Wearing lipstick is the finishing touch that pulls together an entire look, and anyone who considers it an everyday essential is aware of its transformative power. But as much as we love our favorite shades, accidents happen. One wrong move—a swipe of your sleeve, an accidental brush against your shirt collar—and suddenly, that perfect pop of color is an unwanted stain. Whether it’s a smudge on a blouse after a quick touch-up or a stray mark on a collar during a hug, those rich pigments and oils aren’t the easiest to remove.
But don’t stress just yet! With the proper approach and a little knowhow, you can tackle those stubborn marks without breaking a sweat. Keep reading to learn about the most effective ways to remove lipstick stains.
Why Lipstick Marks Don’t Wash Away Easily
Ever notice how a tiny smudge of lipstick can cling to your shirt or sweater like it was always meant to be there? Lipstick is a makeup powerhouse, designed to last all day on your lips, which unfortunately means it’s equally stubborn when it gets onto fabric. But why is it so difficult to remove?
Read below to finally know why:
1. Oil-based Formulation
Lipstick is packed with oils and emollients to keep your lips hydrated and smooth. While great for your skin, these oils create a barrier that helps the pigment stick to fabric fibers, making it resistant to water-based cleaning methods.
2. Pigment Concentration
Those bold, vibrant lipstick shades owe their intensity to highly concentrated pigments. These pigments are designed to provide long-lasting color, which unfortunately means they penetrate deep into fabric fibers, leaving behind stubborn stains.
3. Wax Content
The wax in lipstick helps it maintain its shape and stay put on your lips, but it also binds tightly to fabrics. Wax creates a seal over the stain, making it harder for cleaning solutions to break through and lift the color.
4. Transfer Power
Lipstick is formulated to transfer minimally when applied correctly, but the moment it’s smudged or pressed onto fabric, its adhesive properties work against you. It clings to fibers with a surprising amount of grip.
5. Resistance to Water Alone
Because lipstick is formulated to withstand moisture—think sipping drinks or eating—it doesn’t dissolve easily in water. This is why throwing lipstick-stained clothing into the wash rarely works to remove the stain.
6. Heat Sets the Stain
If the lipstick-stained fabric is exposed to heat, like in a dryer or even warm water, the oils and waxes can melt further into the fibers, setting the stain and making it nearly impossible to remove.
Easy Steps to Eliminate Lipstick Stains
Step 1: Check Your Clothing’s Care Tag
How To Do It:
Before you tackle that lipstick stain, grab your garment and check its care tag. The care tag gives you important information about what your clothing can handle—things like water temperature, whether it’s safe to use bleach, or if it requires dry cleaning. This step ensures you don’t accidentally ruin delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, or linen.
Additional Tips:
- If the tag says “dry clean only,” don’t risk it at home. Search for “clothes cleaner near me” or the “closest dry cleaner to my location” for assistance.
- For washable fabrics, make sure you use the recommended water temperature to avoid setting the stain further.
Step 2: Gently Scrape Off Excess Lipstick
How To Do It:
Use a dull-edged tool, like the edge of a spoon or a butter knife, to gently scrape away as much of the lipstick as you can. Be careful not to rub it in, as this can push the oils and dyes deeper into the textile. The goal is to remove the top layer of lipstick without spreading it.
Additional Tips:
- Work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid making it larger.
- If you’re nervous about scraping delicate fabrics, try blotting with a piece of tape instead.
Step 3: Apply a Teaspoon of Dish Soap Directly to the Stain
How To Do It:
Pour a teaspoon of dish soap directly onto the stain, and use your fingers to gently rub it in. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to break down the oils in the lipstick.
Additional Tips:
- Use a clear or mild dish soap to avoid adding any unnecessary dyes to the fabric.
- Always test the soap on a hidden part of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the garment.
Step 4: Soak in a Dish Soap Solution
How To Do It:
Fill a basin or your sink with lukewarm water and add a few squirts of dish soap. Submerge the stained area and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. This helps loosen the oils and pigments in the lipstick, making it easier to wash out later.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain permanently.
- For tougher stains, add a splash of white vinegar to the water for an extra boost.
- Always test the white vinegar on a hidden part of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the garment.
Step 5: Remove the Stain With A Soft Brush
How To Do It:
After soaking, take a soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, and gently scrub the stained area. Focus on the stain itself, using circular motions to lift the lipstick out of the fibers. Be gentle to avoid damaging delicate fabrics like silk or wool.
Additional Tips:
- Don’t scrub too hard—it’s about lifting the stain, not damaging the textile.
- For silk or other fragile materials, use your fingers instead of a brush for a gentler touch.
Step 6: Machine Wash on Your Regular Wash Cycle
How To Do It:
Once the stain is treated, toss the garment into your washing machine on its regular wash cycle. Use your usual laundry detergent (an environmentally friendly detergent is preferred). Double-check the care tag for the appropriate water temperature and cycle setting.
Additional Tips:
- Don’t use a dryer after washing unless the stain is completely gone—heat will set it permanently.
- If the garment still shows slight staining, consider using a color-safe bleach or an oxygen-based bleach if the fabric is white.
Step 7: Repeat Steps as Needed
How To Do It:
Sometimes one round isn’t enough to completely remove a lipstick stain. If you can still see a faint mark after washing, repeat the pretreatment and washing steps until the stain is gone. Be patient—some stains take a few tries to fully disappear.
Additional Tips:
- Stubborn stains might require professional help. Look up “nearest cleaners for clothes” or “dry cleaning near my location” for assistance.
- Always inspect the stain before allowing the garment to air dry or putting it into the dryer to avoid setting it permanently.
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Give your clothes meticulous care with Clean’n’Press, the leading provider of high quality dry cleaning and laundry services in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. We expertly clean a range of garments, including specialty items such as leather clothing, wedding dresses, heirloom
pieces, and more!
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