Immediate First Aid: What to Do RIGHT NOW
1. Scrape Off Excess
Use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to gently lift any solid bits of lipstick off the fabric.
2. Blot, Don't Rub
Press a clean white cloth or paper towel onto the stain to absorb as much as possible. Rubbing will only spread it.
The Complete Removal Guide
Different fabrics require different care. Select the material you're treating.
This method works for most everyday fabrics like cotton, linen, and polyester.
- Pre-Treat: Place the stain face-down on a paper towel. Dab the back of the stain with rubbing alcohol or a liquid dish soap. You should see the stain transfer to the paper towel below. Replace the towel as needed.
- Soak: After pre-treating, let the garment soak in cool water with a bit of detergent for 30 minutes.
- Gently Rub: Gently rub the stained area with your fingers or a soft brush to loosen the remaining stain.
- Wash: Wash the garment as usual, following the care label instructions. Use the warmest water safe for the fabric.
- Air Dry: Check if the stain is gone BEFORE putting it in the dryer. Heat will set the stain permanently. If a faint stain remains, repeat the process.
Be gentle! Silk and wool are sensitive to harsh chemicals and high heat. Always test on a hidden seam first.
- Blot Gently: Use a clean white cloth to blot the stain. Avoid any rubbing.
- Apply a Mild Solution: Mix a few drops of gentle, pH-neutral soap (like Woolite or baby shampoo) with cool water.
- Dab Carefully: Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently dab the stain from the outside in. Do not oversaturate the fabric.
- Rinse: Dampen another cloth with plain cool water and blot the area to "rinse" out the soap.
- Air Dry Flat: Lay the garment flat on a clean towel to dry, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Always check your furniture's cleaning code (W, S, W/S, or X) before starting. Test in a hidden spot!
- Scrape Excess: Use a spoon or dull knife to lift off any solid lipstick.
- Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix one tablespoon of clear liquid dish soap with two cups of cool water.
- Blot and Lift: Dip a clean white cloth in the solution, wring it out, and blot the stain. Work from the outside edge toward the center.
- Rinse: Moisten a separate clean cloth with plain water and blot the area to remove the soapy residue.
- Blot Dry: Press a dry, clean towel onto the area to absorb as much moisture as possible. Let it air dry completely.
Important Cautions
DO NOT RUB
Rubbing or scrubbing a fresh lipstick stain will embed it deeper into the fabric fibers and make it spread.
DO NOT USE HOT WATER (at first)
Hot water can melt the waxy, oily components of lipstick, causing the stain to set permanently. Always start with cool water.
DO NOT APPLY HEAT
Never put a lipstick-stained item in a machine dryer or iron it until you are 100% sure the stain is gone. Heat is the enemy!
Frequently Asked Questions
It's tougher, but not impossible! For set-in stains, try applying rubbing alcohol or a commercial stain remover directly to the stain and letting it sit for 15-20 minutes before attempting the washing process. You may need to repeat the steps several times.
This is a classic home remedy that used to work because old hairsprays contained alcohol, the active solvent. Modern hairsprays often lack alcohol and contain oils and polymers that can make the stain worse. It's safer to use rubbing alcohol directly.
Long-wear formulas are designed to be stubborn. For these, a solvent-based approach is best. Rubbing alcohol is your best friend here. For very tough stains, a product like Amodex Ink & Stain Remover or Goo Gone can be effective, but always test on a hidden area of the fabric first.