WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
The problem arises with the sudden appearance of local
color loss areas on or near the neck edge of blouses and shirts.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
In most cases, the color loss appears along the neck fold of
the collar. The discoloration can be all around the collar or
just in localized areas, such as in only the right and left side
front areas. Depending on the color of the fabric, the color
change usually shows up as orange, pink, yellow or cream.
Some fabric colors, however, may change to other shades.
WHAT CAUSED IT?
Chemical testing and colorfastness tests on these shirts
indicate that the dyes are affected from the prolonged effects
of solutions containing either alcohol or mild oxidizing
agents (bleaches) or both. Some common solutions containing
alcohol include perfume, cologne, after-shave lotions,
skin fresheners, hair tonics or plain rubbing alcohol.
Oxidizing bleaches can be found in many skin preparations
and medicines, such as medicinal lotions, acne creams,
depilatories (agents for removing body hair), and other skin
treatments.
CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
Sometimes, the dye damage is not immediately visible
because of perspiration and body oils, which produces a stain.
Furthermore, the damaging solution itself may contain some
color or oil of its own that masks the damage. Therefore, the
dye disturbance may not actually appear until after the stain
is removed in subsequent drycleaning or washing processes.
Only in some cases, if the damaging solution is removed from
the shirt by cleaning it immediately after wear, can subsequent
dye damage be prevented.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
Only the consumer can be held responsible, since the solution
that causes the dye disturbance originally made contact
with the garment during wear.
IS THERE A REMEDY?
There is no method to reverse this type of color loss.
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