Laundry Hacks: Cleaning Mascara Stains, Lipstick Stains, and Foundation Stains in Clothes!

Makeup collection on white wooden boards

The last thing you want to see on your shirt is a makeup stain. Whether it’s foundation, mascara, or lipstick, seeing that spot means you’re in for a laundry challenge.

Thankfully, Oxi Fresh has a guide that can help you erase the stain with nothing but a bit of soap and some determination!

Quick Note: This isn’t for wool or silk. Also, always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous part of the article of clothing to make sure there won’t be color loss.

What You’ll Need

– Dish Soap

– Towels

– Spoon/Butter Knife

Let’s Get Cleaning!

Step 1: Place a clean towel “behind” the stain (inside of the article of clothing). This towel will act as a barrier to keep the makeup from bleeding through the spot to a different part of the item.

Step 2: Using a spoon or a butter knife, gently scoop/scrape up as much of the makeup as you can. Work from the outside edge of the stain towards the middle. This will help prevent the spot from spreading.

Step 3: Spritz the spot and the surrounding area with cool water. You want to get it damp but not soaked.

Step 4: Squeeze a few drops of dish soap onto the stain and begin working it in with your fingers or with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t aggressively scrub the spot – that will spread the stain – but instead gently and thoroughly work in the soap.

Step 5: Dampen a clean towel and blot the spot from the outside edge towards the center. As you do so, you’ll lift up some of the makeup, so make sure you frequently change to a clean part of the towel.

Step 6: Once you’re not getting out any more makeup, carefully run warm water through the back of the spot to flush out any remaining loose makeup.

Step 7: If there’s still a stain, try repeating this process until no more of the makeup comes out.

Step 8: Work some liquid laundry detergent into the spot and then launder the item. After washing it (but before drying it) examine the item to see if the spot is gone. If the spot is still there, try repeating this process one more time.

And the spot should be gone! Now, if you happened to get makeup on your carpets, remember to use Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning! You can book a cleaning in just a few clicks with our Online Scheduler or you can call our friendly Scheduling Center.

Thanks to Susan Stocker, the Cleanipedia team (for both articles!), Katelyn Holland of SheFinds.com, and the wikiHow team!

Have you seen our post about getting chocolate stains out of clothes?

Carpet Cleaning Before and After Photos

What Customers Are Saying

Average 4.7 stars (Out of 5)

Based on 255,024 Carpet Cleaning Services Reviews
We have pets including a puppy and have used Oxi Fresh before. First they deodorise , then clean. What a difference they make….smells clean & looks great. Plus you don’t need to wait days for the carpets to dry; a couple of hours & we are walking on pristine rugs. Terrific company in Wexford!! KC. - Allison Park, PA - 06/06/2023
(5.0 Out of 5 stars)
Everything was cleaned quickly and efficiently. They end result turned out really nice and the carpets dried fast. Our service technician, Matthew, was absolutely excellent. He explained all of the processes to me and he even let me know if something wouldn't work. I was so appreciative that the company didn't waste my time or money on something they couldn't guarantee - this makes me trust you all more and want to use your services again. It also took a lot less time than I expected. JB. - St. Louis, MO - 06/06/2023
(5.0 Out of 5 stars)
LS. - Imperial, MO - 06/06/2023
(4.5 Out of 5 stars)
MORE REVIEWS

Easy Online
Quotes

We make it easy for you. Get your free quote now!

Save Money
with Coupons

Checkout special deals on your area and save!

Water Savings
Calculator

We make it easy for you. Get your free quote now!

Great Customer
Service

We're standing by to help CALL
1-877-OXIFRESH

VIEW MORE ARTICLES
VIEW MORE BLOGS

Oxi Fresh Awards & Recognition