Lipstick Mishaps Happen – Here’s Your Lifesaver
Everyone loves wearing lipstick, but no one enjoys finding a bright red smear on their favorite shirt or dress. Whether it’s a quick hug, a clumsy makeup session, or an accidental brush against your sleeve, lipstick stains are incredibly common and frustrating. How to get lipstick out of clothes? here is uour answer thankfully, lipstick stain removal doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow the right method. This guide offers quick stain removal tips, stain removal step-by-step guide, and effective lipstick stain treatments to help you get back to clean clothes in no time.
UNDERSTANDING THE STAIN – Why Lipstick is So Tough to Remove
Lipstick isn’t just a pigment; it’s a mixture of oils, waxes, and coloring agents. This unique composition makes it one of the most challenging makeup stains to deal with. When pressed into fabric, it grips onto fibers, especially those of protein fibers like wool or silk. The combination of oil and dye means you need a strategy that targets both components. Plus, if you’re dealing with oil-based lipstick stains, they set quickly and can bond deeply into the fabric, especially when dried.
The effect of delayed stain removal plays a major role here. If not treated immediately, lipstick becomes more stubborn. That’s why fast action is essential for cleaning lipstick from fabric. Understanding this helps you choose the best remover for lipstick stains and tailor the method to the fabric type.
FASTEST WAYS TO GET LIPSTICK OUT OF CLOTHES
How Do You Get Lipstick Out Of Clothes With Dish Soap
Works best for: Cotton, denim, polyester, and other washable clothing stain removal
Why it works: Dish soap is great because it contains grease-fighting soap that breaks down the oils in lipstick. It’s the go-to for lipstick smudge on clothes.
Materials Needed:
| Item | Purpose |
| Liquid dish soap for stains | Cuts through lipstick grease |
| Dull-edged knife for stain removal | Scrape off excess lipstick |
| Soft-bristled brush for stains | Helps lift the stain gently |
| Water | For rinsing and soaking |
Instructions: Gently scrape off any excess lipstick using a dull-edged knife for stain removal. Dab the area with a bit of liquid dish soap for stains. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub softly with a soft-bristled brush for stains. Rinse with cold water. If needed, repeat the process. Never use hot water at first, as it can set the stain deeper.
Remove Lipstick Stains With Rubbing Alcohol
Materials Needed:
| Item | Purpose |
| Rubbing alcohol for lipstick stains | Breaks down the pigment and grease |
| Cotton balls | For blotting the stain |
Instructions: Blot the stained area with isopropyl alcohol stain removal using a cotton ball. Start from the outside and move inward to avoid spreading the stain. Rinse and repeat if necessary. Avoid rubbing harshly. This method is useful when wondering how to get red lipstick out of clothes and works on tougher fabric types.
Remove Lipstick Stains With Hairspray
Materials Needed:
| Item | Purpose |
| Hairspray for lipstick stains | Loosens set-in stains |
| Paper towel | To blot and lift the residue |
Instructions: Spray the stained area generously with hairspray for lipstick stains. Wait for about 10 minutes. Blot it using a paper towel and rinse under cool water. This hack is helpful for stain removal from pillowcases, napkins, or uniforms after dinner.
REMOVE LIPSTICK FROM CLOTHES
Read the Garment Label First
Before starting, check the clothing care instructions on the label. Some fabrics are dry-clean only fabrics, and trying DIY methods may damage them. Delicate materials like wool and silk need gentle stain removal methods with fabric-safe stain removers.
Gently Lift Off the Lipstick Buildup
Use a dull-edged knife for stain removal to lift any extra product without rubbing. Avoid rubbing stains as it can push the lipstick deeper into the fibers.
Treat With a Grease-Cutting Dish Soap
Apply liquid dish soap for stains directly onto the stain. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the soap to work on the oils.
Soak in Warm Soapy Water
Fill a basin with warm water and a small amount of detergent. Soak the fabric for 15 to 30 minutes. This helps soften the stain.
Gently Scrub With a Soft Brush
Use a soft-bristled brush for stains to scrub the area lightly. This works well for stain removal from dinner napkins or regular wear.
Toss It in the Washer
Wash the garment using the recommended settings. Add an enzyme detergent for clothes for better results.
Inspect Before Drying & Repeat If Needed
Never put the item in the dryer unless the stain is completely gone. Heat can set the stain permanently. If the lipstick remains, repeat the steps.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE LIPSTICK FROM CLOTHING?
For common fabrics like cotton or polyester, grease-fighting soap and rubbing alcohol for lipstick stains do the trick. However, for stain removal for silk and wool, use natural stain removal solutions like lemon juice or a vinegar and water mix.
If you’re asking how to remove lipstick stains from clothes after drying, it’s still possible. Soak the garment in a solution of enzyme detergent for clothes mixed with warm water. Then follow the soak and scrub method using gentle tools.
LIPSTICK REMOVAL HACKS AMERICANS SWEAR BY
What removes lipstick from clothes?
Liquid dish soap for stains, rubbing alcohol for lipstick stains, and fabric-safe stain removers are the most effective solutions.
Does Dawn get lipstick out of clothes?
Yes. Dawn is a powerful grease-fighting soap and often used in household stain removal hacks.
Is lipstick permanent on clothes?
Only if not treated quickly. The effect of delayed stain removal can make it harder to remove later.
Can hand sanitizer remove lipstick from clothes?
Yes. It contains isopropyl alcohol stain removal agents that help break down the grease and pigment.
Watch this video to understand the process better https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCdZbGopD18
Conclusion
How to get lipstick out of clothes may sound stressful at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s completely manageable. Whether you’re dealing with a fresh lipstick stain or trying to remove stubborn lipstick stains after they’ve dried, these tips can help you rescue your clothes. Just remember to act fast, choose the right method for your fabric, and never give up after just one wash.
