How to Remove Embedded Lipstick Stains

Lipstick produces oil stains on fabric.

Lipstick is a common cosmetic product composed of waxes, pigments, oils and emollients. Transferring lipstick onto fabrics produces colorful waxy stains that are visibly unappealing. The fats and oils in lipstick leave a glossy, oily film on fabrics that hardens with time. Lipstick becomes more embedded in fabric fibers the longer it remains on garments. Promptly remove embedded lipstick to restore the fabric's aesthetic appeal and prevent permanent stains. Eliminate embedded lipstick stains using certain solutions and techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic spoon
• Cotton balls
• Undiluted rubbing alcohol
• Pre-wash stain remover detergent
• Non-dyed cotton rag
• Clothes washer
• Laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Scrape any globs of lipstick from the fabric using a plastic spoon. Remove as much lipstick as possible.

2. Dampen a cotton ball with undiluted rubbing alcohol. Blot the stain with the damp cotton ball to lift the dyes from the fabric. Always use a clean cotton ball to prevent reapplying lipstick to the fabric.

3. Apply pre-wash stain remover detergent directly to the remaining stain. Follow the stain remover manufacturer's instructions on the product's label. Keep stain remover on the fabric for the recommended amount of time.

4. Blot the fabric with a non-dyed cotton rag until the stain remover is completely absorbed. Frequently rinse the rag with fresh water to avoid reapplying dyes to the fabric.

5. Launder the fabric in a clothes washer on the warm water setting with laundry detergent. Use the amount of laundry detergent recommended on the product's label.

6. Allow the fabric to air dry. Repeat the steps if any lipstick remains on the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• You can substitute household ammonia for the rubbing alcohol.

• You can substitute liquid dishwashing soap for the pre-wash stain remover detergent.

• Rubbing the stain can cause the lipstick to become more embedded in the fabric.

• Test all solutions on a hidden portion of the fabric to ensure no discoloration occurs.

References

• Professor's House: Removing Lipstick Stains
• "Good Housekeeping": Stain Buster - Lipstick
• Chemical and Engineering News: What's That Stuff? - Lipstick