Getting Out Lipstick Stains

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

22 Oct 2008 06:15 PM

One of my first memories of my childhood is being a little girl and watching my mother put on some red lipstick. With a quick twist of the lipstick, all of this color appeared from nowhere. As she looked in the mirror and applied it expertly, I suddenly longed to be a grown up lady. I asked her if I could try some, and she handed me a closed lipstick, fully intending, I believe, that I would use the closed lipstick and "pretend" to make myself up. As she glided from the room, I had other plans, and wanted to try it for real.

Ironically, as an adult, I usually don't wear lipstick very much. I do find myself reaching for a lipstick every now and again, especially in the winter when all of the holiday celebrations mean more dressing up and going out. With lipstick comes lipstick stains, and they can be very tough to get out.

Lipstick stains most often occur on napkins (cloth napkins are another thing that seems to be out quite a bit more during the holidays), clothing and even on carpet. Here are some tips on getting those stubborn lipstick stains to release themselves from your stuff.

Clothing & Linens

Take your item and place it with the stain face down on a white towel or wash cloth in the sink. Pour rubbing alcohol over the item, soaking it throughly. Blot down on the towel until it no longer absorbs any stain. Then wash the item as usual.

When you do laundry your item, remember to check it for the stain before you place it in the dryer. The heat of the dryer can make a stubborn stain even worse and set it in permanently.

Upholstery & Carpet

Rubbing alcohol comes to the rescue again. This time blot in on the stain with a white towel or washcloth until the the lipstick stain is gone.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog and caring for little ones in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Removing a Cooking Oil Stain

Removing Stubborn Chocolate Stains

Getting Out Cat Pee (Urine)

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger