How To Get Rid Of Lipstick Stains?

Lipstick stains can be one of the most frustrating stains to deal with. While there are times when we might feel it is impossible to get rid of lipstick stains, the truth is there are some methods that will work nearly every time.

One thing we should not rely on when it comes to lipstick stains is a standard wash cycle. This won’t work for many stains, including those caused by a dark lipstick color. You should pre-treat the stain before putting the clothing in the washing machine.

Don’t Rub!
Lipstick is one of those sticky, oily substances that can get deep into the fabric. In addition, lipstick is designed to spread across the lips. If you rub the stain it may only get worse and dig deeper into the fibers of your clothing. The key is to “blot” the stain or “dab” at it rather than rub it.

Start the removal task by taking a clean white cloth or paper towel and blotting the lipstick stain. This will remove the bulk of the lipstick left behind. Once you feel you have removed as much as you can with this method, put water on the area so that the stain doesn’t set in too deeply. Now you are ready to work on the stain a bit more aggressively.

Put some mild laundry detergent directly on the stain and work the detergent into the stain with gentle rubbing motions. Rinse the spot with cold water and repeat if necessary. At this point you should pre-treat with a commercial stain remover. But don’t toss the item into the washing machine just yet. Let the item lie undisturbed a few minutes and put into the washing machine while the area is still moist. If you don’t have a commercial stain remover you may be able to work with toothpaste that is non-gel.

No Laundry Facilities?
If you are in a location that doesn’t offer laundry facilities you can still get the worst of a lipstick stain out of your clothes with the hand methods mentioned earlier. Dab or blot as much of the lipstick away as you can. Remember, don’t rub it! Rinse the area with cold water. You may be able to hand wash the stained area with some detergent but if that is not possible, you should wash the item as soon as possible. If you leave the lipstick untreated for a long period of time you may have a very tough, if not permanent, stain.

If you have lipstick stains on drinking glasses or coffee mugs you should probably start the removal process by rubbing a bit of table salt along the stained edges of the glass or mug. Wash the items immediately and pay particular attention to the inside rims. Small spots of lipstick stain are often overlooked with a hurried washing of dishes.

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