Cologne/aftershave impact on clothing?

[swiego]

I have noticed a suspicious number of nicer white dress shirts coming back from the laundry with horrible discoloration around the collar area. This is not typical ring-around-the-collar discoloration but what looks more like a bleaching effect of some kind. My assumption at this point is that some cologne or aftershave might be doing this, or interacting with the laundering process. It doesn't happen often, just occasionally, but I am concerned.

So.... generally speaking, should one expect fragrances, lotions, aftershave, balms, etc., to have an effect on clothing?

 

[Antonio Centeno]

Sweigo,

Assuming your shirts are made from cotton, then there is a chance that the discoloration is due to a reaction with an acid in the cologne you are wearing as stated. Colognes contain essential oils, some of which are derived from citrus plants which are acidic. Cotton, a cellulose fiber fabric, is adversely affected by acids as it breaks down the fibers cell walls.

For more information about cotton fiber check out http://knol.google.com/k/antonio-cen...cl1pj4s2ovi/2#

Or for information about colognes and perfumes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfume

Good luck!