How do you get lipstick out of clothes?

October 07, 2024

Lipstick is the perfect finishing touch for your look, but a disaster for your wardrobe. If you've ever struggled to get lipstick out of clothes, you know how it can turn laundry day into a big pucker.

Let's explore effective methods to tackle stubborn lipstick stains and keep your clothes looking pristine.

Quick links:

Why is removing lipstick from clothes challenging?

Tools for removing lipstick from clothes

Dish soap

Rubbing alcohol

Baking soda and lemon juice

Vinegar

Hairspray

Stain remover sticks

Useful tips for lipstick stain removal

For a non-toxic and convenient way to tackle lipstick stains, try our stain stick. Made with safe, plant-based ingredients, it's eco-friendly and gentle enough for even delicate clothes.

Eco-Friendly "Top Secret" Stain Stick--Compact, Concentrated Formula - 2-Pack

Why is removing lipstick from clothes challenging?

Lipstick stains are a major headache for several reasons:

Intense pigments: Lipstick contains concentrated color that sinks deep into fabric fibers. These strong dye stains resist surface cleaning and often require targeted stain-removal techniques.
Oily base: Most lipsticks have an oil or wax foundation. This repels water, which causes standard laundry detergents to slide off instead of penetrate the stain. The oily nature also helps the lipstick stick more strongly to fabric.
Fabric variety: Different materials need specific cleaning methods. Delicate silk might dissolve under harsh chemicals that cotton withstands. Synthetic fabrics often react differently to cleaning agents than natural fibers.
Time sensitivity: Fresh lipstick marks lift more easily. As time passes, the oils in lipstick bond with fabric fibers. Heat from dryers or sunlight can "bake" the stain so it is nearly impossible to remove.
Lipstick formulations: Long-wearing lipsticks contain polymers that resist removal. Glossy types spread oils over a larger area when you try to clean them. Matte lipsticks often have more pigment, which creates denser stains that act like fabric dye.

Which tools do you need?

Before you wage war against your lipstick stains, gather the right tools. Here are some useful tools you can use (depending on the method you choose):

Tool	Purpose
Dull knife or credit card	Scrape off excess lipstick
White paper towels or clean cloths	Absorb loosened lipstick and solutions
Soft-bristled brush	Work cleaning solutions into the fabric
Damp cotton ball or pad	Apply cleaners precisely to small areas

Now that you’re equipped, let's explore lipstick removal techniques that bring the best results.

The dish soap method

Dish soap effectively tackles lipstick stains because of its grease-cutting properties. It breaks down the oils in lipstick so the stain is easier to remove.

Here is how to use the dish soap method:

Blot excess lipstick with a clean cloth.
Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain.
Gently work the soap into the fabric with your fingers or a clean, soft-bristled brush.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Rinse with cold water.
Repeat if necessary.
Wash the garment as usual.

This method is the best for sturdy fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, and most other synthetic blends. It's particularly effective on fresh stains but also helps with older marks.

The rubbing alcohol method

Rubbing alcohol is effective because it's a powerful solvent. It dissolves the oils and waxes in lipstick quickly, which makes it easier to remove stains from clothes.

Follow these steps to use the rubbing alcohol method:

Blot excess lipstick with a clean cloth.
Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad.
Press the stain, work from outside in.
Replace cotton pad when it absorbs lipstick.
Repeat until no more color transfers.
Rinse with cold water.
Wash normally.

Use rubbing alcohol to remove lipstick from clothing made of cotton, polyester, and other synthetic blends.

The baking soda and lemon juice method

This combo is an amazing natural lipstick fighter. Baking soda's abrasive texture helps lift the stain, while lemon juice's acidity breaks down the lipstick's oils and pigments.

To use this method, follow these steps:

Mix equal parts baking soda and lemon juice to form a paste.
Apply the paste to the lipstick stain.
Gently rub the mixture into the fabric with a soft cloth.
Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
Rinse with cool water.
Repeat if necessary.
Wash the garment as usual.

This is an efficient stain-removal method for most common fabrics, including cotton and polyester. Avoid using it on silk or wool fibers, as the acidity of lemon juice can cause damage.

The vinegar method

Because of its natural acidity, white vinegar is an amazing, eco-friendly stain remover. It cuts through the oils in lipstick and helps to lift pigment from fabric fibers, all without harsh chemicals.

To use the vinegar method for removing lipstick, follow these simple steps:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
Dab the solution onto the lipstick stain with a clean paper towel.
Gently blot the area, don't rub.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Rinse the fabric stain with water.
Repeat if necessary.
Wash the garment as usual.

As with other methods, vinegar is good for most washable items. You have to be careful with delicate fabrics because vinegar's acidity might affect these fibers.

The hairspray method

Hairspray contains alcohol, which dissolves lipstick oils. Its sticky nature also lifts pigment from the fabric fibers.

Here is how to use the hairspray method:

Spray hair spray directly onto the lipstick stain.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Blot the area with a damp cloth.
Rinse with cold water.
Repeat if necessary.
Wash the garment as usual.

For lipstick stains on cotton and polyester clothing, the hairspray method is effective. Avoid using this method on delicate fabric, because of its alcohol components.

The stain remover stick method

Smart Sheep stain sticks are the best store-bought stain removers for clothes. Our specialized solution cuts through tough lipstick stains. The enzyme-based formula targets oily and pigmented stains and breaks down the lipstick's components at a molecular level.

Our amazing stain remover tackles both fresh and set-in stains without harsh chemicals.

To use our stain stick, follow these simple steps:

Apply the stain remover directly to the lipstick mark.
Gently work the product into the fabric with your fingers.
Let it sit for 15–20 minutes so the enzymes break down the stain.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Repeat if necessary for aggressive stains.
Wash the garment as usual.

This method is safe for most washable fabric types, including cotton, polyester, and many delicate materials. Smart Sheep's gentle formula reduces the risk of fabric damage while providing powerful stain-fighting capabilities. It's particularly effective against protein-based stains, which include lipstick.

For best results, treat the stain as soon as possible. Smart Sheep stain sticks can still be effective on older, dried stains—you may just need to let it sit longer or repeat the process.

Useful tips for cleaning lipstick-stained clothes

To make sure your lipstick stain removal succeeds, try these useful tricks:

Check the care label: Before you choose how you will remove the lipstick from your clothing item, check the care instructions on the label.

Act quickly: The sooner you treat a lipstick stain, the better your chances of removing it completely.
Avoid hot water: Use cold water when rinsing or washing lipstick-stained garments, as heat can set the stain.
Be gentle: Blot stains instead of rubbing to prevent spreading the lipstick further into the fabric.
Use cotton swabs: They allow the precise application of cleaning solutions on small stains.
Test first: Always test your chosen method on an inconspicuous area of the piece of clothing before treating the stain.
Avoid the dryer: Air dry the garment after treatment, as the heat from a dryer can set any remaining stain.
Get professional help: For expensive or delicate items, a dry cleaner might be your best option.
Be cautious with bleach: Chlorine bleach can damage colored fabrics, so use only on white clothing and as a last resort.

Lipstick removal FAQ

Can I remove lip gloss from my clothes after drying?

You can remove dried lip gloss stains. Apply petroleum jelly to the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash the garment in the hottest water safe for the fabric. For stubborn stains, try a stain removal pen or mild dish soap before washing.

Can acetone nail polish remover help with lipstick stains?

Acetone nail polish remover can be effective on lipstick stains, especially for synthetic fabrics. Apply it to a cotton pad and blot the stain. Test it on an inconspicuous spot first, as acetone may damage delicate fabrics or cause discoloration.

Is petroleum jelly a good option for stain removal?

Petroleum jelly works well for lipstick stain removal. Apply it to the stain, gently work it in, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, wash the garment as usual.

Does lip color have an impact on choosing the stain removal process?

Lipstick color affects stain removal. Darker shades and long-lasting formulas often require stronger methods. Matte color might need oil-based removers, while glossy formulas respond well to mild dish soap. Think about the lipstick type when choosing a removal technique.

Are stain removal sprays better than stain sticks?

Stain removal sprays and sticks are powerful stain removers. Their effectiveness depends on the type of stain and fabric. Sprays cover larger areas easily, while sticks offer precise application. For lipstick stains, both can work well when used correctly and promptly.

Is shaving cream effective on lipstick stains?

Shaving cream can be somewhat effective, but other methods are better. If you choose to use shaving cream, apply it to the stain, gently rub, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing with cold water.

How hard is it to remove lipstick from a cashmere scarf?

Lipstick on cashmere is quite a challenge because of the delicate nature of the fabric. Blot excess lipstick, then use a gentle, cashmere-safe laundry detergent. Avoid rubbing or harsh chemicals. Professional cleaning often yields the best results for lipstick on cashmere without risking damage to the fibers.