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Photo: Halyna Romaniv/Getty ImagesThe very products that help create your perfect makeup look—such as foundations, mascaras, lipsticks, blush, and more—can unfortunately leave behind stubborn stains on your clothes. These products often contain oils and dyes that can be challenging to remove from fabrics unless you know the best techniques and treatments to use. Read on to learn exactly how to eliminate makeup stains from your clothes.
The following techniques work effectively on all washable fabrics. For dry-clean-only clothing, however, you'll need a slightly adjusted method. Start by gently scraping away any liquid or solids with an old credit card, or use a hair dryer to blow away any loose powder. Avoid rubbing the fabric. Then, visit your nearest dry cleaner as soon as possible for proper stain treatment.
What You'll Need to Treat Makeup Stains
Tools & Equipment
- Spoon, butter knife, or an old credit card
- Sticky lint roller or a hair dryer
Materials Needed
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Stain remover spray
- Dishwashing liquid
- Oxygen-based bleach
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Remove Foundation Stains from Clothes
Remove Excess Product Without Scrubbing
- When dealing with liquid foundation or concealer, avoid wiping it off. Scrubbing only forces the stain deeper into the fabric. Instead, use the edge of a spoon, butter knife, or old credit card to lift off the excess product.
- For powder foundations, use a hairdryer set to low heat to blow away the powder. Alternatively, a sticky lint roller or tape can be used to pick up the powder particles.
Pre-Treat the Stain
- Apply a small amount of heavy-duty laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, or a stain remover directly onto the stained area.
- Gently rub the cleaner into the fabric using your fingers.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the product to break down the stain.
- Turn the stained area inside out and hold it under a stream of hot water to flush the stain from the fabric.
Wash the Clothing
- Check the care instructions and wash the garment in the hottest water setting recommended for the fabric.
- Use your regular detergent and inspect for any remaining stains before putting the clothes in the dryer. If the stain persists, proceed to the next step.
Remove Stubborn Makeup Stains
If the stain wasn’t addressed immediately, went through the dryer before treatment, or wasn’t completely removed during the first wash, it will need further attention.
- Prepare a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cool water according to the package instructions. Ensure you mix enough to fully submerge the item.
- Let the garment soak in the solution for at least eight hours.
- Drain the solution and examine the stain. If any remains, repeat the process with a fresh bleach and water mixture.
- Wash as normal once the stain has been removed.
Make sure not to put the makeup-stained garment in the dryer until the stain has been fully removed, as the heat from the dryer can set the stain further into the fabric.
How to Remove Mascara Stains from Clothes
Mascara stains consist of oil, wax, and dye, with the oily or waxy elements being the most challenging to remove. These need to be pretreated with a quality laundry detergent or stain remover before washing. Follow the same steps outlined for removing foundation stains to tackle mascara stains.
An effective alternative for removing mascara stains is using an oil-free eye makeup remover. Dab a small amount of the remover onto the stain with a cotton swab and gently work it in with your fingers. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then rinse it out with hot water before washing the garment according to the care label instructions.
How to Remove Lipstick Stains from Clothes
Lipstick, lip gloss, and balms create a combination of oil, wax, and dye stains. Begin by carefully removing any solids without rubbing the lipstick further into the fabric. The best method to tackle lipstick stains is to follow the same steps recommended for foundation stains.
You can also try the following treatments:
- Moisten a clean white cloth with rubbing alcohol and blot the stain. Keep using a fresh section of the cloth as the lipstick transfers from the fabric. Afterward, wash the garment as usual.
- Blot the stain with distilled white vinegar using a clean white cloth. Move to a new area of the cloth as the color lifts to avoid spreading the stain. Then wash the garment as usual.
How to Remove Blush and Eyeshadow Stains from Clothes
Use the same steps as for powdered foundation to remove stains from blush, eyeshadow, or any other powdered makeup on fabrics.
How to Avoid Makeup Stains
- If you're already dressed, consider putting on an old shirt or robe before applying your makeup.
- Give your makeup time to fully dry before getting dressed.
- Be sure to wash your hands after applying makeup.
- Cover your face with a silk scarf before pulling any clothing over your head after applying makeup.
