Creative Ways to Remove Makeup Stains from Bedding

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So, you woke up and saw a massive blotch of makeup stain on your bedding.

Was it you? Was it your friend? Who knows.

All you know is that you need to get rid of it. So, how do you do it? Fortunately, there are many solutions to remove makeup stains from bedding, from dish soaps and rubbing alcohol to shaving cream or hydrogen peroxide.

But you need to do it properly. Otherwise, you will end up smearing the stain all over the place. And, worse, ruin your sheets or pillow covers.

Such a nightmare to even think about!

That’s why, to help you combat this kind of situation, we are here with our top makeup stain removing hacks to make sure your bedding gets that pristine perfection.

Keep reading to find out!

Key Takeaways
✅Pre-treat the stained area first to stop spreading the stain in more areas. Use cool water when treating, as hot water will make it harder to remove the stain.
✅Pre-treat the stained area first to stop spreading the stain in more areas. Use cool water when treating, as hot water will make it harder to remove the stain.
✅For stubborn stains that are hard to remove, you can seek professional help as needed.

Factors to Remove Makeup Stains from bedding

There are a couple of factors that play a huge role while you remove makeup stains from bedding. They are as follows:

• You need to act quickly: If you wait longer, the stain will sit and it’ll be much harder to remove. Simply use a paper towel to wipe the stain as a first aid option.
• Blot, but don’t rub. While you’re rushing to remove the makeup and stains, rubbing will only spread it farther into the fabric. 
• Rather gently scrape the excess makeup. You can use a butter knife for this.
• You should always do a spot test, first on a small corner of the bedding. This will ensure it won’t discolor or damage the fabric.
• Wait at least 5 minutes to let the solution react with the stain before you start to wipe.
• Use air dryers instead of machine dryers for stained bed sheets or pillow covers. 
• With air-dryers, you can control the heat, and the stain won’t become permanent. 
• Before applying any cleaning solution, check the care label on your bedding for specific instructions on how to clean it. Some fabrics may require special care.

Processes to Remove Makeup Stains from Bedding

The processes for removing different makeup stains from your bedding or pillow are pretty similar. Only the specific cleaning agent differs for different makeup stains.

So, let’s get to the steps to remove different types of makeup stains from bedding or pillows.

How to Remove Mascara Stains?

Mascara is one of the most common stains you’ll find yourself removing from bedding.

Here’s a list of tools you’ll need to get it fixed:

• A scraping tool (spoon/dull butter knife works great)
• Warm water
• Clean rags
• A soft dish soap

Whether you are trying to remove mascara from your pillow or your bedsheets, follow the process below.

• Step 1: Use your scraping tool to gently remove any excess mascara.
• Step 2: Grab a bowl. Put a few drops of your dish soap in the warm water to make a cleaning solution.
• Step 3: Dip your rug into this solution and gently blot the affected area. Again, don’t rub, and not aggressively.
• Step 4: Rinse the rag with water. Do this, till the water runs off clear.
• Step 5: Repeat the process from step 3 as needed. But let it dry first before you go in for a second cleaning.

Pro Tip:
You can use grease-fighting dish soap to get dried mascara out of clothes. Afterwards, wash it with warm water.

How to Remove Foundation Stains?

Let’s move on to removing the foundation stains. Luckily, it isn’t too difficult to remove the foundation makeup from the bed. 

So, make sure to grab these things first:

• Water
• Clean rags
• Scraping tool (Dull spoon or butter knife)
• Shaving cream

The process is quite similar to that of removing mascara.

• Step 1: Use a dull spoon or butter knife to scrape off the layer of foundation from your bedding.
• Step 2: Next, apply a generous amount of shaving cream directly onto the affected area. Shake the can first before applying.
• Step 3: Allow 3 to 5 minutes after applying the cream. Thus, it’ll break down the stain.
• Step 4: Dab and blot the stained area gently with a clean rug to remove the stains. Go in a circular motion to not leave any residue.
• Step 5: Once you notice the stain is fading significantly, use cool water to rinse the back of the bed sheet periodically. Repeat the process until you see the stain is gone.
• Step 6: Wait for the bedding to completely air dry and throw it in the washer to finish cleaning.

Bonus Information:
For liquid foundation stain on white bed sheets, follow the same process with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, if shaving cream doesn’t work. It has phenomenal oxidizing properties, which makes it an amazing option for cleaning stains.

How to Remove Lipstick Stain?

If you have lipstick stains on your bedding or pillows, don’t panic. Instead, start gathering the listed things:

• Scraping tool
• Clean rags or a cloth
• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls

You might be noticing a pattern here. Yes, most of the tools are actually quite similar to removing mascara and foundation stains.

“Most lipsticks are oil oil-based. Therefore, you’ll need something that can cut through that oil and separate the stain from the fabric.” 

Here’s how it’s done: 

• Step 1: Scrape off the excess lipstick. Frankly speaking, when it comes to removing any kind of makeup, this is always going to be the first step.
• Step 2: Soak the cotton balls with isopropyl alcohol.
• Step 3: Gently start dabbing and blotting the affected area. Don’t scrub too hard, rather apply gentle pressure.
• Step 4: Keep switching to fresh cotton balls so that the stain doesn’t spread. Do this till you get most of the stain out.
• Step 5: Clean the back of the fabric by rinsing it with cool water, then allow it to air dry.
• Step 6: Repeat this process until all of the stain is gone.

If you can’t get your hands on some isopropyl rubbing alcohol, try using the dishwasher liquid instead.

Mix it with warm water and then dip a rug into the solution. Similar to how you’d remove mascara stains. However, rubbing alcohol works best when you remove makeup stains from bedding.

Pro Tip: 
If you want to know how to get dried mascara out of clothes, use grease-fighting dish soap. Afterwards, wash it with warm water.

How to Remove Powder Eyeshadow and Blush?

Powder eyeshadow and Blush can create quite a mess if sprinkled all over your bedding. Fortunately, you can deal with these tough stains easily.

You only need two things:

• Liquid laundry detergent
• Makeup remover wipes

So, let’s get down to the steps:

• Step 1: Brush your remover wipe across the area. It’ll help you get rid of any loose or excess eyeshadow or blush. As always, don’t scrub too aggressively.
• Step 2: Now, put a little of that liquid laundry detergent over the stain.
• Step 3: Let it work; it’s magic for at least 5–10 minutes. It’ll help dissolve the pigments and separate the stain from the fabric.
• Step 4: Then again, clean the back of the fabric with fresh, cool water until the water runs visibly clear.
• Step 5: Let the affected area completely dry. If you see there’s still a stain on the spot, repeat the process with the liquid detergent again.

How to Remove Liquid Eyeliner and Kohl Liner?

Before going through the process, you’ll need three things to remove liquid eyeliner and kohl stains successfully.

• A clean toothbrush
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Makeup remover wipes

Similar to the above-mentioned processes, 

• Step 1: Start by using the brush to remove excess stains. Again, do not rub the stain in too much. For pencil liners, use a fresh toothbrush and scrub gently. 
• Step 2: Put some liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Step 3: Next, rinse the back of the fabric with cold water.
• Step 4: Let the area air dry and check if there are any remaining stains.
• Step 5: Repeat as needed.

What to Do for Makeup Stains on Delicate Fabrics?

Delicate fabrics like silk or satin need a little bit of extra care. After all, you obviously would not want to damage them as chemicals tend to leave stubborn marks.

• So, make sure to do a spot test first to be safe.
• Check, if there are any adverse reactions. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as Bleach.
• Use a gentle cleaning solution that’s suitable for the fabric and a microfiber cloth for rubbing.
• If you don’t see anything alarming, then you can proceed to clean the fabric like how you’d normally clean any other fabric.
• Be gentle and careful when rubbing. And when drying, give it more time than usual.
• Don’t let the fabric dry in direct sunlight or heat.
• It’s best to hand wash delicate fabrics when removing stains.

If the stain is too deep, or the fabric is too delicate, it’s best to get professional help to remove the makeup stains from your clothing.

Can Old Makeup Stains Be Removed?

Yes, with a bit of know-how and a sprinkle of determination, we can work wonders on those stubborn old makeup stains. 

Here’s how:

• Step 1: Figure out what kind of stain and material it is
• Step 2: Scrape up as much as you can with a dull butter knife
• Step 3: Use an enzyme-based cleaning solution like isopropyl alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide and a cotton ball to clean the stain.
• Step 4: Repeat as needed
• Step 5: Let the area dry completely and wash it normally in the washing machine

However, it’s best to act quickly when it comes to makeup stains. Otherwise, the longer you wait, the harder it’ll be to get rid of the stain. 

So, if you notice any makeup stains on your bedding, don’t just plop the thing into the washer either.

The heat from the washer will set the stain into the fabric even more, making it much harder to remove properly.

See also: How to remove old makeup stains

Tips to Prevent Makeup Stains on Bed

You can prevent that damn makeup stain on your bed or pillow easily by following some precautions. They are as follows:

• Wash Your Face Before Bed: Removing makeup before sleeping can prevent stains on your bedding. It’s a small effort that can save you from a big cleaning job later.
• Change Pillowcases Frequently: Regularly washing your pillowcases can prevent makeup stains from setting in. Aim to wash them at least once a week, especially if you use heavy night creams.
• Use a Mattress Protector: A good quality mattress protector acts as a barrier, preventing makeup from seeping into your bedding. Look for protectors that are both comfortable and durable.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your bedding looking fresh and clean, and avoid the hassle of dealing with that tiring cleaning job.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, the ultimate guide on how to remove any type of makeup stains from bedding without breaking a sweat!

We’ve covered everything from the dreaded lipstick smudge to the stubborn foundation marks and armed you with the top tips to tackle them effortlessly.

But, as always, life gets in the way. You might not even realize when you fell asleep with a full face of makeup.

Remember, the key is to act quickly and use the right techniques for the specific type of makeup stain.

And, if all fails, you can always look for professional help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)