3 Easy Ways to Remove Old Makeup Stains from Clothes?

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The best way to remove old makeup stains from clothes is probably to sit at home. You can use white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, peroxide, etc. from your kitchen cabinet.

Alternatively, you can also use commercial solutions like commercial stain-release liquid or laundry stain-removal soap sticks.

So, today I’m about to tell you everything you need to know about cutting off those old makeup stains on clothing. And yes, you’re going to get some extra tips as well.

Keep scrolling to find out!

Key Takeaways
✅Select the stain remover by assessing the sensitivity of the cloth, the time length of the stain, and whether the stain is oil-based or oil-free.
✅Always check the selected solution on a useless fabric to judge its effect on the cloth.
✅Pre-treat the stained area for better results. And make sure to read the instructions on the clothing label.

Why Old Makeup Stains Are Hard to Remove?

Makeup stains can be a concoction of oils, waxes, pigments, and other long-lasting ingredients. They form a bond with the fabric fibers that even the most robust laundry detergent might struggle to break.

And with time, the stain’s components penetrate deeply into the fabric’s fiber. That’s why it’s said that even the toughest stain can go away if treated on time.

“The deeper the stain goes, the harder it’ll be for the cleaning agents to reach it.”

Besides, time makes the bond between the stain and the fabric stronger. So, after a certain period, the stain becomes more resistant to any cleaning solution. This is where the need for a more aggressive removal process pops up.

Choose the Right Stain Remover for Different Makeup Products

As I said before, you need the right weapon to fight the stain, and this is how you pick it:

Oil-based Makeup

If the stain is from oil-based makeup, such as lipstick and foundation, use dish soap. It works great on this type of stain, just as it does on grease stains.

As an alternative, you can use laundry stain removers, as they too do the same thing. Just don’t forget to check out the product instructions before using them.

Powdered Makeup

When the source of the stain on your favorite shirt is something like eyeshadow or blush, try using a dry cleaning solvent. It helps a lot with delicate fabrics.

Waterproof Makeup

If you’re stuck with pesky stains from mascara or eyeliner, it’s time to let an oil-based makeup remover handle the situation.

This type of makeup remover is good at taking care of several types of stains, including waterproof makeup. As an alternative, you can try micellar water as well.

Pro Tip:
Applying a small amount of oil-based makeup remover to the stain and letting it sit for 15 minutes at most is enough to loosen the stain.

Home Remedies Or Commercial Cleaners

This one is a tough choice, as you never know if trying your home remedies on fabric will work or not. But the wrong commercial cleaner can mess with clothes as well. So, know them first before choosing.

Home Remedies

Organic, personal, and sometimes surprising!

From baking soda to white vinegar, there’s a plethora of household heroes ready to take on stains. The most common household solutions for makeup stains on clothes are:

• White Vinegar 
• Bicarbonate Soda
• Baking Soda 
• Dish Soap  
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Shaving Cream 
• Makeup Remover Wipes, etc.

But not all of them are suitable for special cases, such as old stains.

Pros: Often readily available, cost-effective option, gentler than commercial cleaners, and eco-friendly.

Cons: Not always as effective as commercial cleaners and require more knowledge for application.

Commercial Cleaners

Commercial stain removers are designed to be stain-busting specialists. Some of the most popular commercial cleaners are:

• Commercial Stain Release Liquid: Great for tackling tough stains.
• Laundry Stain Removal Soap Stick: Made from vegetable oils, it’s gentle on clothes but tough on stains.
• Commercial Wipes and Go: These portable stain solutions are a lifesaver for on-the-go cases.
• Specialized Laundry Detergents, etc.

Pros: Formulated for certain types of stains, more effective than home remedies, ready-to-use, and powerful enough to tackle stubborn stains.

Cons: Comparatively expensive, comes with harsh chemicals.

3 Easy Ways to Remove Old Makeup Stains From Clothes

You’ll find hundreds of people out there who had to throw away their favorite dresses just because they didn’t know what to do with those old makeup stains. 

Don’t worry; you won’t have to be one of them if you simply try these techniques.

White Vinegar and Baking Soda

I bet you’ve got these two in your kitchen. This versatile duo is amazing as natural stain fighters.

So, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got a blush or lipstick stain on your dress; they can fight it as long as it’s a non-greasy stain. You can alternatively use bicarbonate soda with white vinegar too.

Step 1: Take some white vinegar and fill the spray bottle with it. Spray the stained area with it till it’s completely saturated.

Step 2: Drop a bit of baking soda on that area and start rubbing the mixture into the cloth gently. If needed, add some more vinegar.

Step 3: Let it sit for 30 minutes. This will give the mixture time to work on the stain.

Step 4: Rinse the stained area from the back. Use cool water, and keep doing that for a few minutes. This will loosen the stain and help to detach it from the fabric.

Step 5: Respray the stained area again with vinegar. Then get a bucket and fill it up with cool water. Now, mix a few tablespoons of laundry detergent in it along with half a cup of vinegar.

Step 6: Now submerge the dress in there and let it soak overnight. This will loosen any remaining stains on the clothes that will go away after washing the fabric. If the stain is still there after that, repeat the steps again.

Peroxide and Dish Soap

This combo is an amazing way to get rid of stubborn stains, especially protein-based ones such as foundation or mascara.

Things You Need

• Dish soap
• Hydrogen peroxide, 
• A spray bottle,
• A clean cloth.

Step 1: Fill the spray bottle with dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Keep the ratio of dish soap at 1/3 and 2/3 for hydrogen peroxide.

Step 2: Now spray the stained area with it till it’s completely saturated. Then put on the gloves, take the clean cloth, and start rubbing the stain gently to loosen it.

Step 3: Let the mixture sit overnight. This will break down the tough stain.

Step 4: After that, rinse the stained area properly. Use cool water here. If the stain is not gone fully, repeat the process.

Baking Soda & Dish Soap

Baking Soda is amazingly useful for getting rid of stains like foundation and lipstick. 

Things You Need

• Baking soda,
• Dish soap, 
• Glycerin,
• Spray bottle.

Step 1: Put 1 tablespoon of glycerin and dish soap in the spray bottle. Now add one and a half cups of warm water and give it a proper shake.

Step 2: Now spray on the stained area till it’s properly soaked. Leave the solution there for 15 to 20 minutes. This will break down the greasiness of the stain.

Step 3: Put the dress in the washing machine and drop a tablespoon of baking soda in there. This will help absorb the greasy residue, if there’s any.

Step 4: Dry the dress by hanging rather than using a dryer.

Pro Tip:
Test every solution on a useless fabric before using it on the stained garment. This will help you be sure about the discoloration effect.

Essential Tips to Remove & Prevent Makeup Stains

When it comes to remove makeup stains from clothing, putting them up for laundry without pre-treating lowers the chances of success.

Here are a few useful tips you can try using for the pre-treatment:

• Don’t delay in addressing the stain, even if it’s been a while. The longer you wait, the tougher it’ll be to loosen the stain.
• Understand the type of stain first, whether it’s water-based, protein-based, or oil-based, and choose the cleaning method accordingly.
• If it’s fresh, blot the stain, and don’t rub it. This will make things worse and potentially spread the stain.
• Check out the care instructions mentioned on the cloth’s label. Let your local dry cleaner handle that, or go for a specific cleaning agent, as the fabric requires. The same goes for using hot water or cold water.
• Use oil-based stain remover or dish soap for oil-based makeup stains, such as lipstick and foundation.
• Test the cleaning agents before applying. Otherwise, they might lead to discoloration.

Okay, these were just some basic tips. But don’t forget to pick the right stain remover before washing it up. 

Now, what if you could prevent the whole thing in the first place? Well, be mindful of some factors in this:

• Apply Makeup Carefully: Take your time when putting on makeup to avoid making a mess.
• Use Makeup Setting Spray: Spritzing some setting spray can help keep your makeup in place and prevent it from getting on your clothes.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Consider wearing a robe or an old shirt while doing your makeup to protect your outfit.
• Avoid Touching Your Face: Try not to touch your face throughout the day, as this can transfer makeup onto your clothes.
• Choose Long-Wear Formulas: Look for makeup products that are long-wearing to reduce the chances of smudging or transferring.
• Be Careful When Removing Makeup: When taking off your makeup, be gentle to avoid spreading it onto your clothes.
• Keep Stain Removers Handy: It’s a good idea to carry stain removers or wipes with you for quick and easy cleanup if any makeup ends up on your clothes.

Following these tips can help prevent makeup stains and keep your clothes looking clean and fresh.

Wrapping Up

I can feel the disappointment when someone fails to make their favorite garment as good as new again. Yes, I’ve been there too. 

Just follow the ways to remove old makeup stains from clothes that I’ve shown you.

I hope with all these effective and homemade solutions, you can finally say goodbye to that old makeup stain on your clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)