What is the best way to remove lipstick stains? My kids got into my makeup. Now their Sunday clothes are a mess. Everything’s either cotton or a cotton-poly blend if that helps.
Wanda Tippetts, Burley, Idaho
Yes, it does help to know what kind of fabric it is. That’s because what is the best way to remove lipstick stains on cotton is different than on a delicate material. Either way, it’s time to act quickly. The faster you treat the stain, the better results you’ll get.
The first step is to mechanically remove any lipstick residue that you can without smearing it into the fabric. You might try a credit card to scrape away what you can.
After that, lay the stained part down on a paper towel. Dip a clean white towel or cloth in rubbing alcohol. Then blot the back side of the stain until the lipstick has disappeared. You might need to replace the paper towel underneath occasionally.
If this method didn’t work for you, or if you want to try something else, use liquid laundry soap. Once you moisten the spot, dab detergent on it. Allow it to work for fifteen minutes. Then rub gently with a clean cloth until the stain fades.
Subsequently, if you already washed and dried the clothing with the lipstick stain, there’s still hope. You might be able to remove the spot with the tools listed on this page: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-remove-lipstick-stains-from-clothes/
In summary, lipstick removal from clothes is challenging. You’re battling oil, wax, and dye all at once. But it’s also possible to clean a stain like this at home with other common household items like nail polish remover and ammonia.
I hope these tips were helpful to you and that the clothes turned out perfectly clean.
Joan
