How to Get Rid of Lipstick Stains

Bright lipstick can be an amazing eye-catcher, and makes even a simple outfit look special. But while everyone loves a long-lasting colour on the lips, it can be quite a hassle to get rid of lipstick stains on fabric. Fortunately, there is no need to let lipstick marks ruin your favourite clothes! With some basic know-how, removing lipstick is no problem at all. Take a look at this simple guide for getting rid of lipstick stains from different kinds of fabric with the help of hairspray, detergent and your trusted washing machine, and enjoy your blouses and dresses with no fear of permanent red and pink marks!

Washable Fabrics Like Cotton, Nylon, and Polyester

Lipstick is oil-based make-up, so in order to remove lipstick stains you’ll need to fight that stubborn grease and keep it from spreading. The most important thing to keep in mind is to try and remove the lipstick stain before throwing your clothes into the washer or dryer. While washing your clothes will be essential later in the process, lipstick stains can set if they go through a washing machine cycle without prior treatment. Hairspray is a great home remedy for getting rid of lipstick marks. Soak the stained area in hairspray, let it sit for ten minutes, and then use a sponge to carefully dab the spot. Wash as usual afterwards to get rid of any lipstick residue (and the hairspray, obviously). Alternatively, you can use pure alcohol or a grease-fighting detergent to wet the spot and then remove it with a cloth or sponge. Keep in mind that you need to work your way from the outer edges inwards to keep the stain from spreading!

Non-Washable Fabrics like Wool and Silk

If your lipstick stain is on a fabric that demands to be dry-cleaned, dampen a pad or sponge with a dry cleaning solvent and gently work it into the stain. Apply a dry cotton pad to the area to absorb the moisture and hopefully your lipstick stain, and continue this process until the stain is removed completely. Let the solvent evaporate afterwards, and carefully flush the area with water. Then you can let it air-dry and clean your clothes as usual. Be careful with stain removers such as ammonia, which is very efficient but should not be used on silk.

Other Fabrics – Leather and Suede

Fortunately, lipstick stains don’t have to ruin even sensitive clothes like leather skirts or suede blazers, which are a great addition to every wardrobe but seem to attract stains like nothing else (apart from maybe a white blouse, that is). Carefully try to scrape off excess lipstick first, and then wipe the stain with a mixture of detergent and water. If the stain remains, use an absorbent such as corn flour to absorb the grease – be patient, this might take a while. Brush it out after 15 minutes, and repeat if necessary. Go ahead and try it yourself!

Guest Post by Ilinca Barsan. Ilinca is a student and freelance writer currently living in Edinburgh, UK. Born in Romania and raised in Germany, she is passionate about lifestyle, literature and social theory and enjoys indulging in her favourite TV shows to relax.