How to remove lipstick stain from clothes is a common question that many people face at some point. Whether it’s from a kiss, a hug, or a careless swipe of your hand, lipstick stains can ruin your favorite outfit and cause a lot of frustration.
But don’t worry, there are some easy and effective ways to get rid of them without damaging your clothes or spending a fortune on dry cleaning.
In this article, you will learn how to remove lipstick stain from clothes using different methods, depending on the type of fabric, the color of the lipstick, and the severity of the stain. You will also learn some tips and tricks to prevent lipstick stains in the first place and how to deal with them quickly if they happen.
By following this simple and effective guide, you will be able to restore your clothes to their original beauty and save yourself a lot of hassle.
What Causes Lipstick Stains on Clothes?
Lipstick stains are caused by the combination of pigments, oils, and waxes that make up the lipstick formula. These ingredients are designed to adhere to your lips and provide long-lasting color and moisture. However, they can also stick to your clothes and leave a stubborn mark that is hard to remove.
The difficulty of removing lipstick stains depends on several factors, such as:
- The type of fabric: Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool are more absorbent and prone to staining than synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. However, synthetic fabrics may be more sensitive to heat and chemicals and require more gentle treatment.
- The color of the fabric: Light-colored fabrics show lipstick stains more clearly than dark-colored fabrics. However, dark-colored fabrics may fade or discolor if exposed to harsh detergents or bleach.
- The color of the lipstick: Dark-colored lipsticks like red, purple, and brown contain more pigments and are harder to remove than light-colored lipsticks like pink, nude, and coral. However, light-colored lipsticks may leave a greasy residue that is also difficult to remove.
- The age of the stain: Fresh lipstick stains are easier to remove than old lipstick stains that have dried and set into the fabric. However, fresh lipstick stains may spread and become larger if not treated properly.
How to Remove Lipstick Stain from Clothes: Step by Step Instructions
The best way to remove lipstick stain from clothes is to act fast and treat the stain as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the stain completely. Here are some general steps to follow for most types of fabrics and lipstick colors:
- Blot the stain with a paper towel or a clean cloth to remove as much excess lipstick as possible. Do not rub or scrub the stain, as this will only push the lipstick deeper into the fabric and make it worse.
- Apply a pre-treatment product to the stain, such as a stain remover spray, a liquid detergent, or a dish soap. These products help to break down the oils and waxes in the lipstick and make it easier to wash out. Follow the instructions on the product label and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse the stain with cold water to flush out the lipstick. Do not use hot water, as this will set the stain and make it permanent. Repeat this step until no more lipstick comes out.
- Wash the garment as usual in the washing machine, using the appropriate cycle and temperature for the fabric type. Check the care label on the garment for guidance. Add a laundry booster, such as baking soda, vinegar, or oxygen bleach, to enhance the cleaning power and remove any remaining traces of lipstick.
- Dry the garment as usual, either in the dryer or on a clothesline. Do not use high heat, as this may damage the fabric or cause the stain to reappear. Check the garment for any signs of lipstick before drying, and repeat the previous steps if necessary.
Lipstick stains are not the only stains that can ruin your clothes. If you have white shirts that have yellow stains on the armpits, you might want to read this article “on how to remove them”How To Remove Yellow Stains From Armpit On White Shirt“.
How to Remove Lipstick Stain from Clothes: Specific Methods for Different Fabrics
The above steps are suitable for most types of fabrics, but some fabrics may require special attention and care. Here are some specific methods for different fabrics that you may encounter:
Silk
Silk is a delicate and expensive fabric that should be handled with care. Do not use stain removers, detergents, or bleach on silk, as they may damage the fibers and cause discoloration. Instead, use a mild soap, such as baby shampoo, and gently rub the stain with your fingers.
Rinse with cold water and blot with a towel. Do not wring or twist the silk, as this may cause wrinkles and creases. Air dry the silk away from direct sunlight and iron on low heat if needed.
Leather
Leather is a durable and stylish fabric that can withstand some stains, but not lipstick. Do not use water, stain removers, or detergents on leather, as they may cause cracking and fading. Instead, use a leather cleaner, such as saddle soap, and a soft cloth to gently wipe the stain.
Follow the instructions on the product label and test on a small area first. Dry the leather with a towel and apply a leather conditioner to restore the moisture and shine.
Suede
Suede is a soft and fuzzy fabric that can easily absorb stains, especially lipstick. Do not use water, stain removers, or detergents on suede, as they may cause matting and discoloration. Instead, use a dry cloth or a suede brush to gently lift the stain.
If the stain is still visible, use a white eraser or a fine-grit sandpaper to rub the stain. Be careful not to damage the nap of the suede. Brush the suede again to restore the texture and appearance.
Baking soda is one of the best ingredients you can use for cleaning your clothes and other household items. It can remove stains, odors, grease, and dirt without harming the environment. Learn more about the “benefits of baking soda for cleaning“.
How to Prevent Lipstick Stains on Clothes
The best way to deal with lipstick stains on clothes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips and tricks to avoid lipstick stains on your clothes and keep them looking fresh and clean:
- Choose a long-wearing and transfer-proof lipstick that stays on your lips and does not smudge or smear. Look for formulas that are matte, liquid, or stain, and avoid glossy, creamy, or oil-based ones.
- Apply your lipstick carefully and blot the excess with a tissue. This will remove any excess product that may transfer to your clothes. You can also use a lip liner, a lip primer, or a setting powder to make your lipstick last longer and prevent bleeding.
- Avoid touching your lips or kissing anyone while wearing lipstick. This will prevent the lipstick from transferring to your fingers, face, or other people’s clothes. If you do kiss someone, make sure they are also wearing a transfer-proof lipstick or no lipstick at all.
- Wear dark-colored or patterned clothes that can hide lipstick stains better than light-colored or plain ones. You can also wear a scarf, a collar, or a jacket to cover your neckline and protect your clothes from lipstick stains.
Keeping your clothes clean is important, but so is keeping your carpet clean. If you don’t have a vacuum or want to save some energy, you can try these methods to clean your carpet without a vacuum.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about how to remove lipstick stain from clothes:
Can I use bleach to remove lipstick stain from clothes?
No, bleach is not recommended for removing lipstick stain from clothes, as it may damage the fabric or cause color loss. Bleach is only suitable for white cotton fabrics that are not affected by chlorine.
For other fabrics, use a non-chlorine bleach, such as oxygen bleach, or a natural bleach, such as lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide.
Can I use hairspray to remove lipstick stain from clothes?
Yes, hairspray is a common household item that can help to remove lipstick stain from clothes. Hairspray contains alcohol, which can dissolve the oils and waxes in the lipstick and make it easier to wash out.
To use hairspray, spray it on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, blot the stain with a paper towel or a clean cloth and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary and wash the garment as usual.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to remove lipstick stain from clothes?
Yes, rubbing alcohol is another household item that can help to remove lipstick stain from clothes. Rubbing alcohol works similarly to hairspray, by dissolving the oils and waxes in the lipstick and making it easier to wash out.
To use rubbing alcohol, dab it on the stain with a cotton ball or a clean cloth and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, blot the stain and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary and wash the garment as usual.
Wrap Up
Lipstick stains on clothes can be a nightmare, but they don’t have to be. By following this simple and effective guide on how to remove lipstick stain from clothes, you can get rid of them quickly and easily, without damaging your clothes or spending a fortune on dry cleaning. All you need are some common household items, some patience, and some care.
Remember, the key to removing lipstick stain from clothes is to act fast and treat the stain as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the stain completely.
Also, always check the care label on your garment and follow the instructions for the type of fabric and the color of the lipstick. This will ensure that you use the right method and the right products for the best results.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you and help you with any lipstick stain problems you may have. Thank you for reading and happy cleaning!
If you are looking for more advice on how to remove lipstick stain from clothes, you might want to check out this useful article from The Spruce.
It covers a variety of fabrics and surfaces, such as silk, leather, suede, carpet, and upholstery, and gives you detailed instructions on how to treat them. You will also find some tips on how to prevent lipstick stains and how to choose the right lipstick for your outfit.
