How to Remove a Lipstick Stain: The Ultimate Guide
It happens in a split second. A quick hug, a slip of the hand, or a shirt pulled over a freshly made-up face. Suddenly, your favorite garment has a bright, stubborn mark on it. A lipstick stain is one of the most dreaded laundry mishaps because it isn’t just a color stain—it’s a greasy one, too.
Lipstick is designed to stay on your lips, which means it fights hard to stay on your clothes. But don’t panic. While these stains are tricky, they aren’t permanent if you act fast and use the right techniques. This guide walks you through the most effective methods to banish that blemish and restore your clothes.
Why Are Lipstick Stains So Stubborn?
To defeat the enemy, you have to understand it. Lipstick is complex because it is a “combination stain.” It typically contains three main components:
- Oils and Waxes: These provide the texture and staying power.
- Pigments: These provide the color (often bright reds or pinks).
- Emollients: These moisturize the lips but leave greasy residues on fabric.
Because of this oily base, water alone won’t work. In fact, rubbing water onto a lipstick stain can often set the oil deeper into the fibers and spread the pigment, making the spot larger. You need a degreaser to break down the oils and a solvent to lift the color.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Rub!
Your instinct might be to grab a napkin and scrub the spot immediately. Stop right there.
Rubbing a lipstick stain is the worst thing you can do. It pushes the waxy pigments deeper into the fabric weave. Instead, you want to lift the stain off the surface. Always blot gently from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent it from spreading.
3 Proven Methods to Remove Lipstick Stains
Before you start, check the care label on your garment. If the item is “Dry Clean Only,” skip the home remedies and take it to a professional. For washable fabrics like cotton or polyester, try these methods.
Method 1: The Dish Soap Technique
Dish soap is formulated to cut through grease on pots and pans, making it an excellent weapon against the oils in lipstick.
- Remove excess: Use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to gently lift any clumps of lipstick off the fabric.
- Apply soap: Dab a small amount of liquid dish soap directly onto the stain. Do not use water yet.
- Let it sit: Allow the soap to work on the grease for about 10 minutes.
- Blot: Using a damp cloth or paper towel, gently blot the stained area. Do not scrub.
- Rinse and Wash: Rinse with warm water (check your fabric label for temperature safety) and launder as usual.
Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
Alcohol is a solvent that breaks down the waxy compounds in lipstick.
- Test first: Apply a tiny amount of alcohol to a hidden seam of the garment to ensure it doesn’t fade the fabric dye.
- Blot with alcohol: Dampen a clean white cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol.
- Press, don’t rub: Press the alcohol-soaked cloth onto the stain. You should see the color transfer from the garment to your cloth.
- Repeat: Keep moving to a clean part of your cloth and repeating the process until the stain lifts.
- Wash: Rinse with cold water and wash the garment immediately.
Method 3: Hairspray
This is an old-school trick that often works because older hairsprays contain alcohol. Note that alcohol-free hairsprays will not be effective.
- Spray the stain: Spray the hairspray directly onto the lipstick mark. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Wipe away: Use a damp cloth to wipe the stain gently. The hairspray should help lift the pigment.
- Launder: Wash the item as directed on the care label.
Handling Delicate Fabrics
Fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere require a gentler touch. Harsh solvents or vigorous blotting can damage fibers or leave watermarks.
For silk, you can try covering the stain with talcum powder, cornstarch, or baking soda. These powders absorb the oils. Let the powder sit for an hour, brush it off gently, and repeat if necessary. If the color remains, do not attempt to use chemical solvents at home.
Handling Delicate Fabrics
Fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere require a gentler touch. Harsh solvents or vigorous blotting can damage fibers or leave watermarks.
For silk, you can try covering the stain with talcum powder, cornstarch, or baking soda. These powders absorb the oils. Let the powder sit for an hour, brush it off gently, and repeat if necessary. If the color remains, do not attempt to use chemical solvents at home.
When to Call the Professionals
Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If the stain is old, set-in, or on a very delicate garment like an evening gown or a suit, home remedies carry a risk of permanent damage.
If you are unsure, or if the fabric is expensive, trust the experts. At Instacare, we specialize in treating complex stains like lipstick. Our professional team uses industrial-grade, fabric-safe cleaning agents that break down oils and pigments without harming the material. We take the stress out of stain removal, ensuring your favorite clothes come back looking pristine.
Final Thoughts
A lipstick stain doesn’t have to mean the end of your favorite shirt. The key is to act quickly, avoid rubbing, and use a degreaser rather than just water. By breaking down the oils first, you give yourself the best chance of success.
And remember, for those stubborn marks that refuse to budge, Instacare is ready to help you save your wardrobe.
