How To Get Lipstick Stains Out Of Clothes Without Ruining The Fabric | Red Apple Lipstick
We have all been there: you put on your favorite Red Apple Lipstick shade and by the end of the day realize it has brushed off on your dress, blouse, or even the kids’ clothes.
Good news: lipstick stains do not have to be permanent. With a few things you already have at home and some quick action, you can usually lift the color without damaging the fabric or shrinking your clothes.
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Why Lipstick Stains Are Tricky
Lipstick behaves like an oil-based stain because formulas are packed with nourishing oils and waxes. That is why grease-cutting dish soap, pre-wash stain removers, and other oil-targeting products work so well on lipstick marks.
Always check the care label on the stained item and pay extra attention to delicate or synthetic fabrics, which can be harder to treat. When in doubt, or if the label says “dry clean only,” it is safest to take the piece to a professional cleaner.
Quick things to remember before treating any lipstick stain
- Check the care label and avoid DIY treatments on “dry clean only” pieces.
- Test any cleaner on a hidden area of the fabric before treating the stain.
- Act as soon as possible for the best chance of removing the mark.
- Blot and dab instead of scrubbing; only rub very gently if you have no choice.
Before You Start: Remove Excess Lipstick
Before trying any of the stain-removal methods below, remove as much excess lipstick as you can. Lipstick tends to be waxy, so it does not immediately sink deep into the fabric. Getting the extra product off the surface helps keep the stain from spreading or setting further.
- Use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to gently scrape away any excess lipstick from the surface.
- If needed, press a piece of tape directly onto the stain to help lift off more of the lipstick, then peel it away carefully.
- Place a piece of cardboard or a clean towel behind the stained layer so the color does not transfer to the back of the garment.
4 Great & Easy Ways To Remove Lipstick Stains
Below are four simple ways to remove lipstick stains from clothes using products you likely already have at home. Choose the method that fits your fabric type and what you have on hand.
Method 1: Use Dish Soap To Remove A Lipstick Stain
This is a go-to method for many types of stains. A gentle liquid dish soap that works on grease is perfect because lipstick contains oils. Dish soap also works well on most machine-washable fabrics.
- After removing excess lipstick, apply a bit of warm or hot water directly to the stained area only, keeping the rest of the garment as dry as possible.
- Add a couple of drops of liquid dish soap to the stain and gently dab it in with your fingers or a clean cloth.
- Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to break up the oils and pigment.
- Using a damp cloth, gently blot the stain, rinse, and blot again. Repeat until the stain has lifted.
- Rinse thoroughly, then wash the garment as usual.
Method 2: Pre-Wash Stain Remover Or Liquid Detergent
If you have a pre-wash stain remover on hand, or want to use your regular liquid laundry detergent as a pre-treatment, this method is very handy for washable fabrics.
- Scrape away excess lipstick with a dull knife or credit card.
- Apply pre-wash stain remover or liquid detergent directly to the lipstick stain.
- If you are using a stain remover spray, make sure it is safe for the fabric and apply it to both sides of the stained area, following the product’s instructions.
- If you are using liquid detergent, allow it to sit on the stain for a few minutes.
- Rinse the area with warm water and gently blot with a cloth if needed to help lift the stain.
Method 3: Lemon Juice & Baking Soda Paste
Lemon juice and baking soda can work together to remove stains, including lipstick. The natural acidity of the lemon helps break up the lipstick, while baking soda lifts it away from the fabric.
- Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of lemon juice to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste directly onto the lipstick stain, gently pressing it into the fabric.
- Allow the paste to sit on the stain for around 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, rinse away the paste and wash the clothing item as usual.
- Hang the garment to dry in the sun and check whether the stain is fully gone. Repeat if needed.
Method 4: Use Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can be effective for some lipstick stains, but it can be harsh on certain fabrics. Always do a small patch test in an unnoticeable area first and avoid using it on fabrics the care label warns against.
- Dampen a cotton ball or clean white cloth with isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
- Gently blot the alcohol onto the stain. Avoid rubbing so you do not spread the color.
- Continue blotting until the stain begins to lift.
- Rinse the treated area with cool water or dab with a clean cloth dampened with water to remove any remaining alcohol.
- Wash the garment following the care label.
What To Do After Removing Lipstick Stains From Clothes
Once you have treated the stain, wash your clothing item as usual, following the care label. Cold water is often a safe choice because it helps prevent any remaining lipstick from setting deeper into the fabric.
After washing, inspect the stain before putting the garment in the dryer. If any trace of lipstick remains, avoid the dryer, since heat can set the stain permanently. Instead, repeat your chosen method or try a different one.
If you still see a stain after trying these approaches, it may be time to take the item to a dry cleaner. Avoid using dry-cleaning fluids at home, since they can contain strong chemicals that should be handled by professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lipstick stains be removed?
Yes. Most fresh lipstick stains can be removed if you act quickly and use the right method for your fabric. Treat the mark as an oil-based stain and try dish soap, pre-wash stain remover, lemon and baking soda, or rubbing alcohol as outlined above.
How do you remove lipstick stains from clothes that have been washed and dried?
It can be harder, but you still have options. Always test first in a hidden spot, then try one of these on washable fabrics:
- Soak a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol and dab it on the stain for about a minute, then rinse.
- Apply a small amount of acetone-based nail polish remover to the stain, gently scrub with an old toothbrush, then rinse and follow with rubbing alcohol and a clean-water rinse.
- Massage a bit of petroleum jelly into the stain with a toothbrush or cloth, then wash as usual.
- Apply liquid glycerin to the stain, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and launder.
Check the stain before drying and repeat if needed.
Can vinegar remove lipstick stains?
White vinegar can sometimes help loosen a lipstick stain. Apply a small amount to the stained area with a cotton ball or cloth, gently blot, then rinse and wash the garment. Always patch test first and avoid using vinegar on fabrics that specify special care or “dry clean only.”
Should I use hot or cold water on lipstick stains?
Warm water can help break up the oils in lipstick while you are treating the stain with soap or detergent. Once you have treated and rinsed the area, washing in cool or cold water is often safest so any remaining color does not set more deeply.
Quick recap
★ Treat lipstick stains as oil-based and act as soon as you notice them.
★ Always scrape off excess product and test cleaners in a hidden area first.
★ Use gentle blotting, the right method for your fabric, and skip the dryer until the stain is gone.
