How to Remove Makeup From a Cotton Pillowcase

Going to bed in full makeup isn't just bad for your skin, it's terrible for your pillowcase. Most makeup stains are composed of some of the most difficult to remove substances, such as oil, wax and dye. Lipstick, mascara and foundation show up dramatically on a white cotton pillowcase, but cotton is a tough, resilient fabric that can handle more aggressive treatment than most fabrics. If you treat your makeup-stained pillowcase quickly, you may be able to banish the stains for good.

Dry Cleaning Fluid
Sponge
Heavy-duty laundry detergent
Oxygen bleach
Chlorine Bleach

Instructions

- 1
  Moisten a sponge with dry cleaning fluid. Blot the stains -- don't rub -- to remove as much of the makeup as possible.
- 2
  Apply heavy-duty liquid detergent directly to the stains. Rub the pillowcase fabric together to work the detergent into the fibers. Wash the pillowcase in the washing machine using a hot water cycle. Do not machine dry.
- 3
  Look for makeup stains on the pillowcase after the wash cycle. If stains are still visible and the pillowcase is not white, soak it in a solution of 1/2 cup oxygen bleach dissolved in 1 gallon of hot tap water for at least one hour.
- 4
  Soak the pillowcase in a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of warm water for five minutes if it is white, or if other methods haven't worked. Keep soaking for a few extra minutes if it seems to be working, but don't soak for longer than 15 minutes.

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