Closet Care: How to remove makeup stains from clothes

Anyone who is a fan of foundation or occasionally tries their hand at an infallible red lip knows such applications can be perilous. The ever-dreaded rouge smudge on a white shirt is always a risk, and one cannot properly greet a friend with a hug without the fear that, as you pull away, you will spot the transfer of your skin-tint on their clothing.

It is no exaggeration that only a few things in the world are more annoying or can ruin a day so easily. And, sadly, it is not merely clothing that is at risk. Towels and bedding are ever vulnerable to the curse of stray products - especially those pesky waterproof mascaras.

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Yet, to many, the thought of abolishing any crisp white fabric from their lives, for the fear that it may come into contact with their face, is simply too much to bear – after all, what is a wardrobe without a classic tee or oversized shirt? Instead, we must master the art of stain removal, or even better still, stain prevention – and the key to this has been in your household the whole time: dish soap.

Below, find step-by-step guides to removing the toughest of makeup stains. From mascara messes to powder problems, we have the solution here.

In advance of our journey into the world of stain removal specifics, there are a few pieces of information that will ease you on your way.

Pay attention to garment care labels: Before attempting to budge a stain, it is always a good idea to read the care label on your clothing. This way, you can be sure of the correct way to take care of the fabric. The process to remove stains from silk and wool is not the same as removing stains from cotton - in fact, if you are not careful, you could end up worsening the situation and ruining a garment that could have been saved. This will also advise you as to whether, in some cases, it is best to leave this particular stain to the professionals and take the item to the dry cleaners.

Speed is key: It may seem obvious, but the longer a product sits on an item of clothing, the deeper the pigment or oil shall penetrate the fibres and the harder the stain shall become to remove. In this situation, haste is your friend. Begin your newly learned stain removal process as soon as you can to stand the best chance of rescuing your beloved item.

Dab don't rub: Whatever you do, do not rub a stain. When we spot cosmetics on our clothing, there can be an overwhelming temptation to scrub at the mess. This, however, can only stand to make matters worse. "Rubbing aggressively is the biggest mistake," says Steamery co-founder and CPO Frej Lewenhaupt. "It spreads the stain and forces pigments into the fibres, making it much harder to remove." He suggests a far simpler approach. "Gentlu blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth or tissue. This lifts the surface stain without pushing it deeper into the fabric."

Ditch the dryer: Do not, we repeat, do not put your clothing in the dryer until you are 100% sure stains have been removed. "Heat is a common culprit," explains Lewenhaupt. "Using a dryer or an iron on a stain can set it permanently." Instead, you are better off allowing previously stained garments to air dry until you are convinced it has returned to their former glory. Some resident stains may appear invisible whilst an item is damp or being treated, so do not be hasty, lest you risk ruining your clothes for good.

How to remove makeup stains from a white cotton shirt: According to Lewenhaupt, white cotton is best treated with a liquid detergent that is designed for it, such as Steamery's White Laundry Detergent. "Soak it if needed," he explains. "Then wash it in the warmest water safe for the fabric." Following this, he recommends air-drying the shirt to avoid setting any remaining stain.

How to remove makeup stains from wool: If makeup has made its way onto your favourite jumper, fret now. "Blot gently with a damped cloth and a wool-safe stain remover," says Lewenhaupt, who recommends Steamery's Delicate Laundry Detergent. Following this, he advises a wash using cold water, but with a caveat - "Never scrub or twist the fabric."

How to remove makeup stains from silk: When it comes to removing stains from silk, Lewenhaupt suggests to "gently blot with a solution of cool water and Delicate Laundry Detergent," he explains. "Avoid ammonia, vinegar or harsh chemicals. If the stain persists, consult a professional cleaner."

How to remove makeup stains from carpet: We have all done it before: dripped foundation onto our floors, or dropped a mascara wand onto the carpet. "Blot up as much as possible, then treat with diluted dish soap or a mild carpet shampoo," advises Lewenhaupt. When doing this, he suggests working from the edges inwards to prevent spreading. "Blot the carpet dry," he adds. "And do not oversaturate it."

When is it best to leave it to a professional cleaner? "If the fabric is delicate, vintage, or if the stain is stubborn or already set, professional cleaners are your safest option," advises Lewenhaupt

What should you avoid with delicate fabrics? "Avoid bleach, hot water, ammonia, and scrubbing tools," suggests Lewenhaupt. "These can permanently damage fibres and worsen the stain."

What unexpected methods to remove stains actually work? An unlikely candidate for stain removal that actually works, according to Lewenhaupt is shaving cream. "Apply a small amoind to a foundation stain, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then blot and rinse," he sasys. "It breaks down makeup without damaging the fabric."

A smudge of Dior 999 on a collar may seem innocent enough, but trust us, lipstick can be the most formidable opponent when it comes to stain removal. But worry not, we have the fool-proof plan to oust the pout paint - and you probably have the products in your kitchen. "The best way to remove makeup stains from clothing is usually plain old Fairy Liquid and Gall soap," says MUA Jenny Jansson. The alkaline properties of the soap are designed to cut through grease and oil, making them ideal for attacking oil-based makeup products that have found their way onto your clothing.

Below, find a step-by-step guide for removing lipstick stains from clothing

Step 1. Using the dull edge of a knife, gently scrape any excess lipstick off the garment. Do not apply too much force, or else you'll push the pigment into the fabric.
Step 2. Add a small amount of dish soap to the stain and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3. Fill a receptacle with warm water and some more dish soap (about a teaspoon's worth).
Step 4. Fully submerge your garment in the water and leave to soak - preferably overnight.
Step 5. Using a soft-bristle brush, gently brush at the stain.
Step 6. Rinse all soap out of the garment and allow it to air dry.
Step 7. If the stain is gone, wash the garment according to the care label. If not, repeat the above steps

When it comes to foundations and concealers, there are two tried and tested methods for stain removal. The first is a tad obvious: makeup remover. This is a technique favoured by makeup artist Sidsel Marie Bøg. "I always try to remove with a wipe first," she explains. "If this doesn’t work, then I will use propyl alcohol to dissolve the stain." The other option is, once again, dish soap."

Below, find a step-by-step guide for each method

Makeup remover

Step 1. Press a makeup remover wipe or cotton round saturated in micellar water onto the stain for at least a minute.
Step 2. Dab at the stain gently to lift any pigment. Do not rub, you could damage the fabric or worsen the stain.
Step 3. Allow the area to air dry fully and examine. If the stain has not disappeared, repeat the above steps.

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Dish Soap

Step 1. Add a small amount of dish soap to the stain
Step 2. Add a little water, enough to start a small lather.
Step 3. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the soap's oil-busting properties to truly work their magic - do not rub it in.
Step 4. Dab at the stain using a cloth (microfibre is preferred to limit disturbance to the fibres.)
Step 5. Wait for the area to fully air dry and check for any residual staining and, if necessary, repeat the process.

Traditional mascara and eyeliner

Traditional mascaras and eyeliners are the lesser of two evils when it comes to stain removal. The first step, as it would be if you got a dab of lash laquer on your face, is to let it dry full and, using a spoolie or soft tooth brush, scrape off the product. If this fails to lift the stain, in a similar fashion to foundation and lipstick, dish soap is going to be your tool of choice.

Step 1. Cover the stain with a small amount of dish soap.
Step 2. Add some water and let the garment sit with the mixture for a while.
Step 3. Gently work the soap into the garment with your finger.
Step 5. With a soft toothbrush, gently scrub the stain.st temperature allowed for the fabric.
Step 5. With a soft toothbrush, gently scrub the stain
Step 6. Wash the garment, again as hot as you can without damaging the fabric.
Step 7. Allow the item to air dry.
Step 7. Inspect the item carefully. Repeat any steps as necessary, but ensure the stain has been fully removed before machine drying.

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner

Whilst waterproof makeup can be a blessing - whether protecting against tears at a wedding, or ensuring your look remains all night long - it can be a curse if it gets on your clothes. In contrast to its traditional formula, waterproof mascaras and eyeliners are designed to stay, meaning their stains are harder to remove. But fret not, we have the best methods possible to help you salvage your garments

Step 1. Use a makeup wipe or a cotton round saturated in makeup remover formulated for waterproof makeup and press it on the area for a few minutes.
Step 2. Gently dab at the area with your chosen product, which will help lift the stain out of the fabric.
Step 3. Allow the stain to dry and repeat the process if necessary.

If this has not succeeded in lifting the stain, you can opt for oxygen bleach. This is far gentler than chlorine bleach, so it will not ruin the colour of your garment - instead, it can actually help to brighten it.

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Step 1. Dissolve the oxygen bleach into hot water - do this following the packaging's instructions, as each brand will be different
Step 2. Submerge the garment in the oxygen bleach/hot water solution for at least an hour, but ideally overnight.
Step 3. Launder the garment according to its care label
Step 4. Allow the garment to air dry.
Step 5. Examine the stain. If, sadly, the stain has not been lifted, rather than using the bleach again, we recommend taking the item to a dry cleaner that specialises in stain removal. This will give your garment the best chance at being restored.

All in all, fake tan can be one of the easiest stains to get rid of. Typically, by washing clothes on a 40-degree cycle, the stain should be lifted. But, as those of us who indulge in the ritual of a sunless-bronze will know, sometimes an orange-toned tinge will remain - on bedding, in the armpits of garments and around necklines, sullying a once perfectly crisp white t-shirt. Fear not, we have the tactics that will, once and for all, banish those stains.

Step 1. Dissolve oxygen bleach into a receptacle of hot water - do this strictly following the packaging's instructions
Step 2. Submerge the garment, ideally overnight, in the oxygen bleach/hot water solution, but an hour may do the job
Step 3. Wash the item according to its care label
Step 4. Allow the garment to air dry fully
Step 5. Examine the stain. If the stain has not been lifted, we then suggest taking the item to a dry cleaner that specialises in stain removal. This will give your garment the best chance at being restored to its former glory

It has happened to us all. The soul-crushing feeling when we drop a powder compact onto the floor and watch it shatter before us. As if this wasn't heartbreaking enough, the likelihood is you are now left with a splattering of smashed bronzer, blush or highlighter all over your ensemble. The instant temptation can be to brush it off, but this can make matters worse.

Instead, follow these steps to ensure the stain simply disappears.

Step 1. Use your hair dryer to blow away any surface particles.
Step 2. Add a little dish soap to any remaining pigment.
Step 3. Mix with some water and allow it to sit - the longer the better.
Step 4. Gently dab at the area and wash with warm water.
Step 5. Allow the area to fully dry and repeat the steps if necessary.

At the end of the day, whilst at times it is a necessity, stain removal can be a long, tedious and, at times, unsuccessful process to go through. Many of us simply do not have the extra time for all the dabbing, soaking and scrubbing required to make our garments seem good-as-new again. Instead, we can look to a few handy methods that can help prevent staining, saving time, money and energy in the long run

Dare to dress: One option (and yes, we know it's a bit drab) is to get dressed prior to putting on your makeup. No more will you have to fret about pulling your t-shirt over your head to find you have left traces of lipstick all over your clean garment. However, this comes with added risks: the foundation could drip, or a mascara wand could fall, leaving parallel lines of black down your front. Needless to say, this is a tip for those who know they have a steady hand and have mastered the art of the mess-less makeup application.

Cover up: If this is not an option for you, thankfully, you are in luck. Some unknown genius, who was clearly no stranger to the foundation marred collar, invented such a thing as the disposable makeup hood. Put simply, this is a thin, mesh-like covering that is placed over the head before putting on garments. Not only does this save your neckline from the dreaded skin-coloured smudge, it also protects the glam you worked so hard to perfect (no longer will winged eyeliner be ruined by the pulling on of a polo neck jumper).

Thoughtful textiles: When it comes to your household products, such as towels of bedding, darker fabrics will be your best friend. Whilst fluffy white towels fit the currently popular clean girl aesthetic, they can be ruined in an instant by fake tan transfers or missed mascara when you dry your face post-cleanse. In this instance, we recommend opting for deep tones. Greys, navys and burgundys provide great alternatives, and can add a welcome contrast to the typically white interiors of a bathroom.