If you use makeup, you will sooner or later stain the collar of your favorite shirt or a pair of jeans. Before throwing yourself on the stain with a handkerchief, and then throwing the dress in the washing machine, take a look at some remedies to get rid of this problem without having to use the washing machine. Learn how to remove traces of lipstick, mascara, eye pencil, eyeshadow, foundation and powder once and for all.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Remove Stains with Cleansing Wipes
Step 1. Try removing traces of makeup on a small portion of the fabric with a washcloth
Given the presence of chemical agents in the wipes, check the effect they have on the fabric and if they risk damaging it.
You can find different brands at supermarkets or online. You can also consider using a Tide to Go marker
Step 2. Rub the stain with the wipe
Gently scrub it in a circular motion, starting at the edge and working your way to the center. Do this for a few minutes, or until you notice that most of the stain has moved to the wipe.
Step 3. Rinse with cold water
Place the stained part under the tap, trying to regulate the flow of water at a low intensity, so that it is easier to direct it directly to the affected area.
Cold water will help remove the stain
Step 4. Wipe dry with a paper towel
Squeeze the water out of the fabric, then pat it gently and repeatedly to make sure you remove all makeup.
Method 2 of 5: Remove Stains with Dishwashing Liquid
Step 1. Blot the stain with a clean tissue to remove traces of lipstick, eye pencil or mascara
It is a particularly suitable method for these products - generally oil-based - also because the dish detergent does not damage most fabrics. With a handkerchief, a piece of toilet paper or a paper towel, gently dab the stain to remove excess make-up; do not rub it, otherwise you risk enlarging it.
Step 2. Wet it with a little cold water
You can get your fingers wet, then pat the affected area gently, or you can pour it over with a teaspoon. Do not use hot water, otherwise you will help make the fabric absorb the stain even more.
Step 3. Apply a drop of dish soap to the stain
If you are concerned that the soap will ruin a silk or wool dress, test a small portion before using it on the stain. Gently spread it with your finger, so that it covers the entire affected surface: a thin layer is enough. Choose a detergent with strong degreasing properties, which can be purchased at any supermarket or grocery store.
Step 4. Rub the soap into the stain
Use a cloth to let the detergent penetrate inside the fabric. Start from the edges and move inwards, distributing it with circular movements. A sponge cloth is ideal for this operation: the circular arrangement of its fibers helps to remove traces of make-up. If you don't have a similar cloth available, you can use a regular towel.
For stubborn stains, use an old toothbrush instead of a cloth
Step 5. Let the soap work on the fabric for 10-15 minutes
In this way, the anti-stain action will be effective without the need for washing. Don't wait for the soap to dry completely.
Step 6. Clean the affected area with a dry cloth
Do not scrub it, but dab it so that the cloth absorbs the soap and make-up. On the other hand, rubbing may leave residual traces (as well as pieces of cloth) on the fabric.
Step 7. Repeat the process if necessary
In relation to the time the stain remained on the fabric, it may be necessary to repeat the operation until you are able to remove a sufficient amount of make-up from your clothes. The larger the stain, the longer the entire process will take.
Method 3 of 5: Remove Stains with Hairspray
Step 1. Spray hairspray on a small portion of the fabric to remove traces of liquid foundation, self-tanner and lipstick
Check that the fabric does not lose color or damage. If you do not have any problems, spray it directly on the stain: a super-fixing lacquer is ideal, as the chemical agents will effectively act on the makeup traces.
- It is best to carry out the stain removal treatment promptly, so that there is a better chance of removing it completely.
- Be careful when using hairspray on delicate fabrics like lace or silk. You may not need to apply several layers of it for it to harden.
Step 2. Let the lacquer harden
It should happen after a few minutes; if not, sprinkle more and wait a few moments.
Step 3. Dampen a paper towel
Get a clean one and run it under water: the colder the water, the easier it will be to remove the stain. Wring out the excess water, so that the fabric does not soak too much: the cloth should be cool to the touch but not soaked.
Step 4. Remove the stain with the damp cloth
The makeup should go away with the lacquer.
- Press the fabric with the paper towel and lift it to check how much makeup you managed to remove, then repeat the operation until there are no traces left.
- To minimize the possibility of leaving scraps of cloth on the fabric, use a durable two-ply one.
Method 4 of 5: Remove Stains with Ice Cubes
Step 1. Remove any excess traces of liquid foundation, self-tanner or concealer with a plastic tool
Before the makeup starts to dry, scrape off the top layer with a plastic spoon or knife. This type of makeup does not dry out immediately, so it will be easier to remove. Furthermore, the malleability of the tool will allow you to scratch off the surface part more easily. Throw it away when you're done.
Step 2. Rub the ice cube on the stain
Place it on the fabric and rub it in a circular motion: it will begin to dissolve the traces of makeup that have penetrated inside the fabric. Keep scrubbing until you notice the makeup has been removed.
- It may be best to grab the ice cube with a paper towel - it will help protect your fingers from the cold and prevent the ice from melting too quickly.
- Ice can be used on any fabric - it's just water.
Step 3. Wipe dry with a paper towel
Gently dab the affected area with a paper towel, until most of the makeup has transferred to it, then absorb excess water from the fabric. If you still notice any small traces of makeup on the stain, use another ice cube and repeat the process until the affected area is clean.
Method 5 of 5: Remove Stains with Tights
Step 1. Get an old pair of tights to remove powder makeup such as foundation, blush and eyeshadow
Pick a pair that can get dirty. Most tights are made of nylon and microfibers or a combination of cotton and microfibers: check the label, you most likely have more than one made exclusively of nylon.
Nylons won't ruin your clothes, plus you can wash them and they'll be as good as new
Step 2. Remove the surface layer
Blow on it to remove powder makeup deposited on the surface of the fabric; alternatively you can blow it off with a hairdryer.
- Make sure you place the hairdryer at a low temperature: the heat would only have the unpleasant consequence of fixing the make-up on the fabric.
- Keep the item of clothing stretched horizontally in front of you. Sweep away the dust, so that it does not return to settle on the fabric.
Step 3. Rub the stain with the tights
Grab a portion of the stocking with your hand and use it to gently brush the stain: with this movement you will remove any residual traces of makeup. Continue brushing until you have completely removed it.
Advice
- It is easier to remove stains from clothes if you remove them before carrying out the operation.
- For the lipstick and liquid foundation you can try rubbing the fabric with alcohol or baby wipes.
- Make sure you place the hairdryer at a low temperature to brush away the powdered makeup.
- To remove fresh makeup, try using a cotton ball with a small amount of makeup remover.
