How to Get Lipstick Out of Clothes: The Fastest Ways to Remove Lipstick Stains

Lipstick stains can happen in seconds but often feel impossible to remove. Whether it's a lipstick mark on a shirt collar, a smear on bed sheets, a stain on a comforter, or makeup transferred to a favorite outfit, acting quickly can make all the difference.

The good news is that most lipstick stains can be removed successfully if you use the right approach. Because lipstick contains oils, waxes, and pigments, treating it differently than a typical food or beverage stain is important.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly how to get lipstick out of clothes, bedding, and other fabrics while avoiding common mistakes that can permanently set the stain.

Why Lipstick Stains Are So Difficult to Remove

Unlike many common stains, lipstick contains three stain-causing ingredients:

• Oils
• Waxes
• Color pigments

The oils and waxes cling to fabric fibers while the pigments create the visible stain. This combination makes lipstick more challenging to remove than water-based stains.

If treated improperly, especially with heat, lipstick can spread deeper into the fabric and become much harder to remove.

How to Get Lipstick Out of Clothes

Step 1: Remove Excess Lipstick

Before applying any cleaning products:

• Use a dull knife, spoon, or credit card edge
• Carefully scrape away any excess lipstick
• Avoid rubbing the stain

Rubbing often pushes the oils and pigments deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Apply Dish Soap or Liquid Laundry Detergent

Because lipstick contains oils, grease-cutting products work best.

Apply a small amount of:

• Liquid laundry detergent
• Dish soap designed to cut grease

Gently work the product into the stain using your fingers or a soft cloth.

Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse With Warm Water

After allowing the detergent to work:

• Rinse from the back of the stain
• Use warm water if permitted by the care label
• Continue flushing until the stain begins to fade

If you're unsure which water temperature is safe, check the garment's care instructions in our guide on How to Read Laundry Symbols and Care Labels:

Step 4: Wash Normally

Wash the garment according to the care label using your regular detergent.

Before placing it in the dryer:

✅ Inspect the stain carefully.

If any discoloration remains, repeat the treatment process.

Never dry a lipstick-stained item until the stain is completely gone.

How to Get Lipstick Out of Bed Sheets and Pillowcases

Lipstick stains on bedding are extremely common, especially on pillowcases.

To remove lipstick from sheets:

• Scrape away excess lipstick
• Apply liquid detergent directly to the stain
• Let sit for 15 minutes
• Wash using the warmest water allowed by the care label

If the stain remains after washing, repeat the process before drying.

For other common household stains, check out our guide on

How to Get Lipstick Out of a Comforter

Comforters can be difficult to clean properly at home because of their size and filling materials.

If lipstick gets on a comforter:

1. Remove excess lipstick carefully.
2. Apply a grease-cutting detergent.
3. Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Blot gently.
5. Wash according to manufacturer instructions.

If you're unsure about proper care, our guide on How to Clean and Care for a Comforter explains the safest cleaning methods:

https://www.getfreshstartlaundry.com/how-to-clean-and-care-for-a-comforter/

Many homeowners find that oversized comforters clean more effectively with professional laundering than in a residential machine.

How to Remove Lipstick From Upholstery

If lipstick transfers to a couch, chair, or upholstered headboard:

• Scrape away excess lipstick
• Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water
• Blot gently with a clean cloth
• Avoid oversaturating the fabric

Always test cleaning solutions in a hidden area first.

How to Get Lipstick Out of White Clothes

White clothing often shows lipstick stains more clearly than darker fabrics.

For white garments:

• Pretreat with detergent
• Wash according to care instructions
• Use oxygen bleach if needed and fabric-safe

Avoid chlorine bleach unless specifically recommended on the garment label.

Common Lipstick Stain Removal Mistakes

Putting the Item in the Dryer Too Soon

Heat can permanently set lipstick pigments into fabric.

Scrubbing Aggressively

Scrubbing can spread the stain and damage fibers.

Waiting Too Long

Fresh lipstick stains are significantly easier to remove than stains that have dried for several days.

Using the Wrong Water Temperature

Always follow the garment's care label recommendations.

When Professional Cleaning May Be the Better Option

Some lipstick stains are best handled professionally, especially when they affect:

• Silk
• Wool
• Formalwear
• Delicate fabrics
• Large comforters
• Specialty bedding

Our Pickup and Delivery Dry Cleaning Service provides professional stain treatment for garments requiring extra care:

https://www.getfreshstartlaundry.com/dry-cleaning-pickup-and-delivery/

For everyday laundry, our Wash and Fold Laundry Service makes it easy to keep clothing, sheets, and household linens clean without spending hours doing laundry yourself:

https://www.getfreshstartlaundry.com/wash-and-fold-laundry-service/

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lipstick permanently stain clothes?

Usually not. Most lipstick stains can be removed successfully if treated promptly and kept out of the dryer until the stain is gone.

What removes lipstick stains best?

Grease-cutting dish soap and liquid laundry detergent are typically the most effective first treatments because they break down the oils and waxes found in lipstick.

Can I use rubbing alcohol on a lipstick stain?

Sometimes, but always test it on an inconspicuous area first because it may discolor certain fabrics.

How do you get lipstick out of sheets?

Apply liquid detergent directly to the stain, allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash according to the care label. Repeat if necessary before drying.

Can professional laundry services remove lipstick stains?

Many lipstick stains respond well to professional stain treatment, especially on delicate garments, comforters, bedding, and dry-clean-only items.

Will lipstick come out after it has dried?

Yes, although dried lipstick stains may require multiple treatments because the oils and pigments have had more time to bind to the fabric fibers.

Whether the stain is on a favorite shirt, bed sheets, a comforter, or upholstery, acting quickly gives you the best chance of complete removal. By using the right stain-removal methods and avoiding heat until the stain is gone, you can often restore fabrics to their original appearance and prevent permanent discoloration.