How To Get Makeup Out Of Clothes
This guide explains how to approach how to get makeup out of clothes, including the preparation, practical steps, common mistakes, and final checks that help you finish with confidence.
Before You Start
Gathering a few simple household items before you begin will make the process much smoother. The key to successful makeup removal is to work gently and choose the right solvent for the stain. Most of the tools you'll need are likely already in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Quick Reference
Common Problems When You Get Makeup Out Of Clothes
Even with the best technique, you might run into a few hurdles. Here are some common issues and how to solve them.
The Stain Spread and Got Bigger
This is a frequent frustration and almost always happens because of rubbing instead of blotting. When you rub, you push the makeup particles from the concentrated centre of the stain outwards into clean fabric. To fix this, you'll need to treat the now-larger stain. Re-apply your chosen cleaning agent, but this time be very deliberate about working from the outer edge of the stain towards the middle. This motion contains the pigment and prevents it from spreading further.
A Faint Greasy Ring or Shadow Remains
Sometimes, after the garment dries, you might notice a faint, shadowy ring where the stain used to be. This is often not the original stain, but rather residue from the cleaning product you used, especially if it was a heavy-duty soap or detergent that wasn't fully rinsed out. The fix is usually simple: re-wash the entire garment in a plain cycle without adding any extra detergent. This should be enough to flush out any leftover cleaning agents.
The Fabric's Colour Looks Faded or Bleached
This unfortunate outcome is why the patch test is so critical. It occurs when a harsh cleaning agent, like rubbing alcohol, bleach, or even some strong detergents, reacts with the dye in the fabric. Regrettably, this type of damage is usually permanent. It's a tough lesson in always checking your cleaning solution on a hidden spot first, especially on vibrant or dark-coloured clothing and delicate materials like silk or viscose.
Advanced Tips for how to get makeup out of clothes
Once you've mastered the basics, these advanced tricks can help you tackle even the most stubborn stains or delicate situations.
Use Ice for Waxy Stains
For waxy, solid stains like a chunk of lipstick or a thick smear of stick concealer, heat is your enemy. Cold, however, can be your friend. Rub an ice cube over the stain for a minute or two. This will harden the waxes and oils, making them brittle. You can then often scrape off a significant amount of the product with a dull knife before you even begin the pre-treatment process, leaving you with less pigment to dissolve.
Try Shaving Cream for Oil-Free Foundation
This classic trick works surprisingly well for oil-free foundation stains. The foam and ingredients in a basic shaving cream (not a gel) can help lift the pigments. Apply a small dollop of foaming shaving cream to the stain, let it sit and work for about 10 minutes, then gently blot it away with a damp cloth. Follow up with a rinse and launder as usual.
Hairspray as a Last Resort
An older piece of advice was to use hairspray on ink and lipstick stains. This worked because older hairspray formulas had a high alcohol content, which acted as a solvent. Modern formulas are very different, so this is a gamble. If you're desperate, look for a basic, cheap hairspray with alcohol high on the ingredients list. Test it on a hidden seam first. Spray the stain, let it sit for a minute, then blot. Be aware that other ingredients could leave their own residue, so follow up with detergent and a full wash.
How To Get Makeup Out Of Clothes FAQ
Can I use makeup wipes to remove stains from clothes?
While it might seem like a logical solution, using a makeup wipe on clothing is generally not recommended. These wipes are designed for skin and often contain moisturisers, oils, and emollients. While they might lift some of the initial pigment, they are very likely to leave behind an oily or filmy residue, effectively trading one type of stain for another. It's always better to use a product designed for cleaning fabric, like detergent or dish soap.
Does white vinegar get makeup out of clothes?
Distilled white vinegar can be a helpful laundry aid, but it's not a universal solution for makeup. Its acidity can help break down some mild stains and is particularly useful as a pre-soak for brightening whites. However, it's not very effective against heavy, oil-based stains like liquid foundation. If you do use it, dilute it with an equal amount of water and, as always, test it on a hidden area first as it can affect the colour of some fabrics.
What's the best way to get foundation out of a white shirt collar?
This is a persistent problem caused by makeup transferring onto the collar throughout the day. The best method is preventative pre-treating. Before you wash the shirt, lay the collar flat and apply a line of liquid laundry detergent or micellar water directly onto the stained area. Use a soft brush to gently work it in and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before washing as normal. Doing this regularly will prevent the stain from building up and becoming permanent.
Final Checklist for how to get makeup out of clothes
Before you tackle that next makeup mishap, run through this final checklist to ensure the best possible result.
