Ways to Eliminate Makeup Stains

Project Summary

• Duration of Work: 10 to 15 minutes
• Overall Duration: 15 minutes to 12 hours

• Proficiency Level: Novice
• Projected Expense: $0 to $15

When you wear makeup, it’s normal to encounter an occasional stain. The oils or pigments found in products like foundation and blush can create annoying marks on your items. Luckily, there are easy methods to eliminate makeup stains caused by semi-liquid, wax, and powder from your clothing, carpets, and upholstery, using items you probably have in your kitchen.

These items consist of laundry detergent, spray stain eliminator, and bleach. For optimal results, a heavy-duty detergent is recommended, as it has sufficient enzymes to tackle the stain effectively. Avoid putting the clothing in a dryer until the stain has been completely removed, as this can cause the stain to set, making it much harder to get rid of.

Ways to Eliminate Makeup Stains from Washable Fabrics

Remove Surplus

• Utilize a butter knife or the side of a credit card to gently scrape the liquid makeup off the fabric.
• To eliminate powder residue from fabric, utilize a lint roller for dry powders, bronzers, and blush.
• Avoid rubbing or wiping the stain, as this can push the makeup further into the fabric, making it more difficult to clean.

Use a stain removal product.

Applying a stain remover prior to washing will assist in breaking down the oils in the stain, making it easier to remove the stain from the fabric in the washing machine.

• For semi-liquid and concealer marks, use a stain remover solution before washing.
• For liquid foundation stains, apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the affected area.

Engage in the Stain Eliminator.

Apply the stain remover or liquid detergent directly onto the affected area using your fingertip or a gentle brush with soft bristles. You can opt for a strong liquid detergent like Tide or Persil. If you have powdered detergent, you can mix it with water to create a paste for application.

Allow it to rest.

• Let the stain remover or cleaning solution rest on the fabric for a minimum of 15 minutes.
• Next, gently brush the stain with a soft-bristled brush.
• Wash with hot water.

Clean the object.

• Clean the soiled garment in the hottest water that the fabric can tolerate, following the instructions on the care label. Apply detergent or an all-fabric bleach to eliminate any residual color from the stain.
• Inspect the clothing for any leftover stains prior to drying.

Tip

Make sure to eliminate any leftover detergent from a soiled piece of clothing, as it may draw in dirt and dust when it remains wet.

Combine Ingredients to Create a Mixture

If the stain remains noticeable after washing, prepare a mixture of oxygen-based bleach, like OxiClean, Clorox 2, Country Save Bleach, or Purex2 Color Safe Bleach, combined with cool water, and apply it directly to the stain. Be sure to adhere to the instructions on the packaging regarding the appropriate amount of product to use per gallon of water.

Immerse the clothing item.

• Fully immerse the clothing item and let it soak for a minimum of eight hours.
• Take off the clothing item and examine the stain. If it persists, soak it again using a new solution.
• Proceed with your regular washing routine if the stain has disappeared.

Ways to Eliminate Makeup Stains from Carpets and Upholstery

Employ comparable techniques, tools, and substances to eliminate makeup stains from carpets and upholstery, just as you would for clothing. Additionally, you will require a vacuum cleaner, dish soap, and a carpet cleaning solution. Follow these steps:

• Gently scrape off as much makeup residue as you can with a blunt knife. Avoid wiping or rubbing the makeup, as this can drive the stain further into the fibers of the carpet or upholstery.
• Use a commercial carpet cleaning product or create a mixture by combining 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 cups of cool water, mixing thoroughly. Take a clean white cloth or a paper towel, dip it into the solution, and wring it out gently. Start cleaning from the outer edge of the stain and move inward. Continue blotting until the cloth no longer picks up any color from the carpet.
• Soak another clean white cloth in lukewarm water and gently dab the stain to eliminate any remnants of the cleaning agent.
• Conclude the process by dabbing the area with a fresh, dry cloth, and let the carpet dry naturally. After it has dried, use a vacuum to raise the carpet fibers.

Extra Advice for Dealing with Makeup Stains

If you have an oil-free eye makeup remover, you can use a little of it on the stained fabric. This method is particularly effective for removing waterproof makeup, such as mascara. Gently use a cotton swab to apply the remover, dabbing the stained area once it is well-soaked. Oil-free makeup wipes can also be effective for this purpose. These techniques can be applied to remove face paint stains as well.

For fabrics labeled as dry clean only, take the item to your dry cleaner and highlight the stain for them. If you’re utilizing a home dry cleaning kit, make sure to apply the included stain remover to the affected area before placing the garment in the dryer bag. Silk, vintage apparel, and upholstery typically need specialized cleaning methods.

What are the best methods for removing foundation stains from garments?

Treat the foundation stain with a stain remover or a small amount of liquid dish soap, allowing it to soak in before laundering the garment with a strong laundry detergent in the hottest water suitable for the fabric.

Can vinegar effectively eliminate makeup stains?

Consider soaking a clean cloth in a mixture of white vinegar and water, then using it to gently blot a makeup stain. While this method might be helpful in a hurry, it may not be the most effective solution for eliminating makeup marks.

What is the most effective stain remover for makeup foundation?

A robust laundry detergent is your most effective option for eliminating makeup foundation stains from fabrics.