How to Get Lipstick Out of Jeans That Went Through the Wash

Denim jeans are especially vulnerable to stains.

Lipstick can be a lady’s best friend when used to round out a perfect makeup application. However, it quickly becomes messy once it gets into clothing. The wax base of lipstick often makes it difficult to remove from certain fabrics. When a simple wash is not enough to remove lipstick from denim jeans, you may want to consider alternative methods.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Rubbing alcohol
• Stain remover
• Petroleum jelly
• Hairspray

Instructions

1. Soak a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol. Gently blot the affected area of the jeans using the alcohol-soaked cloth until the lipstick fades. Do not rub the jeans with the cloth as it may smear the lipstick, causing further damage.

2. Apply a stain remover to the affected area of the jeans. Makeup remover may also work. Follow the directions given on the remover you select; however, for most products, you simply need to apply the stain remover to lipstick stain and rub it in gently. The stain should fade with gentle pressure.

3. Spread a layer of petroleum jelly on the affected area of the jeans. Let the petroleum jelly sit on the jeans for 15 minutes. Rub the lipstick area using a clean cloth or a toothbrush until the stain fades.

4. Apply hairspray to the affected area of the jeans. Allow the hairspray to work into the jeans while you wet a clean cloth with hot water. Gently blot the area with the damp cloth until the stain fades.

Tips & Warnings

• Regardless of the method you choose, run the jeans through the wash before wearing again.

References

• Esquire: How to Remove Stains
• Ohio State University: Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal
• Stain Removal 101: Lipstick Stain Removal -- How To Remove Lipstick Stains
• Mrs. Clean: Removing Lipstick Stains