How to Remove Lipstick Makeup Stains: Tips and Guidelines

Lipstick looks lovely on lips but not so hot on laundry. Read on for stain removal techniques that will help keep your lipstick and makeup where it belongs.

The first step in removing lipstick stains is to identify the stained material.

Below are the most common types of materials that can become lipstick-stained, with steps on how to remove lipstick from each:

Non-washable fabrics such as Acetate, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Fiberglass, Modacrylic, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate or Wool
Washable fabrics such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester or Spandex
Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Glass, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing or Vinyl Wallcovering
Stone surfaces such as Alabaster or Marble
Flooring such as Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum or Vinyl Tile
Special fabrics such as Fur (natural or synthetic), Leather or Suede

Non-washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove lipstick from Acetate, Carpet (synthetic or wool),

Fiberglass, Modacrylic, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool:

Sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the area with a dry-cleaning solvent, such as K2r Spot Lifter (except on acetate blends) or Afta Cleaning Fluid. Then apply a dry spotter and blot immediately with an absorbent pad.
Continue sponging and blotting until no more stain is removed. If stain begins to spread, flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) immediately with one of the liquid dry-cleaning solvents.
Let all the solvent evaporate, then sponge the area with water.
Apply wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia (do not use ammonia on silk or wool).
Blot frequently with an absorbent pad. Flush with water to remove all ammonia.
Apply wet spotter and a few drops of white vinegar. Blot frequently with an absorbent pad.
Flush with water and allow to dry.

Washable Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove lipstick stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen,

Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex:

Pretreat (the method of applying a stain-removing agent directly to the stained area) with Shout Liquid Laundry Stain Remover as directed and rinse in warm water.
If color remains, presoak (the method of soaking a stained article in warm water before laundering it) in an enzyme presoak (follow directions on label) for 1 hour.
Launder immediately, if possible. If not, rinse well and dry thoroughly.
If any stain remains, apply solvents such as K2r Spot Lifter or Afta Cleaning Fluid -- and dry spotter.
Blot immediately with an absorbent pad.
If stain begins to spread, flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) immediately with one of the liquid dry-cleaning solvents.
Let all the solvent evaporate. If stain still remains, sponge with water and apply a wet spotter with a few drops of ammonia.
Tamp (the method of bringing a brush down with light strokes on stained durable fabrics and materials) and blot frequently with an absorbent pad.
Flush well with water. Allow to dry.
Launder as soon as possible.

Hard Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove lipstick stains from Acrylic Plastic, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Glass, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglass, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Wallcovering:

Wipe stain with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
Rinse well and wipe dry.
If stain remains, add a few drops of ammonia to warm sudsy water and wipe.
Rinse well, then dry with a clean cloth.

Stone Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove lipstick stains from Alabaster, Marble:

Mix a few drops of ammonia in 1 cup rubbing alcohol.
Soak a white blotter with the solution and place it over the stain. Weight it down with a piece of glass or other heavy object.
Continue applying the solution until the grease is drawn out and any remaining stain is bleached out.
If any color remains, make a poultice of bleach, powdered detergent, and water.
Apply to the stain and cover with a damp cloth to retard drying. Leave until stain has been bleached out.

Flooring

Follow these steps to remove lipstick stains from Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Tile:

Mix a solution of warm sudsy water and a few drops of ammonia.
Dip a plastic scouring pad (do not use steel wool) into the solution and rub gently.
Rinse well and wipe dry.

Special Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove lipstick stains from Fur (natural or synthetic), Leather, Suede:

Gently scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) to remove excess lipstick.
Wipe stain with a cloth dipped in the suds of a mild detergent and water.
Wipe with a clean dry cloth.
If a grease stain remains, powder the stain with an absorbent such as cornmeal. Give it plenty of time to work.
Gently brush (the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to sweep staining material up onto a piece of paper) it out. Repeat if necessary.
As a last resort, dip a cloth in a solvent such as Afta Cleaning Fluid and dab gently at stain. Do not rub.
On leather only, follow with cleaners such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.