4 Ways to Remove Lipstick Stains, Including Martha's Favorite Method

Lipstick stains on clothing can be a tricky problem, but they are not impossible to tackle. With Martha's reliable method, removing lipstick marks becomes manageable on everything from clothes to dinner napkins. Along with her technique, we talked with a cleaning expert for a few other simple ways to handle these pesky stains.

Martha's Method for Removing Lipstick Stains

Remove stubborn lipstick stains by following this method from decorvow's Homekeeping Handbook. Note: this method is only meant for washable items, so be sure to send any dry-clean only pieces out for their best chance at lipstick stain removal.

Materials

• Dull-edged knife
• Eye dropper
• Dry solvent (mineral spirits or acetone)
• Soft-bristled brush
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Liquid dish soap
• Small spray bottle
• Enzyme detergent (or regular detergent)

Instructions

1. Use a dull-edged knife to remove excess lipstick.
2. Using an eyedropper, apply a dry solvent (such as mineral spirits or acetone) to the stain in a well-ventilated area.
3. Tap the solvent with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Apply isopropyl alcohol to flush the area and tamp. Repeat until all of the lipstick color is removed and let dry.
5. Combine 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and 9.5 ounces of water.
6. Pour it into a tiny spray bottle. Shake to combine.
7. Spray the diluted dishwashing soap solution onto the stain.
8. Treat the garment with an enzyme detergent.
9. Wash according to care instructions.
   

How to Remove Lipstick Stains With Dish Soap

Using a gentle liquid dish soap is one of the best ways to remove lipstick stains from clothing thanks to its grease-fighting abilities.

Materials

• Dull-edged knife
• Liquid dish soap
• Bucket
• Soft-bristled brush

Instructions

1. Use a dull-edged knife to remove excess lipstick.
2. Cover the front and back of the stain with about a teaspoon or so of liquid dish soap. Don't rub the soap in; allow it to sit and work its magic for 30 minutes.
3. Fill a bucket with warm water and add in a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Swirl the mixture to disperse the soap.
4. Submerge the clothing item in the bucket and allow it to soak for at least an hour to up to 10 hours. The longer you allow it to soak, the better.
5. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently brush the stain until you remove as much of the stain as possible. Begin at the stain's edges and work your way to the center to avoid spreading.
6. Rinse the clothing item to remove excess soap.
7. Wash according to care instructions.

How to Remove Lipstick Stains With Rubbing Alcohol

For a quick fix, use rubbing alcohol to get rid of stubborn lipstick stains. "The rubbing alcohol not only takes care of the stain but also dries quickly so you’re not left with a wet spot where the stain was," says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.

Materials

• Dull-edged knife
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Cotton ball or clean cloth

Instructions

1. Use a dull-edged knife to remove excess lipstick.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or clean cloth and dab (don't rub) the stain away. Repeat until the lipstick color is removed.
3. Wash according to care instructions.

How to Remove Lipstick Stains With Hairspray

Believe it or not, hairspray is also useful for removing lipstick stains, Mock says.

Materials

• Dull-edged knife
• Hairspray
• Clean cloth

Instructions

1. Use a dull-edged knife to remove excess lipstick.
2. Spray the hairspray onto the stain. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Dab the stain with a clean cloth dipped in warm water. Repeat until the lipstick color is removed.
4. Wash according to care instructions