Ugh. That moment when you glance down and see a bright red smudge on your favorite white blouse. We've all been there. Lipstick stains are like tiny rebellions against your laundry routine – they just don't play by the rules. But here's the good news: getting lipstick out of clothes isn't mission impossible. I've spent years battling these waxy little demons (including a memorable disaster with my sister's wedding dress), and today I'm sharing everything that actually works.
Why are lipstick stains such stubborn jerks? Most formulas contain oils, waxes, and intense pigments that bond with fabric fibers. The longer it sits, the deeper it sinks. But panic makes everything worse – I learned this after turning a small smudge into a giant pink horror show by rubbing frantically.
Your First 60 Seconds: Damage Control Mode
When that fresh lipstick stain happens, your immediate reaction decides whether this becomes a 5-minute fix or a permanent wardrobe casualty. Here's what to do before googling "how can you get lipstick out of clothes":
DO:
- Gently scrape off excess with a spoon edge or dull knife
- Blot (never rub!) with white paper towels
- Place stain face-down on clean paper towels
DO NOT:
- Use hot water – it sets oils permanently
- Rub vigorously – spreads the stain
- Apply random cleaners – may cause discoloration
Funny story: Last winter I ruined a cashmere scarf by using hand sanitizer in panic mode. The alcohol spread the pigment into a lovely abstract pattern. Don't be me.
Fabric Matters: Your Removal Roadmap
Treating a lipstick stain isn't one-size-fits-all. What works for denim will murder silk. This table breaks down proven techniques:
| Fabric Type | Recommended Method | Products That Work | Never Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton & Linen | Dish soap + hydrogen peroxide | Dawn Platinum, OxiClean MaxForce Spray ($5-8) | Acetone, bleach on colors |
| Silk & Delicates | Glycerin soak + cold water | Carbona Stain Devils #7 ($4), glycerin ($6) | Baking soda, vinegar |
| Synthetics (Polyester, Nylon) | Rubbing alcohol blotting | Shout Advanced Gel ($4), 70% isopropyl alcohol | Acetone, heat |
| Wool & Cashmere | Cornstarch paste absorption | Woolite Delicates ($7), cornstarch ($2) | Enzyme cleaners, hot water |
| Denim | Pre-treatment + washing | Tide Ultra Oxi ($12), Zout Triple Enzyme ($6) | Chlorine bleach |
White Clothing Nightmare Mode
Getting red lipstick out of white shirts tests anyone's sanity. My go-to rescue mission:
- Soak in OxiClean White Revive ($10) solution overnight
- Apply blue Dawn directly to stain
- Gently brush with soft toothbrush
- Wash in hottest water safe for fabric with bleach alternative
Note: Actual bleach is risky even on whites – it can leave yellow shadows. I reserve it for cotton only.
Delicate Fabrics: When You Can't Risk It
Silks and vintage fabrics need TLC. Mix 1 tbsp glycerin with 2 tbsp cold water. Dab on stain with Q-tip, wait 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water from back of stain. Repeat if needed. Takes patience but saved my grandmother's lace collar.
Battle-Tested Stain Removers: What Actually Works
Through brutal trial and error (RIP favorite band tee), these products earned permanent spots in my laundry room:
| Product | Price | Best For | Effectiveness | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shout Advanced Gel | $4 | Fresh stains, synthetics | ★★★★☆ | Weak on old stains |
| Carbona Stain Devils #7 | $4 | Silk, makeup stains | ★★★★★ | Hard to find in stores |
| Grandma's Secret Spot Remover | $7 | Set-in stains, all fabrics | ★★★★★ | Strong odor |
| OxiClean MaxForce Spray | $8 | Cotton, white clothes | ★★★★☆ | Can bleach dark fabrics |
| Dawn Dish Soap (Original) | $3 | Oily stains, first aid | ★★★☆☆ | Needs reinforcement |
Hot take: I don't get the hype around Fels-Naptha soap. Tried it on three stains and saw mediocre results for the scrubbing effort required.
DIY Solutions: Pantry Heroes That Work
When you need to get lipstick out of clothes at 11 PM with no stores open, raid your kitchen:
Milk & Dish Soap Combo
- Soak stain in whole milk for 30 min (lactic acid breaks down wax)
- Apply undiluted Dawn to residue
- Rinse with coldest water available
The Hairspray Hack (Use Carefully!)
Yes, hairspray can remove lipstick from clothes – but only alcohol-based formulas. Spray, wait 2 minutes, blot with paper towel. Test hidden area first – some fabrics discolor. Personally, I've had 50/50 success with this.
Oil Paradox Technique
Sounds crazy but works: apply olive/coconut oil to stain, let sit 15 min. The oil dissolves the lipstick's oils. Then attack with dish soap to remove both oils. Rinse thoroughly.
Special Ops: Removing Set-In Lipstick Stains
When that lipstick stain survived the washer AND dryer? Time for heavy artillery:
Step-by-Step Revival:
- Soak stain in 50/50 white vinegar/water for 1 hour
- Apply paste of baking soda + hydrogen peroxide
- Cover with plastic wrap overnight
- Brush off residue, wash normally
For vintage fabrics: Skip the peroxide. Use glycerin massage instead, repeating daily for up to 3 days. Tedious but preserved my 1940s dress.
Prevention: Smarter Than the Stain
After too many casualties, I developed prevention rituals:
- Apply lipstick before putting on tops
- Use lip liner to prevent feathering
- Carry Tide To-Go Pens ($4) in every bag
- Choose transfer-proof formulas (Maybelline SuperStay $8)
Does lipstick stain prevention actually work? Mostly - except that time I hugged someone wearing Pat McGrath lipstick. Nothing prevents that.
Your Lipstick Stain FAQs Answered
Will bleach remove lipstick stains?
Sometimes, but it's risky. Chlorine bleach can react with pigments creating worse stains. For whites, use oxygen bleach (OxiClean). I learned this the hard way with pink-tinted towels.
Can toothpaste remove lipstick from clothes?
Some DIY sites suggest this but I don't recommend it. Toothpaste contains abrasives that damage fibers and bleaching agents that discolor fabrics. Tried it once - left both stain and gritty residue.
Why does lipstick stain some fabrics worse?
Natural fibers (cotton, silk) absorb oils deeply. Synthetic blends often repel stains initially but bond permanently under heat. Dark lipsticks with more pigment are tougher than nudes.
How can you get lipstick out of clothes that went through the dryer?
The heat sets stains dramatically. Start with overnight soaking in OxiClean solution. If that fails, use Carbona's Stain Devil #7 with gentle brushing. May require 3-4 attempts.
Does hairspray remove lipstick stains?
Only if it contains alcohol (check ingredients). Spray, wait 2 minutes, then dab with cloth. Works best on fresh stains and synthetics. Always test hidden area first - some fabrics discolor.
Can dry cleaning remove old lipstick stains?
Yes, but tell them about the stain specifically. Dry cleaners use specialty solvents. For my wool coat, they removed a 6-month-old stain completely ($15 charge). Worth it for expensive items.
The truth? No single method always works. Fabric age, lipstick brand, and stain age all matter. Start gentle, document what you try, and don't panic. Even professional dry cleaners tell me lipstick is their toughest opponent. But with patience and the right weapons, you'll win most battles. Now if anyone figures out how to prevent lipstick on coffee cups, I'm all ears.