How to Get Mascara Out of Wool

Wool is a versatile fabric that will last for years when properly cared for. Garments made from wool require special handling unless they're labeled machine washable. The list of don'ts---no bleach, no wringing, no rubbing, no hot water, no squeezing---is long. Dry cleaners are your best bet for stains, but if you need to get mascara out of wool and don't have time for a trip to the cleaners, try this method to remove it.

Things You'll Need

• Stain treatment Woolite Eye makeup remover

Instructions

1. Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth. Remove as much of the mascara as possible.

2. 

   Pretreat the stain with a product that's safe for wool. Test the product on an inconspicuous part of the garment if you have doubts about its safety.

3. 

   Hand wash the item in cool or lukewarm water and a mild detergent that's safe for wool, such as Woolite, without twisting or squeezing the fabric.

4. Rinse the garment in the same temperature water in which you washed it, either cool or lukewarm. Lay the garment flat on a large bath towel, and roll it up in the towel to remove excess water.

5. 

   Check to see if the stain is gone. If it isn't, turn the garment inside out, and lay the stain on top of a clean cloth. Treat the stain with eye makeup remover, then rinse the spot with cool or lukewarm water. Repeat the washing and rinsing steps, and roll the garment in a towel to remove the water.

6. Lay the garment out to dry away from sunlight and heat sources.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat stains on wool immediately. Remove stains before ironing, which can cause the stains to set. Use the same temperature for washing and rinsing so the fabric doesn't shrink.

• Don't line-dry wool. It can cause the fabric to stretch.

Resources

• Wool Fabric Care
• Proof Positive from Color Me Beautiful
• Wool Facts