It’s the final touch to your stunning look but a nightmare for your wardrobe. If you don’t know how to get lipstick out of clothes, you’ve probably had a very bad laundry day at some point in your life.
The vibrant colors and oil-based formula make lipstick stains a formidable opponent for any fabric. When these stains undergo the heat of a dryer, they set deeper, becoming even more challenging to remove.
But lipstick stains, while challenging, are not invincible. With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can keep your clothes free from the colorful grip of lipstick. The key to successful stain removal lies in understanding the nature of the stain, acting quickly, and using the appropriate treatment method.
As soon as you spot a lipstick stain, it’s game time. The sooner you tackle it, the better your chances of victory. Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps or materials you’ll need to apply; saving your favorite shirt is worth the hassle.
Remove excess lipstick. Use a dull knife or a credit card to gently scrape off any excess lipstick. Be careful not to rub the stain further into the fabric.
Apply rubbing alcohol. Dab (don’t rub!) the stain with a clean cloth soaked in room-temperature rubbing alcohol.
Apply hairspray. Apply strong-hold hairspray and wait for 15 minutes. Then, dab gently with a cloth soaked in warm water.
Apply nail polish remover. Before using nail polish remover, check to make sure your fabric can tolerate acetone, as it might damage some fabrics. If you’re in the clear, apply acetone-based nail polish remover and scrub lightly with an old toothbrush. Follow up with isopropyl alcohol.
Apply dishwashing soap solution. Spray diluted liquid dish soap on the stain and gently work it in.
Apply petroleum jelly. Apply petroleum jelly with a cloth or toothbrush.
Apply liquid glycerin. Rub in liquid glycerin and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Apply specialized solutions. Use diluted ammonia, vinegar or oxygen bleach with an eyedropper for precise application.
Rinse and repeat. Thoroughly rinse after each attempt. Persistence is key — you might need to repeat a method or try different ones.
