How to Get Lipstick Stains Out 

We’ve all been there, and probably more than once. We put on our favorite Red Apple Lipstick’ lipstick and by the end of the day, we notice that we’ve accidentally stained our favorite dress or even the kid’s clothes. Sigh. 

Now you have to figure out how to get lipstick stains out.

Not to fear, lipstick-stained clothes probably aren’t ruined. You can easily remove lipstick stain from clothing with a few simple products if you act quickly.   

Here are some very effective ways to remove lipstick stains from just about any piece of clothing item. Just remember, you want to take action asap in order for these methods to be as effective as possible.  

4 Great & Easy Ways to Remove Lipstick Stains  

We have 4 simple and easy methods for removing lipstick stains from clothes using products and household items that you more than likely have at hand.   

Treat Lipstick Stains As An Oil Stain

Before trying any of these lipstick stain removal methods, know that all lipstick stains are going to be treated as oil stains.

Always check the care label on the stained item. Test any products on an inconspicuous area on the clothing item whenever you are not sure if they will work or not on the fabric, especially on those delicate fabrics. You do not want to end up ruining your clothing or worsen the lipstick stain.  

Synthetic fabrics are harder to remove lipstick stains from.

*Note: You may want to avoid these home remedies on dry clean only fabrics to remove lipstick, and just take it to the dry cleaners. They have a special cleaning solution for these fabric types. 

Avoid rubbing the stain. Doing so can cause further damage. Dab or blot instead. However, on occasions, you may have no choice but to rub. If so, do so very gently.  

*Remove Excess Lipstick First*

The very first thing you want to do before trying any of the following methods is to remove any excess lipstick from your clothing item. Lipstick tends to be waxy, so it doesn’t absorb or spread right away into fabric.   When telling someone how to get lipstick stains out, this is where I start.

To prevent the lipstick sinking even more or spreading, remove any lipstick excess by scraping it off with a dull knife or even a credit card. Anything with a dull edge will work. You can even apply a piece of tape directly onto the stain to help lift the lipstick from the fabric, then carefully take it off.  

Use Dish Soap to Remove a Lipstick Stain   

This is my go-to for removing any kind of stain from any clothing/fabric item. I love Dawn since that is what we have in our household, but any gentle liquid dish soap that is good for grease will work as lipsticks contain natural oils in them, which gives them an oily base. Dish soap is also great for machine washable clothing.  When you ask how to get lipstick stains out, think dish soap.

Once you have scraped away any excess, apply a bit of warm or hot water directly onto the stain, but leave the rest of garment dry.  Lipstick stains need warm or hot water because the lipstick itself contains oils. Warm and hot water helps melt these stains away.

Inserting a piece of cardboard can keep the stain from transferring to the back of a garment.

Then apply a couple of drops of dish soap to the stain. Gently dab the soap into the lipstick stain.  

Let that sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.   

Using a damp cloth, gently blot the stain with it. Rinse and gently blot again. Repeat until the stain has been removed.    Then rinse and wash as normal.

Remove Using a Pre-Wash Stain Remover, or Liquid Detergent as a Pre-Wash Treatment  

Begin by first scraping off any excess lipstick with a dull knife.   

Now, apply pre-wash stain remover or even your regular detergent (liquid) directly on the stain.

If using a stain remover, make sure it’s safe to use on the fabric of your clothing item. Spray on both sides of where the lipstick stain is located. Follow the directions of the stain remover.   

If using liquid detergent, let it sit for a few minutes after applying it.  

 Rinse with warm water. Blot or dap with a cloth, if needed, to help remove the stain.   

How To Get Lipstick Stains Out Using a Mix of Lemon Juice & Baking Soda  

As with all oil stains in clothes, Both baking soda and lemon juice can work great together for removing stains off of clothes such as a lipstick stain. The acidity found in lemons has the ability to break up lipstick while working together with the baking soda to remove it.  

For this method, you will need equal parts of both lemon juice and baking soda. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of lemon juice to form a paste.  

Apply the paste directly onto the lipstick stain.  

Allow it to sit for 30 minutes.  

After 30 minutes, wash the clothing item as usual. Hang to dry in the sun.  

If the stain is still visible after washing, you may repeat this method as necessary.  

How To Get Lipstick Stains Out Using Rubbing Alcohol  

Before using this particular method, always check that it will work on the fabric without damaging it. Do a small patch test in an unnoticeable area. Proceed once you know it’s safe to use.  While it can be a great “how to get lipstick stains out”, it can be hard on some clothing.

Dampen a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol. You may also use a clean white cloth if you don’t have cotton balls on hand.  

Next, you want to blot that onto the lipstick stain. Do not rub.  

Once you have removed the stain, rinse out the alcohol with cold water. You can also just use a clean cloth dampened with water to dab and wipe off the rubbing alcohol.   

What to Do After Removing Lipstick Stains from Clothes  

Once you have removed lipstick stains from clothing using any of the methods mentioned above, you may wash your clothing items like usual, just always use cold instead of hot water in case there happens to be any lipstick left. Using cool water will prevent stains from being permanently absorbed into the fabric.   

After washing, double-check to make sure the stain has been completely removed before you place it in the dryer. If the stain remains, do not place it in the dryer as the hot air could cause the fabric to permanently absorb any remnants.  

If you notice the stain still present after washing, repeat the stain removing method you used or try one of the other ones until you remove it to your liking. If all else fails, we recommend taking your clothing piece to the dry cleaner. Never try any dry-cleaning fluids at home as these contain potentially harmful chemicals if not used properly and are inhaled.     

Frequently Asked Questions:  

Can lipstick stains be removed?

Yes! There are a few different methods that can be used to remove lipstick out of clothes. The key is to take action as soon as possible. Find 4 easy lipstick stain remover methods to do so in this article.  

How do you remove lipstick stains from clothes that have been washed and dried?

It is possible to remove lipstick out of clothes that have been washed and dried. Try one of the following stain removal methods and rinse after doing so:  

• Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and dab on the affected area for about a minute.  
• Apply acetone (nail polish remover) to the stain and scrub with an old toothbrush. Then rinse with rubbing alcohol and blot dry using a clean cloth.  
• Apply some petroleum jelly onto the stain and work it in with an old toothbrush or cloth.  
• Apply liquid glycerin onto the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes.  

Can vinegar remove lipstick stains?

Yes, you can use white vinegar as an effective method to help remove lipstick out of clothes. Simply apply it directly to the stained area using a cotton ball, dabbing gently. Wash in cool water as usual.