess makeup with a cotton pad, sponge, napkin or other similar means at hand. Change them when they become dirty. In the process, move from the edges of the stain to its middle. Try not to rub the cream into the fabric and not to increase the area of contamination. Movements should be light, without strong pressure.
After removing most of the cream, you should proceed to washing. The choice of means and mode depends on the item. It is recommended to check the label: the symbols on it indicate which washing methods should be used for a given type of fabric.
It is better to wash stains in cool water. The cream may contain substances that harden at high temperatures.This will cause the stain to set.
Popular folk methods for removing foundation stains
Handy cleaning products include:
- Alcohol wipes
- Toothpaste
- Alcohol
- Dishwashing liquid
- Makeup remover
- Soda and vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Purified gasoline
- Starch
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Shaving foam
These products vary in effectiveness. Most of them are not able to completely remove an old stain, but they make further washing easier. However, such methods should be used with caution, as they can make the situation worse. It is not recommended to use them when cleaning expensive items. For example, a coat.
Alcohol wipes
Alcohol helps to quickly remove small stains from cream. However, even in the case of synthetics, wipes alone are often not enough. They help remove excess product, but some of it is absorbed into the fabric, so additional washing is required.
The method is suitable for colored and white items. In the case of natural and delicate fabrics, it is better to use other cleaning agents.
To remove a stain, do the following:
- Take a napkin with alcohol impregnation.
- Lightly blot the contaminated area with it. Do not press or rub the fabric, otherwise the cream will be absorbed deeper, and the area of the stain will increase. If the cosmetics have managed to thicken a little, you can try to gently wipe the contaminated area from the edges to its center.
- Replace napkins as needed.
This method can deal with fresh stains. If the product has managed to dry, you will have to use other methods.
Toothpaste
The product is suitable for removing stains from colored and white items. However, it is better not to clean delicate fabrics with toothpaste.The latter contain abrasives that can damage the fibers.
The paste is squeezed onto a cotton pad and lightly rubbed into the stain to be removed. If it is old, you need to leave the product on the surface for 3-5 minutes. After this, the fabric is rinsed under running water.
Ammonia or ethyl alcohol
The solutions are suitable for removing stains from jeans, jackets, T-shirts, shirts, down jackets, etc. If you use 10% ammonia, mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio; there is no need to dilute ethyl alcohol. Moisten the cloth with the solution, then wipe the stain. If necessary, additional washing is carried out.
Dishwashing liquid
Such products dissolve grease well, so they can easily cope with fresh stains. The method is suitable for black, colored and snow-white things. Cleaning products can be used to remove the cream from the collar. The method can be used if there is an urgent need to remove dirt, since in most cases additional washing is not required.
The fabric is wetted. Apply a little detergent to the problem area and rub it in lightly. Leave the item for half an hour, then gently rub the stain with your fingers and rinse it under running water. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
Makeup remover or micellar water
The products clean synthetic and cotton fabrics. Tonic can remove dirt from a sweater, blouse, shirt, etc. You can only use products that do not contain pigments and fats.
To clean the cloth, soak a cotton pad in the liquid and blot the affected area. If the cream has dried out a little, you can carefully wipe the stain. Leave the product for half an hour, then wash the item.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
The method is suitable for synthetic, cotton and silk white fabrics. Baking soda breaks down fats, and vinegar bleaches.
The powder is diluted with water to make a paste. Add 2-3 drops of medical ammonia to the mixture. The mixture is applied to the problem area and left for 10 minutes, then wipe the area with a brush. After this, the contaminated part is dipped in vinegar diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio. Wring out the fabric, sprinkle with soda, leave for 10 minutes and start washing.
Refined gasoline and various solvents
You will need a special product that can be purchased at a hardware store. The liquid is applied to clothing and left for 1–2 hours, then the item is washed and dried. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
Hydrogen peroxide
The liquid bleaches the fabric, so it is not suitable for colored and black items. To remove stains, use 3% peroxide. The problem area is soaked in liquid for 5–10 minutes, then the item is rinsed with warm water and washed.
Starch
The powder is used on white fabrics. Dry cleaning removes fresh stains. Starch is poured onto the problem area, then the fabric is gently wiped with a brush. The remaining powder is removed and the procedure is repeated if necessary.
Lemon juice
Citrus fruits can act as a mild solvent and bleach. The item is soaked in juice for half an hour, then washed. It is advisable to test the effect of the product on a small area to make sure that it will not harm the dye.
Nail polish remover with acetone
The product dissolves fat, but can damage the tissue. You need to wear gloves when working with acetone. Apply the solvent to a separate piece of fabric or cotton pad, then wipe the stain.
Shaving foam
The product removes dirt from synthetic fabrics. The foam is applied to the stain and gently scrubbed with a toothbrush. Leave the item for 10–15 minutes, then remove the foam with a napkin.
Store-bought products for removing foundation stains from clothes
Industrial products are highly effective. They cope better with already dried or deeply ingrained cream. However, you must carefully read the instructions and take into account the type of fabric so as not to spoil the item.
Laundry soap
To combat stains, use a special “Antipyatin” or a simple odorless bar. Use it to wash the item until the dirt disappears.
Melamine sponge
This method is suitable for synthetics and leather. You cannot clean children's clothes and delicate fabrics with a sponge, because it contains toxic substances. For the same reason, you need to use gloves during the procedure.
The sponge is moistened with water and lightly squeezed, then the stain is scrubbed until it disappears. The item is rinsed under running water.
Special solid and liquid stain removers
To combat stains, you can use sprays, sticks, granular and liquid industrial products. The latter includes, for example, “Vanish”. When using them, carefully read the instructions so as not to damage the item.
Oxygen bleaches
Such compositions cope with stains better than alternatives, but can ruin the item, so it is better to test on a small area first. When soaking things in oxygen bleaches, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Other household chemicals for removing foundation
“Vanish” for carpets can deal with dirt.However, you first need to test its effect on a small area of fabric so as not to spoil the item.
Tips for removing foundation marks depending on the color of the fabric
Recommendations for removing stains depend on the shade of the item. Some methods are only suitable for light-colored fabrics.
White things
Oxygen bleaches and hydrogen peroxide are better for light-colored clothes. It is recommended to soak such a fabric to completely remove the stain.
Black clothes
It is better to soak dark items immediately after the cream gets on them. To remove excess, use a white cloth soaked in detergent. You can apply shaving foam or shampoo to the dirt before washing.
Colored clothes
When working with colored fabrics, select industrial stain removers that are suitable for this type of item. Before soaking, be sure to test on an inconspicuous area to ensure that the shades do not fade.
Rules for removing foundation from clothes made from different types of fabric
Different stain removal methods are suitable for different items. The easiest way is to remove dirt from synthetics. Wool requires the most careful handling.
Denim items
In the case of jeans, you need to soak them in cold water as quickly as possible. After this, excess cream is removed with a white cloth. If the dirt has already dried, apply shampoo or shaving foam to the problem area, then wash it in the usual way.
Clothes made of natural and artificial leather
If the item is expensive, it is better to take it to the dry cleaner so as not to spoil it. Fresh stains can be removed using alcohol wipes or baby powder.
Cotton items
It is better to clean such fabric with soda. Sprinkle the powder over the stain, leave for 20 minutes, then shake off the residue.Reuse is possible.
Woolen products
For washing woolen items, it is important to use only those products that are intended for this type of fabric. For example, Vanish Gold Oxi Action is suitable.
Delicate and artificial fabrics
Synthetics are cleaned with shaving foam, alcohol wipes, melamine sponges, etc. In the case of delicate fabrics, it is better to use special industrial stain removers.
Silk
If machine washing is not suitable, you can try using glycerin for soaking, having first tested its effect on a small area. However, it is better to immediately take the item to the dry cleaner.
How to remove old foundation stains
To remove old stains, it is recommended to use industrial products. Folk methods are mainly intended for fresh stains. Chemical solutions effectively destroy fat molecules and remove the stain completely.
If you cannot cope with the stain on your own, you should contact the dry cleaner. Excessive exposure to alcohol, acetone or industrial bleaches may cause discoloration of the fabric.
