5 Shocking Household Hacks That Instantly Remove Lipstick Stains From Your Clothes

The sudden panic of finding a bright red, waxy lipstick smear on your favorite shirt is a universal wardrobe nightmare, but salvaging your garment is far easier than you think. Unlike simple dirt, lipstick is a complex stain, combining both oil (from waxes and emollients) and pigment (the color) that require a two-pronged attack for complete removal.

As of December 18, 2025, the latest expert cleaning advice emphasizes a rapid response and utilizing powerful, grease-fighting household products you likely already have on hand, such as liquid dish soap or rubbing alcohol, before the stain has a chance to set permanently. Learning the proper pre-treatment steps and choosing the right solvent for the type of fabric and lipstick formula is the key to making that embarrassing mark vanish completely.

The Essential First Steps Before You Treat Any Stain

Before you reach for any cleaner, successful stain removal—especially with a greasy, pigmented cosmetic like lipstick—depends on following a strict pre-treatment protocol. Acting quickly is crucial, as old stains are significantly harder to deal with than new stains.

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Immediate Actions to Maximize Stain Removal Success

• Act Fast: The moment you notice the stain, begin the removal process. Do not let the garment sit or, worse, put it through a hot dryer, which will permanently set the stain.
• Scrape Off Excess: Use a dull-edged knife, a spoon, or even the edge of a credit card to gently scrape away any excess, waxy lipstick from the fabric’s surface. Be careful not to rub or spread the stain deeper into the fibers.
• Check the Care Label: Always check the garment’s care label. If the fabric is marked "Dry Clean Only," your safest bet is to point out the stain to a professional cleaner immediately.
• Test a Hidden Area: Regardless of the cleaning agent you choose, always perform a quick spot test on an inconspicuous area of the garment (like an inside seam) to ensure the product doesn't discolor or damage the fabric.
• Work from the Back: When applying a cleaning solution, it is often recommended to work from the back side of the stain. This helps push the stain out of the fabric rather than deeper into it.

5 Shockingly Effective Household Hacks for Lipstick Removal

The core challenge of a lipstick stain is its dual nature: it’s both a waxy, oil-based mark and a color pigment. The most effective methods target the grease first, dissolving the wax so the pigment can be lifted.

1. The Dish Soap Powerhouse Method (Martha Stewart's Favorite)

Liquid dish soap is widely considered one of the best and safest ways to remove lipstick stains because of its powerful grease-fighting abilities.

• Application: Cover both the front and back of the stain with about a teaspoon of a gentle, liquid dish soap.
• Pre-Treat: Gently work the soap into the stained area using a clean, soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not scrub harshly, as this can damage the fabric.
• Soak and Rinse: Allow the soap to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse the treated area thoroughly with warm water.
• Wash: Wash the garment as usual, but check that the stain is completely gone before tumble drying.

2. Rubbing Alcohol for Waxy Formulas

For particularly waxy lipsticks or stubborn stains, rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) acts as a fantastic solvent.

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• Dab, Don't Rub: Moisten a cotton ball or a clean white cloth with rubbing alcohol.
• Blotting Technique: Gently dab the stain repeatedly, moving from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
• Rinse: Flush the area with cold water and then wash as normal with laundry detergent.

3. The Hairspray Trick

Believe it or not, hairspray—specifically the older, alcohol-heavy formulas—can act as a quick, portable stain remover, similar to rubbing alcohol.

• Spray: Spray the stain directly with hairspray until it is saturated.
• Wait: Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Blot: Use a clean, damp cloth to blot the area, then rinse with warm water.

4. Oil-Based Makeup Removers

Since lipstick is oil-based, fighting oil with oil can sometimes be highly effective, especially for dissolving the initial waxy components. Use an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water.

• Apply: Place a small amount of the oil-based remover onto a cotton pad.
• Massage: Gently massage the stain to dissolve the lipstick.
• Counter-Cleanse: Follow up immediately with a spot treatment of liquid dish soap to remove the oil residue from the makeup remover itself.

5. The Baking Soda and Detergent Paste

For exceptionally stubborn lipstick stains that refuse to budge, a powerful paste can provide the extra abrasive and chemical action needed.

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• Mix: Create a one-to-one mixture of liquid laundry detergent and baking soda.
• Apply: Apply the mix to the stain with a soft-bristled brush or your finger.
• Scrub Gently: Allow the paste to sit for 30 minutes, then gently scrub the area before rinsing and washing as usual.

Special Care: Removing Stains from Delicate Fabrics and Different Lipstick Formulas

Not all fabrics or lipsticks are created equal, and adjusting your stain removal strategy can prevent damage to your clothing while ensuring the stain is fully lifted.

Treating Delicate Fabrics (Silk, Wool, Rayon)

When dealing with delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or rayon, you must be extremely gentle to avoid damaging the fibers.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of aggressive solvents like rubbing alcohol or strong detergents unless you have successfully spot-tested first.
• Use Mild Soap: The mild liquid dish soap method is generally the safest choice for delicate items.
• No Scrubbing: Use a gentle blotting motion only. Never rub or wring delicate fabrics.
• Professional Help: For expensive or heirloom silk items, professional dry cleaning is highly recommended to avoid permanent damage.

Tackling Different Lipstick Formulas

The composition of the lipstick itself dictates the best removal agent:

• Waxy/Cream Lipsticks: These traditional formulas respond best to solvents that break down wax, such as rubbing alcohol or hairspray. The dish soap method is also highly effective due to its degreasing properties.
• Matte/Liquid Lipsticks: These are often highly pigmented and stain quickly. They may require the stronger action of the baking soda and detergent paste or a specialized stain remover designed for heavy pigments.
• Lip Stains: These penetrate the fabric fibers more deeply. A combination of liquid laundry detergent and a pre-treatment soak is often necessary.

The most important rule in all stain removal is patience. If the stain is not completely gone after the first treatment, repeat the process. Never put a garment in the dryer until you are 100% certain the lipstick stain has been fully removed, as the heat will permanently bond the pigment and oil to the fabric fibers, making it impossible to remove later.