How to Get Red Lipstick Out of Clothes? (Easy Stain Removal Guide)

Red lipstick looks stunning on your lips, but when it ends up on your clothes, it can be a nightmare. Whether it's a fresh stain or one that's been washed and dried, removing red lipstick from fabric requires the right techniques. In this guide, you'll learn how to get red lipstick out of clothes using simple, effective methods.

Why Is Red Lipstick Hard to Remove?

Lipstick contains oils, waxes, and pigments that make it long-lasting on your lips—but also stubborn on fabric. The key to removing it is breaking down these components without damaging your clothes.

How to Get Red Lipstick Out of Clothes That Have Been Washed and Dried

If the stain has already gone through the wash and dryer, it may seem impossible to remove. However, you can still try:

• Apply Rubbing Alcohol – Dab a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol onto the stain.
• Use Baking Soda Paste – Mix baking soda with water and gently scrub the stain.
• Try Dish Soap – Apply a grease-fighting dish soap and let it sit before washing again.

How to Get Red Lipstick Out of Clothes Without Washing

If you need a quick fix without washing:

1. Use a Makeup Wipe – Gently blot the stain.
2. Apply Hairspray – Spray the stain, let it sit, then wipe with a damp cloth.
3. Rub with White Vinegar – Dab vinegar onto the stain and blot with a paper towel.

How to Get Red Lipstick Off of Clothes

For fresh stains:

• Scrape Off Excess – Use a dull knife or spoon.
• Blot with Dish Soap – Apply dish soap and gently rub.
• Rinse with Cold Water – Avoid hot water, as it can set the stain.

How to Get Red Lipstick Out of a Shirt

If your favorite shirt has a lipstick stain:

1. Apply Laundry Detergent – Rub liquid detergent directly onto the stain.
2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide – For white shirts, dab hydrogen peroxide onto the stain.
3. Wash in Cold Water – Hot water can make the stain worse.

How to Get Red Lipstick Out of Laundry

If lipstick has stained multiple clothes in the wash:

• Rewash with Oxygen Bleach – This helps lift stains.
• Use Stain Remover Spray – Apply before rewashing.
• Check Before Drying – Make sure the stain is gone before using the dryer.

How to Get Red Lipstick Out of Dried Clothes

For dried stains:

• Apply Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) – Dab onto the stain carefully.
• Use Lemon Juice and Salt – Scrub gently and let it sit before washing.
• Try Shaving Cream – Apply, let it sit, then rinse.

How to Get Red Lip Gloss Out of Clothes

Lip gloss is similar to lipstick but often contains more oils:

• Use Dish Soap and Warm Water – This helps break down the oils.
• Apply Cornstarch – Absorbs excess oils before washing.
• Blot with Alcohol – Helps lift the stain.

How to Get Red Lipstick Out of White Fabric

White fabric is tricky, but these methods work:

• Use Hydrogen Peroxide – Safe for white fabrics.
• Apply Baking Soda Paste – Helps lift the stain.
• Wash with Oxygen Bleach – Avoid chlorine bleach, as it can yellow fabric.

How to Get Red Lipstick Out of a White Dress

For delicate white dresses:

• Use Baby Shampoo – Gentle on fabric.
• Apply White Vinegar – Helps break down the stain.
• Hand Wash Carefully – Avoid harsh scrubbing.

Expert-Approved Methods for Removing Red Lipstick Stains

Using Dish Soap and Warm Water

Dish soap is one of the most effective ways to break down the oils in lipstick:

1. Apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain.
2. Gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush.
3. Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Paste

For stubborn stains, a natural solution works wonders:

1. Mix lemon juice and baking soda to form a paste.
2. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

Hairspray Trick

Hairspray contains alcohol, which helps lift lipstick stains:

1. Spray a generous amount onto the stain.
2. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Wipe with a damp cloth and wash the garment.

Removing Lipstick Stains from Different Fabrics

Cotton and Polyester

• Use dish soap and warm water for quick removal.
• Avoid scrubbing too hard, as it can damage the fibers.

Silk and Delicate Fabrics

• Dab with white vinegar or baby shampoo.
• Do not rub—instead, blot gently.

Denim and Heavy Fabrics

• Apply rubbing alcohol and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Scrub with a soft brush before washing.

Alternative Solutions for Tough Lipstick Stains

Using Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly can help lift lipstick stains:

1. Apply a small amount to the stain.
2. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Wipe with a damp cloth and wash.

White Vinegar and Dish Soap Combo

A powerful stain remover:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and dish soap.
2. Apply to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse and wash as usual.

Preventing Lipstick Stains on Clothes

1. Apply Lipstick Carefully
2. Use a lip brush for precise application.
3. Blot excess lipstick before wearing clothes.

Use a Napkin or Tissue

• Place a tissue between your lips to remove excess product.
• Avoid touching your clothes immediately after applying lipstick.

Wash Clothes Promptly

• Treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting.
• Check garments before drying to ensure stains are gone.

Conclusion

Removing red lipstick stains from clothes may seem difficult, but with the right techniques, you can restore your garments. Whether it's a fresh stain or one that's been dried, using household items like dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda can make a big difference.

FAQ

Can I remove red lipstick stains without washing?

Yes! Try makeup wipes, hairspray, or white vinegar for a quick fix.

What is the best way to remove lipstick from white fabric?

Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and oxygen bleach work best.

Does hot water help remove lipstick stains?

No, hot water can set the stain. Always use cold water.