Expert Guide: How to Remove Lipstick Stains from Fabric

Lipstick stains, caused by oil-based waxes and dyes, require immediate action to prevent setting into the fabric. Always check the care label first and test any solution on an inconspicuous area to avoid damage.

Step 1: Gently Remove Excess Lipstick

Act quickly upon noticing the stain. Use a dull knife, spoon edge, or plastic scraper to gently lift off as much lipstick as possible, working from the outside inward to avoid spreading it. Avoid rubbing, which pushes oils deeper into fibers. For delicate fabrics, blot with tape instead.

Step 2: Choose Your Cleaning Method

Select a method based on fabric type and availability of supplies. These proven techniques effectively break down lipstick's oily components.

• Dish Soap Method (Most Versatile): Apply a teaspoon of mild dish soap directly to the stain. Gently rub with fingers or a soft brush in circular motions for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Let it sit 10-15 minutes to emulsify oils. Rinse with lukewarm water or blot with a damp cloth. Ideal for clothes, upholstery, and most washable fabrics.
• Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer: Place the stain face-down on a paper towel. Dab rubbing alcohol onto the back with another towel, applying pressure to transfer the stain to the absorbent layer. Replace towels as needed. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Effective for quick treatment on non-delicate items.
• Butter or Fatty Substance (For Fresh Stains): If the stain is mere minutes old, rub a small amount of butter into the stain with a spoon back. Follow with dish soap and rinse. This lifts waxy buildup on sturdy surfaces like sofas.
• Ether or Makeup Remover: For stubborn stains, dab micellar water or milk cleanser, letting it sit 10-20 minutes before rinsing. Ether-soaked cloth dabbing works ultra-efficiently but use cautiously on ventilation-sensitive fabrics.
• Vinegar or Ice Cube (Natural Options): Blot white vinegar after a patch test, or rub an ice cube in circles to harden and lift residue, then blot dry. These suit eco-friendly preferences.

Step 3: Rinse, Wash, and Dry

After treatment, rinse with cold to lukewarm water unless the care label specifies otherwise. For machine-washable items, launder immediately on the hottest safe setting with detergent. Air dry and inspect before heat-drying to avoid setting remnants. For upholstery or non-washables, blot dry with towels and allow to air dry fully.

Prevention and Home Care Tips

To safeguard your home fabrics during a living room seasonal refresh, store cosmetics away from upholstery and use protective covers on chairs. If crafts leave sticky spots, learn to remove glue residue table surfaces with similar gentle scraping and soap methods. Keep your space tidy by learning to organize coasters set in decorative trays, preventing ring stains from drinks near lipstick-prone areas.

"Treat the stain as soon as possible—delay sets it permanently."

For non-fabric surfaces like hard tables, adapt these steps by wiping with disinfecting solutions after scraping.

More tips in the section Living Room Care & Decor