Removing Lipstick Stains From T-Shirts: Effective Solutions

Lipstick stains on your favourite T-shirt can be frustrating, but they don't have to be permanent. The key is to act quickly and treat the stain as soon as possible. Here are some methods to help you remove those stubborn lipstick marks and restore your T-shirt to its former glory.

Using hairspray

Hairspray can be used to remove lipstick stains from a T-shirt, especially if the stain is fresh. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Scrape off excess lipstick

Before applying any cleaning products, it is important to remove as much of the lipstick as possible from the T-shirt. Use a dull knife or a credit card to gently scrape off any excess lipstick. Be careful not to rub or push the lipstick further into the fabric.

Step 2: Apply hairspray to the stain

Once the excess lipstick has been removed, it's time to treat the stain with hairspray. Spray the hairspray generously onto the affected area. Make sure to saturate the fabric with the hairspray. This will help to break down the wax and oil components of the lipstick, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Let the hairspray sit

After applying the hairspray, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the hairspray time to work on the stain and loosen the lipstick from the fabric.

Step 4: Blot the stain

Using a paper towel or a cloth, gently blot the stained area to remove the excess moisture. Continue blotting until no more liquid can be drawn from the fabric. It is important to dab, rather than scrub, to avoid spreading the stain.

Step 5: Launder the T-shirt

Finally, launder the T-shirt as usual. Wash it with similar colours in the warmest water recommended on the care tag. If any lipstick remains, you may need to repeat the hairspray treatment or try a different stain removal method.

Tips:

• It is best to treat lipstick stains as soon as possible. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.
• Always check the care label of your T-shirt before attempting any stain removal methods. Some fabrics may be damaged by certain chemicals.
• If you don't have hairspray, there are other household products that can be used to remove lipstick stains, such as rubbing alcohol, dish soap, or vinegar.

Using dish soap

Lipstick stains on a T-shirt can be removed effectively using dish soap, especially liquid dish soap, due to its ability to break down the oils in the lipstick. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Check the Fabric

Before attempting to remove the lipstick stain, it is important to check the fabric's care instructions. Some fabrics require special treatment, such as dry cleaning, so it is essential to follow the recommended care instructions. If there are no specific instructions, you can proceed with the dish soap method.

Step 2: Place a Paper Towel or Cloth Under the Stain

Place a clean paper towel or cloth under the stained part of the T-shirt. This will help absorb the soap and water used in the stain removal process. It is important to work gently from the outer edge of the stain inward to prevent spreading it further.

Step 3: Apply Dish Soap to the Stain

Apply a small amount of mild dish soap directly to the back of the stain. You can use a paper towel or cloth to dab the soap onto the fabric. Dish soaps that are formulated to fight grease, such as Dawn, are particularly effective in removing lipstick stains.

Step 4: Let the Soap Sit

After applying the dish soap, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will give the soap time to work on breaking down the oils in the lipstick and loosening the stain.

Step 5: Blot with a Damp Cloth

Once the soap has had time to work, use a clean, damp cloth to lightly blot the stain. Gently work from the outside of the stain towards the centre to avoid spreading it further. The paper towel or cloth underneath will absorb the soap and water, along with the loosened lipstick stain.

Step 6: Replace the Paper Towel or Cloth

As the paper towel or cloth becomes saturated with soap, water, and lipstick, replace it with a fresh one. This is important to prevent the lipstick from transferring back onto the T-shirt or spreading to new areas.

Step 7: Apply Pressure and Gently Scrub

After letting the soap sit for a few minutes, use a paper towel to apply pressure to the stain. You can also gently scrub the area to help lift the stain. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously to avoid damaging the fabric.

Step 8: Rinse and Wash the T-Shirt

Once the stain is removed, rinse the fabric with water. Then, wash the T-shirt as you normally would, following the care instructions on the label. Before drying the T-shirt, check to ensure the stain is no longer visible.

Step 9: Repeat if Necessary

If any traces of the lipstick stain remain, repeat the above steps until the stain is completely gone. It is important to treat lipstick stains as soon as possible and avoid drying the T-shirt in a dryer, as heat can set the stain deeper into the fabric.

Using rubbing alcohol

Lipsticks are essentially sticks of coloured oil or wax. While these ingredients ensure that the lipstick glides on easily, it also means that your clothes get easily stained. The wax and pigment stick to your clothing, and you won't be able to remove the stain without addressing both the dye and wax at the same time.

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, works wonders on stains. But, only use alcohol on non-delicate items. You can also use vodka if the smell of rubbing alcohol is too strong.

Step 1: Scrape away excess lipstick

Before you begin to remove the stain, use the edge of a credit card or a dull knife to scrape away any solid pieces of lipstick without smearing it further. Doing this before you proceed further will make removing the stain much easier.

Step 2: Check the fabric care label

There are a few pieces of clothing in the world that do not have a care label. Look at the instructions for guidance on how to proceed. The most important part of that label is what your clothing is made from. Some materials react poorly to certain chemicals, and some should be taken to the dry cleaner for stain removal.

Do not use acetone or rubbing alcohol on fabrics that contain acetate, such as satin or rayon. Avoid chlorine bleach on polyester. Do not expose acrylic to hot water. Never use bleach or alcohol on wool. Silk, velvet, wool, taffeta, chiffon, leather, suede, and acetate are best taken to the dry cleaner.

Step 3: Apply rubbing alcohol

Soak a cotton ball, cloth, or paper towel with alcohol. Gently dab—don't rub—at the lipstick stain. The stain will begin to vanish; keep going until it is gone.

Step 4: Rinse and wash

Once the stain has vanished, rinse the garment with cold water. Wash your clothing as usual, following the care instructions on the label.

Step 5: Repeat if necessary

Line dry the item, as heat from a dryer will set any stain that may be left behind. Inspect the item after it dries. If the lipstick stain persists, repeat steps 1–4 as many times as needed until the stain is completely gone. If you still can't get the stain out, take it to a dry cleaner.

Using vinegar

Vinegar is a useful tool for removing lipstick stains from clothing. It is a natural solvent that can help to dissolve and remove the waxes and pigments found in lipsticks. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing lipstick stains from a T-shirt using vinegar:

Step 1: Check the Fabric Care Label

Before attempting to remove the lipstick stain, it is important to check the care label on your T-shirt. This will provide specific instructions on how to care for the fabric, including any restrictions on using certain cleaning products or washing methods. The label will also indicate the recommended water temperature for washing the garment.

Step 2: Act Quickly

Time is of the essence when dealing with lipstick stains. The longer you wait, the more time the oils in the lipstick have to absorb into the fabric fibres, making the stain harder to remove. So, it is best to treat the stain as soon as possible.

Step 3: Scrape Off Excess Lipstick

Using a blunt object, such as a dull knife or a credit card, gently scrape off any excess lipstick from the surface of the fabric. Be careful not to rub or push the lipstick further into the fabric. This step will help to prevent the stain from spreading and setting deeper into the fibres.

Step 4: Perform a Patch Test

Before applying vinegar directly to the stain, it is important to perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric. This will ensure that the vinegar will not damage or discolour the fabric. Choose a spot that is usually not visible, apply a small amount of vinegar, and wait for a few minutes to check for any signs of damage or discolouration.

Step 5: Apply Vinegar to the Stain

If the patch test is successful, you can proceed to treat the stain with vinegar. Soak a cotton ball or a clean cloth with plain white vinegar or cleaning vinegar. Gently blot the stain with the vinegar-soaked cotton ball, being careful not to rub or scrub the fabric. The idea is to lift the stain from the fabric without spreading it.

Step 6: Blot with a Damp Cloth

After treating the stain with vinegar, dampen a clean cloth with cool water and blot the stained area again. This will help to remove any remaining vinegar and lipstick residue. Continue to blot the stain, working from the outside in to prevent spreading. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fabric to prevent further damaging the T-shirt.

Step 7: Let It Sit

Once you have finished blotting, let the T-shirt sit for about 15 minutes. This will give the vinegar and water time to work on loosening and lifting the stain from the fabric.

Step 8: Launder as Usual

After the waiting period, inspect the T-shirt to see if the lipstick stain has been removed. If the stain is no longer visible, you can proceed to launder the T-shirt as usual. Wash the T-shirt with similar colours and follow the care instructions on the fabric label.

Step 9: Repeat If Necessary

If the lipstick stain is still visible, you may need to repeat the above steps. Lipstick stains can be stubborn, so it may take multiple attempts to completely remove the stain. Alternatively, you can try combining the vinegar treatment with other stain removal methods, such as using dish soap or laundry detergent.

Using acetone nail polish remover

Acetone nail polish remover can be used to effectively remove lipstick stains from a T-shirt. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Place the T-shirt on a flat surface.

Place the T-shirt on a flat surface with the stained side facing up. This will allow you to easily access the stained area and apply the nail polish remover.

Step 2: Test the nail polish remover on a small area of the fabric.

Before applying the nail polish remover to the stain, it is important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric. This is to ensure that the acetone does not cause any discolouration or damage to the fabric. Choose an area such as the interior lining of the T-shirt, the armpits, or near a hemline.

Step 3: Apply the nail polish remover to the stain.

If the nail polish remover does not cause any discolouration, proceed to apply it to the stain. Use a cotton swab or a clean, white cloth to gently dab or blot the stain with the nail polish remover. Work from the outside of the stain towards the centre to prevent it from spreading.

Step 4: Rinse the stained area with cold water.

After removing the stain, rinse the affected area with cold water to remove any residue of the nail polish remover. You can use a clean cloth or sponge to gently blot the area.

Step 5: Repeat the process if necessary.

If there are still traces of the stain, repeat the above steps until it is completely removed.

Step 6: Launder the T-shirt as usual.

Once the stain is gone, you can launder the T-shirt as you normally would. Make sure to follow the care instructions on the garment's label.

It is important to note that acetone nail polish remover may not be suitable for all fabrics. It can discolour or dissolve fabrics that contain acetate or triacetate. Always check the garment's care tag before using this method. If you are unsure, it is best to test the nail polish remover on a small area first or opt for a non-acetone nail polish remover as a gentler alternative.

Frequently asked questions