We’ve all been there: accidentally brushing your favorite blouse against your lips after your makeup was done. Nonetheless, attempting to get lipstick out of clothing is one of the most common (and tricky) wardrobe mishaps. And unless the garment you’ve stained is also scarlet red, the stain is likely noticeable. Fortunately, there are solutions to bringing life back into your lipstick-stained pieces. By acting quickly and applying a few simple tricks, you can have your clothing back to its formerly spotless state in no time, no dry cleaning required.
Read on to learn how to get lipstick out of clothing in five easy steps.
1. Remove Excess Lipstick
Before applying any cleaning solutions to the fabric, use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to gently scrape off any excess lipstick residue. This will keep the stain from spreading and is especially useful if a larger chunk of lipstick has broken off onto your clothing.
2. Blot With Alcohol
Dampen a clean cloth or cotton round with high-proof isopropyl alcohol. Gently dab the stain (blot, don’t rub), then rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water. If you’re dealing with richly dyed or delicate fabric, be sure to test this method on a less visible section of fabric first.
3. Use Stain Remover
If the stain persists, removing the lipstick may be as simple as applying a stain remover. While eco-friendly stain removers tend to be gentler on many types of fabric, deeply embedded stains may respond better to chemical-based stain removal agents. Whichever you choose, always check the care label instructions before using a stain remover.
4. Wash With Liquid Detergent
Being careful to not spread the stain, submerge the fab in to warm water and gently massage it with a small amount of laundry detergent. Prepping with a bit remover can make this step even more effective. Avoid hot water since this can cause the stain to bleed into the surrounding area. Save machine washing until the stain has been visibly removed.
5. Try Hairspray
While getting lipstick on clothing may lead you to curse your beauty bag, this may be exactly where the solution lies. Spray hairspray directly onto the stain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Dip a clean cloth into warm water and gently blot the stain, removing the hairspray and the lipstick along with it. If this doesn’t do the trick, seek the help of a professional dry cleaner.
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This story was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.