It’s not uncommon for things like coffee stains or permanent markers to get on clothes. There’s something especially frustrating about makeup stains. Makeup is meant to make you feel good and not look like a mess. You might brush your face on your shirt while pulling it up over your head. Or you may accidentally get foundation all over your collar. If you kiss or hug someone, makeup may get on their clothes. (Oops!) If you are unsure of how to remove makeup from clothes, you can learn the trick.
Jennifer Ahoni is a senior scientist with Tide. She says that most makeup stains are easily removed if you act quickly and use a good detergent. The different ingredients and compositions of makeup can present unique challenges. For instance, a liquid foundation may require a stain remover that is different from a powder Blush. Let’s not forget lipstick. It may be the most difficult challenge you face.
What you need to learn about removing makeup from clothes. After you are up to speed, remember to remove nail polish from nearly anything.
Liquid foundation
Anthony explains that, although there are many different types of foundations, they are all formulated using a base that binds a lot of colored pigments. She says that the key difference between treating powder and liquid foundation is the removal of excess dyes on the skin’s surface.
What you will need
Liquid laundry detergent
Dish soap
Paper towel or clean cloth
Water
Directions step-by-step
Use a paper towel to remove any excess liquid from the fabric. Be careful not to push the fluid further into the fibers. Blot, don’t rub.
Then, rinse it in warm water.
After removing the excess foundation, treat the stain using liquid laundry detergent. Any will work. It contains enzymes and surfactants that help break down the color. Pour enough liquid laundry detergent to cover the paint. Gently work it into the stain using a soft-bristled brush. Let the detergent remain on the fabric for 20 minutes.
Due to the oily base of the liquid foundation, some stains may look like grease. You can also try using dish soap to remove the stain. Apply a small amount of dish soap like Dawn to the color and rub it in using your fingers. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Place the item in the washing machine with other things without rinsing the detergent off. Ahoni says that leaving the detergent on the stain gives your washing a boost in cleaning water. Warm water will help break down the color.
Repeat steps 3-5 if the stain persists before drying.
These techniques are best for cotton and poly-blend fabric. It’s best to dry clean a garment if the stain is on a material like silk or wool. If you attempt to remove the stain yourself, you may end up doing more damage than good.
Powder foundation
Ahoni says that powder foundations contain loose particles. Take extra care to remove any excess. Make sure that you do not accidentally spread or embed the powder.
What you will need
Use a clean cloth or paper towel
Liquid laundry detergent
Water
Directions step-by-step
Shake off as much powder foundation as you can. Ahoni advises gently brushing away any remaining foundation, taking care not to push it into the fabric fibers.
Then, run warm water along the backside of the stain. The more water pressure you use, the easier the color will come out. After removing the excess, follow the same wash instructions as for the liquid foundation.
Use enough liquid detergent to cover the stain. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently work the liquid detergent into the paint. Let it sit on the fabric for at least 20 minutes.
Place the garment in the washing machine with other items. Use the highest temperature recommended on care labels.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 if the stain persists before drying.
You shouldn’t use warm water to remove other stains like mustard stains or bloodstains. This can cause the staining to become permanent and impossible to extract. Before you dive in, make sure you understand what you need to do based on the type of stain.
How to remove lipstick from clothes
Lipstick is the hardest makeup to remove from clothes. Why? These beauty products are often oil-based. Anthony explains that lipstick acts as a glue, binding together many colored pigments. These pigments are particularly attracted to synthetic fibers. (This is also something to remember when you try to remove oil stains from your clothes. If you want to treat lipstick stains, act quickly. However, even if the color has set, it’s not too late. These steps can be used to remove ChapStick or any other lip balm from clothing.
What you will need
Clean cloth
Dish soap
Liquid laundry detergent
Spoon or butterknife
Stain Remover
Water
Directions step-by-step
Remove any excess lipstick from the clothing before applying a dry, clean cloth to the stain.
First, freeze the garment for 20 minutes to remove heavy lipstick stains. After removing any excess paint, use a butter knife or spoon to scrape it off gently. Then, place the cloth over the stain.
Apply dish soap to the damp cloth and dab it on the stain. Use a clean portion of the fabric every time you wipe to avoid accidentally transferring lipstick onto the garment.
To remove the stain, rinse the area with warm water.
Pre-treat the stain with liquid detergent. Pour enough liquid detergent to cover the color. Gently work it into the stain using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Let the detergent remain on the fabric for 20 minutes.
Place the garment in the washing machine with other items. Use the highest temperature recommended on the label.
Repeat steps 3-6 if the stain persists before drying. Try using a stain removal that you can buy in the store as a pretreatment or when repeating the steps above before drying the item.
