Removing Lipstick Stains from Anything

Lipstick stains on common fabrics such as cotton or polyester clothing, jeans, or even a down jacket can be removed with the methods below.
If the stain is fresh, blot it with white bread or white Play-Doh. They will absorb the stain before it has time to soak into the fabric.
If the stain is fresh but has soaked in, use one of the methods below. Keep trying methods if needed until the stain is removed.

• To use hairspray, spray some hairspray on the stain. Let the hairspray sit on the stain for a few minutes, then blot away the stain. Wash the item as usual to rinse away the hairspray.
• To use oil, rub some vegetable oil or vegetable shortening into the stain. Let the oil soak into the stain for about half an hour, then rub some dish liquid into the area and wash the item as usual. WD-40 can be used instead of oil, but it only needs to soak for about 10 minutes.
• To use isopropyl alcohol. sponge some onto the stain, then blot until the stain is removed.
• To use hand sanitizer, simply rub some into the lipstick stain, then wash the item as usual.
• To use shampoo, simply rub some baby shampoo into the stain, then wash the item as usual.
• To use enzyme detergent, rub it into the stain, then let it sit for half an hour before washing the garment as usual.

If the stain is old and dry, follow these steps.

1. Gently scrape the stain with a dull knife to remove as much excess lipstick as possible.
2. Sponge some isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol onto the stain.
3. Rub some dish liquid into the damp stain.
4. Wash the item as usual.

Wool is a unique fabric in that it is washable, but it has some very specific needs when it comes to stain removal. For example, alcohol should not be used on wool, which eliminates the possibility of using hair spray or hand sanitizer. Ammonia, chlorine bleach, and enzyme detergent also should never be used on wool. Instead, rub some mild shampoo or laundry detergent into the stain, then wash it as usual. If the stain remains, dry clean it with a home dry cleaning kit or by taking it to a professional dry cleaner.

1. Spread a piece of clear tape or masking tape over the stain. Don’t push the tape down onto the lipstick, as that can push the lipstick further into the fabric; just gently apply the tape over the stain, then rip off the tape to remove the stain.
2. If any stain remains, sprinkle an absorbent powder over it, such as baking soda or cornstarch. Pat the powder gently to fully coat the remaining lipstick, then let it sit for several minutes to absorb it. Brush off the powder. Repeat as many times as needed for the stain to be removed.

1. If the lipstick is fresh, blot it with white bread or white Play-Doh.
2. For older stains, try to scrape off some of the excess lipstick with a dull knife.
3. Apply some dry cleaning fluid on the stain. You can get a home dry cleaning kit in the laundry aisle of most supermarkets.
4. If the stain remains, sponge it with white vinegar.

1. Rub the stain with white bread or white Play-Doh to remove as much as possible.
2. Clean the stain away with some isopropyl alcohol and a cloth.
3. Clean the area with leather cleaner either to remove the last remnants of the lipstick stain or after the stain is gone to clean off the alcohol.

1. Rub the stain gently with some white bread. The bread will soak up much of the stain if it is fresh enough.
2. Once you have removed as much as you can with the bread, pour a small pile of baking soda or salt over it. Let the powder sit on the stain for a couple hours, then shake or brush it off. This step can be repeated several times if needed.
3. If the stain remains, put a few drops of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth and test it on a hidden area to ensure the color of your suede is not damaged. If safe, blot the alcohol onto the lipstick stain. Rotate the cloth to a clean area as the stain is transferred to it. Continue blotting until the stain is gone.
4. If the alcohol was not safe for your item, try using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water instead. (Test it first as well.)
5. Once the stain is mostly gone, brush the area with a dry towel or suede brush to bring up the nap, which will help to remove any last bit of the stain that remains.
6. If the stain is stubborn, you can have it removed by a professional dry cleaner or use a home dry cleaning kit.

If the stain is fresh, blot it with white bread or white Play-Doh. They will absorb the stain before it has time to soak into the fabric.
If the stain is older, start by scraping off as much as possible with a spoon, then use one of the methods below.

• To use isopropyl alcohol, sponge some onto the stain, then blot until the stain is removed. Rotate the cloth to a fresh area as the lipstick is transferred to it.
• To use hairspray, spray enough of it on the stain to dampen the area. Let the hairspray sit on the stain for a few minutes, then blot away the stain. Sponge the area with water to rinse, then pat it dry.
• To use shaving cream, rub some white shaving foam into the stain, then gently rub if off with a cloth.

Whether the lipstick is fresh or old, start by gently scraping off as much as possible with a spoon, then use one of the methods below. If needed, keep trying methods until the stain is gone. These methods can be used on carpeting in a home or in a car.

• Put some isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, then blot the stain until it is gone. Rotate the cloth to a fresh area as the lipstick is transferred to it.
• Spray the stain with Spot Shot Carpet Cleaner or plain white shaving foam. Let it sit for about a minute, then gently scrub the area with a paper towel to remove the cleaner.
• If the stain is persistent, combine one part white vinegar with two parts water. Sponge the carpet with the mixture, then blot up the liquid.

1. Sprinkle some salt on a damp cloth, then use the salted area to rub off the lipstick.
2. If a dye stain remains, rub it away with some rubbing alcohol.

Lipstick stains on glass cups or other glass items like mirrors can often be removed using dish liquid. If the stain persists, put some rubbing alcohol on a cloth and rub off the stains.

If your lipstick remained in your pocket during a wash, it likely smeared around on the inside of the dryer when it melted. Thankfully, this mess is fairly easy to clean up.

1. Sprinkle some salt, baking soda, or a powdered all purpose cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend on a damp cloth. If you don’t have any of those, you can use some white (non-gel) toothpaste instead.
2. Scrub off the lipstick with the powdered area.
3. Wipe the inside of the dryer with a damp cloth to rinse it.

1. Gently wipe a paper dry cleaning sponge over the stain. These are available at art supply stores or in the wallpaper section of hardware stores.

A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can helpful for removing lipstick stains from hard surfaces.

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