Removing ChapStick From Upholstery

ChapStick does wonders for your lips, but not for your furniture.

A tube of ChapStick that slips out your pocket may just wind up on your furniture. The oily, waxy substance that was intended to moisturize your lips can leave unsightly marks on upholstery. If the ChapStick stains your upholstery, you may wonder if you've ruined the item. Don't despair. You can usually remove ChapStick residue from upholstered furniture if you use the right techniques and cleaning products.

Things You'll Need

• Butter knife
• Dry-cleaning solvent
• Clean cloths

Instructions

1. Scrape off excess ChapStick residue using a dull butter knife.

2. Moisten a clean, white cloth with dry-cleaning solvent.

3. Dab the moistened cloth onto the ChapStick stain.

4. Blot the stain with another dry, white cloth.

5. Repeat the process of dabbing the area with the solvent and blotting it dry until the stain is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't rub the stain; you may drive it deeper into the upholstery.

• Test the dry-cleaning solvent on an inconspicuous area of your upholstery to make sure it doesn't alter the color of the fabric or otherwise damage it before using the solvent on the stain.

References

• "Good Housekeeping": Stain Buster -- Lip Balm
• "How the Queen Cleans Everything"; Linda Cobb; 2003