How to Remove Liquid Makeup Stains: Tips and Guidelines

Liquid foundation makeup is a wonderful tool that can be used to hide flaws or enhance natural beauty. However, there is nothing attractive about makeup stains. Read on to learn how to remove these stubborn spots and have people looking at you, and not your laundry stains.

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

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

Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate or Wool
Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester or Spandex
Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Asphalt, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Ivory, Jade, Linoleum, Marble, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile or Vinyl Wallcovering
Stone surfaces such as Bluestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate or Terrazzo
Leather or suede
Wood

Non-washable Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove liquid makeup stains from Acetate, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool:

Brush (the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to sweep staining material up onto a piece of paper) or blot up any excess, taking care not to spread the stain.
Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with a dry-cleaning solvent such as K2r Spot Lifter (except on acetate blends) or Afta Cleaning Fluid.
Apply a dry spotter to the stain and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with the dry spotter. Check the stain every 5 minutes.
Before changing pads, press hard against the stain. Continue the alternate soaking and pressing until no more stain is being removed.
Flush with one of the liquid dry-cleaning solvents and allow to dry.
If any stain remains, flush it with water and apply a wet spotter with a few drops of ammonia. (Do not use ammonia on silk or wool.)
Cover with an absorbent pad dampened with the wet spotter. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed.
Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep the stain and pad moist.
Flush well with water.
Repeat if necessary; allow to dry.

Washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove liquid makeup stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex:

Brush (the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to sweep staining material up onto a piece of paper) or blot up any excess, taking care not to spread the stain.
Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with a dry-cleaning solvent such as Afta Cleaning Fluid.
Apply a dry spotter to the stain and cover with a cloth dampened with the dry spotter.
Check the stain often, tamping (the method of bringing a brush down with light strokes on stained durable fabrics and materials) before changing the pad.
Continue alternate soaking and tamping until no more stain is lifted.
Flush with a dry-cleaning solvent and allow to dry.
If any stain remains, try the same procedure of soaking and tamping using a wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia.
When the stain is gone, be sure to flush the area with water to remove all traces of ammonia.
Launder as soon as possible.

Hard Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove liquid makeup stains from Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Asphalt, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Ivory, Jade, Linoleum, Marble, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering:

Wipe any spills or brush (the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to sweep staining material up onto a piece of paper) away any excess.
With a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water, wash the surface.
Rinse well with water and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Stone Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove liquid makeup stains from Bluestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo:

Remove excess.
Mix a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
Wash the stained area.
Rinse well with clear water and allow to dry.

Leather or Suede

Follow these steps to remove liquid makeup stains from leather or suede:

Gently remove excess.
Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water.
Swish to create a great volume of suds.
Apply only the foam with a sponge.
Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
If a greasy or oily stain remains, powder it 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) or shake the absorbent from the surface. Repeat if necessary.
On leather only, follow with cleaners such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.

Wood

Follow these steps to remove liquid makeup stains from wood:

Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds.
Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the stain.
Rinse with clear water.
Wipe dry immediately with a soft cloth and polish or wax as usual.