Getting makeup out of white towels can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right steps and a little patience, you can effectively remove the stains. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tackle this issue.
Step 1: Act Quickly
The sooner you try to remove the makeup from the towel, the better. Fresh stains are always easier to treat than set-in ones, so as soon as you notice the makeup on your white towel, it’s time to act.
Step 2: Remove Excess Makeup
Use a spoon or the back of a butter knife to gently scrape off any excess makeup from the towel. Be careful not to spread the makeup further or press it deeper into the fibers of the towel.
Step 3: Pre-treat the Stain
Spray a pre-treatment stain remover onto the makeup stain or apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to it. Gently rub the pre-treatment or detergent into the stain with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, but do not let it dry on the towel.
Step 4: Soak the Towel
Fill a basin or the sink with warm water and add a scoop of oxygen-based bleach (check the product’s label for the correct amount). Submerge the towel and let it soak for 1 to 5 hours, depending on the severity of the stain.
Step 5: Launder the Towel
After the towel has soaked, wash it in the hottest water recommended on the towel’s care label. Use your regular laundry detergent, and consider adding some oxygen-based bleach to the wash water for extra stain-fighting power.
Step 6: Check the Stain
Before you put the towel in the dryer, check to make sure the makeup stain is completely gone. The high heat from the dryer can set the stain permanently.
Step 7: Air Dry or Use a Dryer
If the stain has been removed, you can dry the towel according to the care label instructions. If you still see any trace of makeup, do not put it in the dryer. Instead, air-dry the towel and then treat the remaining stain again following the steps above.
Tips and Considerations
- Always read and follow the care instructions on your towel’s label to prevent damage.
- Test any stain removal product on a small, inconspicuous area of the towel before treating the stain to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
- For oil-based makeup stains, using a solvent-based stain remover may be more effective.
- Never mix cleaning products, especially chlorine bleach and ammonia, as it can create toxic gases.
- If the stain persists after several attempts of treatment, it may be time to consult a professional cleaner.
By following these steps carefully, you should be able to restore your white towels to their original state without any leftover makeup stains. Remember, the quicker you address the stain, the easier it will be to remove.