We’ve all been there. You’re getting ready for a big event, leaning in for a close look in the mirror, and—oops!—your favorite red lipstick ends up on the collar of your crisp white shirt. That sinking feeling is all too familiar. Lipstick stains look particularly dramatic on white fabric, but before you consider retiring that garment to the rag bin, take a deep breath.
The good news? Most lipstick stains are completely removable, even from white clothes. The secret lies in acting quickly and using the right technique for the type of stain and fabric. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, step by step, to rescue your clothing from cosmetic disasters.
Quick Highlights: Save Your White Clothes!
- Act Fast: The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of complete removal.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Rubbing grinds the wax and pigment deeper into the fibers.
- Target the Oil First: Lipstick is oil-based, so start with dish soap or another degreaser.
- Cold Water Only: Hot water can set the stain permanently by melting the wax.
- Check Before Drying: Always ensure the stain is completely gone before machine drying, as heat will set any remaining residue.
- Test First: Always test your cleaning solution on a hidden seam or area first.
- Patience Pays Off: Some stains may require two treatments for complete removal.
Table of Contents
Introduction
- Immediate First Steps: What to Do Right Now
- Method 1: The Dish Soap Solution (Best for Fresh Stains)
- Method 2: Using Rubbing Alcohol (For Set-In Stains)
- Method 3: The Power of Stain Removers
- Special Considerations for Delicate Fabrics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Immediate First Steps: What to Do Right Now
Time is your greatest ally. As soon as the accident happens, follow these steps:
- Scrape: Gently scrape off any excess, solid lipstick with a dull knife or spoon. Be careful not to spread it.
- Blot: Place a clean paper towel or cloth underneath the stain. Use another clean cloth to gently blot from the outside of the stain inward. This prevents it from spreading.
- DO NOT: Do not rub the stain. Do not run it under hot water. These actions will set the stain and make it much harder to remove.
A 2021 study in the Journal of Surfactants and Detergents confirmed that pre-treating oil-based stains like lipstick with a surfactant (like dish soap) before washing significantly improves removal rates by over 70%.
2. Method 1: The Dish Soap Solution (Best for Fresh Stains)
This is your go-to method for a fresh lipstick stain. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and oil, which are the main components of lipstick.
You’ll need:
- Liquid dish soap (like Dawn)
- Cold water
- Soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth
Steps:
- Turn the garment inside out and flush the back of the stain with cold water.
- Apply a small drop of clear dish soap directly to the stain.
- Gently work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft toothbrush.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to break down the oils.
- Rinse thoroughly under cold water from the back of the stain.
- Repeat if necessary before washing as usual.
3. Method 2: Using Rubbing Alcohol (For Set-In Stains)
For older or more stubborn stains, rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) can help break down the waxy pigments.
You’ll need:
- Rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- Cotton balls or a clean white cloth
- Cold water
Steps:
- Place a folded towel inside the garment under the stain.
- Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently dab at the stain. You should see the color transfer to the cotton ball.
- Switch to a clean section of the cotton ball as it picks up the color.
- Continue dabbing until no more color transfers.
- Rinse the area with cold water.
- Follow up with the dish soap method to ensure all oils are removed.
4. Method 3: The Power of Stain Removers
For a guaranteed solution, a commercial stain remover is your best bet. Look for products specifically designed for greasy or cosmetic stains.
| Product Type | How to Use It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Wash Spray (e.g., Shout, Spray ‘n Wash) | Spray generously, let sit 10-15 minutes, then wash. | Fresh or set-in stains on durable fabrics. |
| Stain Remover Stick (e.g., Tide to Go) | Rub the applicator on the stain, let sit, then wash. | Quick, on-the-go treatment for fresh stains. |
| Oxygenated Bleach (e.g., OxiClean) | Soak the entire garment in a solution of warm water and powder for 1-6 hours before washing. | Excellent for white clothes; helps lift stubborn pigment. |
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label for the best results.
5. Special Considerations for Delicate Fabrics
Silk, wool, or dry-clean-only garments need extra care.
- Silk & Delicate Blends: Test any solution on an inside seam first. Often, a gentle dab of mild dish soap solution or a specialized delicate fabric stain remover is safest.
- The “When in Doubt” Rule: If the garment is expensive or labeled “dry clean only,” take it to a professional cleaner. Point out the stain and tell them what the substance is (lipstick). They have specialized solvents that are safest for delicate fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will bleach get rid of a lipstick stain on my white shirt?
Chlorine bleach might help with the color but won’t tackle the oily base of the stain. It can also damage fabrics and turn whites yellow. An oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) is a much safer and more effective choice for white clothes.
2. I put the shirt in the dryer and now the stain is set. Is it too late?
It’s harder, but not always impossible. The heat from the dryer can bake the stain into the fibers. Your best bet now is to treat it with a pre-wash spray or rubbing alcohol and wash it again. You may need to repeat the process 2-3 times.
3. Can I use hand sanitizer to remove a lipstick stain?
Yes! This is a great hack in a pinch. Many hand sanitizers contain alcohol, which helps break down the stain. Apply a small amount, blot, and rinse with cold water.
4. What if the stain has spread after I tried to rub it out?
Don’t panic. Your goal now is to treat the entire affected area. Follow the rubbing alcohol or pre-treatment spray method, working from the outside of the stain inward to contain it.
5. Will this work on matte liquid lipsticks?
These can be tougher because they’re designed to be long-wearing. The same principles apply, but you may need to let the dish soap or pre-treatment spray sit for longer (30 minutes to an hour) to break down the formula.
6. The stain is gone, but there’s a faint oily ring left. What now?
This means the pigment is gone but the oils remain. Go back and treat the area again with dish soap, focusing on the oily spot, before washing one more time.
7. Can I use makeup wipes to remove the stain?
You can try it on a fresh stain! Some makeup remover wipes are designed to break down cosmetics. Blot gently and check if color is transferring to the wipe. Always rinse the area afterwards to remove any residue from the wipe’s chemicals.
8. How do I prevent this from happening again?
The easiest trick is to apply your lipstick before putting on your top. You can also hold a tissue or piece of paper over your lips while pulling a top over your head to create a barrier.
