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Quick Guide: How to Get Lip Gloss Out of Clothes Effortlessly

Jami Stansfield
November 07, 2024
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Lip gloss gives your lips that perfect, luminous shine and can transform any look in seconds. But when that gloss accidentally smudges onto your clothes, it can quickly turn into a stain dilemma. Those sleek, glossy oils that look so great on your lips are a little trickier to deal with when they hit your favourite top or dress, especially delicate clothes. Makeup stains, in general, can be a hassle, and lip gloss is a common culprit.

Like many makeup products, lipgloss contains oils and waxes ingredients that make it challenging to lift off fabrics, especially from the delicate ones. But fear not! The correct approach, combined with a few simple things you likely have lying around the house, and you can get those stains out of your garments to their former spotless glory. Here is how to get those sticky lip gloss stains out of clothes: your ultimate guide, offering methods suited for different fabrics so you can handle any spill and maintain your wardrobe in immaculate condition.

How to Get Lip Gloss Out of Clothes: Tips for Tackling Stubborn Stains

One of the key challenges is dealing with lip gloss residue, which can be particularly difficult to remove. Let’s walk through how to get lip gloss out of clothes so they’re fresh and spotless again, no matter the fabric. Here’s the best way to go about it:

Tips for Tackling Stubborn Stains

1. Act Fast to Remove Lip Gloss Stains

When lip gloss gets on your clothes, time is of the essence to prevent oil stains! Because lip gloss is oil-based, meaning it can soak into the fabric fibres with ease. Start by gently blotting the stain with a paper towel or clean cloth. Avoid rubbing because this would only push the stain deeper into the fibres. Instead, use a light dabbing motion to lift any excess gloss without spreading it.

2. Check the Fabric’s Care Label

Before you get down to business with removing the stain, it’s always best to take a moment to check the care label on your garment. Just like chapstick stains, lip gloss stains can be particularly challenging due to their oil and wax content. Different fabrics require different tactics-extra is required, especially when it comes to silk or wool. These fabrics are sensitive, and hence any cleaning agent might be too harsh; vigorous scrubbing can damage them. Therefore, when you have delicate stuff to deal with, extra caution is necessary.

3. Pre-Treating the Lip Gloss Stain

A quick and effective pre-treatment for a lip gloss stain is reaching for liquid dish soap. Dish soap is perfect for removing oil-based lip gloss stains because it breaks down the oil, making it easy to lift the stain. When you're treating the spot, start by applying a couple of drops of dish soap to it and leave it there for about 10 minutes. Then gently rub the soap into the fabric using your fingertips or a soft cloth.   For really tough stains, you can add stain remover or a few drops of liquid detergent. Allow it to stay on the stain for some extra minutes before you rinse, as that will help break down some of the remaining oils.

4. Using Stain Removers and Solvents

If the stain is still there on after you’ve tried blotting and pre-treating, it might be time to go for some stronger solutions. Here are a few options that work well:

  • Stain remover pens: These are super useful for quick touch-ups! Simply apply the pen to the stain and then rub it gently with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush to remove the stain.
  • Laundry additives: Any laundry-boosting ingredient helps dissolve oily stains like lip gloss in the wash. Look around for products specifically designed to tackle oil-based stains like lip gloss.

5. Blotting with Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar

If still, the traces of the lip gloss stain remain, rubbing alcohol or white vinegar can effectively break down the oil. To use this method, soak a cotton ball in either white vinegar or isopropyl alcohol (70%) which is sufficient for most stain removal jobs. Dab it on the stain lightly but carefully to avoid smearing. Once you have treated the area with one of these methods, you can rinse it with cold water to remove any residue. Both rubbing alcohol and vinegar work well to break down the oil content in lip gloss without harming most fabrics.

6. Create a Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is yet another multi-tasking cleaning agent with a winning hand against lip gloss stains. It possesses a very mild abrasive action, which helps to absorb and lift oils from fabric. Mix baking soda with water into a thick paste. Apply that paste to the stained area for 15 minutes. After that, scrub the paste away with a soft scrub brush rinse the stained area with warm water, and wash away all the baking soda.

7. Hand Washing with Liquid Detergent

For delicate fabrics, hand washing is the best way to go rather than machine washing. Pour some cold or lukewarm water into a bucket, depending on what is prescribed for the special fabric. Add a bit of liquid detergent to this and gently twirl or swirl the fabric in the water. Let it sit for a short then rinse to remove all of the detergent. This kind of cleaning involves getting the stain out while not exposing the fabric to the ravages of machine washing.

Alternative Methods to Remove Lip Gloss Stains

  • Use Grease-Removing Laundry Detergents:
  • Since lip gloss stains are oil-based, detergents formulated specifically for grease removal can be highly effective. Apply a little on the stain before washing to help break down stubborn oil residues.

  • Oil-Absorbing Powder:
  • For fresh stains, sprinkle a light amount of baby powder or talcum powder over the stain. This helps absorb the extra oil before it has a chance to settle and stain the fabric. Leave the powder there for a few minutes, then brush it off gently before washing.

  • Try Cornstarch for Extra Absorption:
  • Like baby powder, cornstarch is an excellent absorber of oils. Apply a thin layer on top of the stain, let it dry and absorb for 15-20 minutes. Then brush off the powder. This is good for delicate fabrics that can't bear to take harsh cleaning methods.

  • Use a Toothbrush for Gentle Scrubbing
  • For tougher stains, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and begin to gently rub in circular motions using dish soap or detergent. Using this technique will effectively remove the tough, embedded stains without spoiling or affecting the fabric.

    Key Things to Remember Before Removing Lip Gloss Stains

    • Use a Quality Laundry Detergent: This is especially helpful for oil stains. Opt for a detergent that’s effective on oil-based stains.
    • Check Before Drying: Before drying, make sure the stain is completely gone. Heat can set the stain permanently, making it much harder to remove.
    • Avoid Bleach on Delicates: Bleach may work for whites but can be too harsh for coloured or delicate fabrics.
    • Professional Cleaner: For silk, wool, or other delicate items, it’s best to take them to a dry cleaner or professional cleaner to avoid damage.
    • Cold Water Soak: For at-home care, a gentle soak in cold water with a few drops of dish soap can help lift stains without harming delicate fibres.

    How to avoid lip gloss stains on clothes in the future

    1. Apply with Care: Apply lip gloss with care, particularly if you are wearing light-coloured clothes.

    2. Use a Tissue: Blot your lips lightly with a tissue right after application to get rid of excess gloss.

    3. Carry a stain-removing pen: It helps in immediate treatment in case of accidents outdoors.

      Final thoughts:

      A smudge of lip gloss on your clothes can be one of the worst makeup mishaps when you're on the go and have no time to change. That unexpected glossy stain can be tough to deal with, but don’t panic—it’s easier to remove than you might think! Instead of stressing, start by blotting the stain with a paper towel to lift away any excess gloss. Then, rub a bit of dish soap onto the stain to break down the oils and leave it there for a few minutes. Rinse the area with cold water. These gentle yet effective methods will help you tackle stubborn lip gloss marks and keep your clothes looking fresh.  Best of all, they are non-toxic and biodegradable, noncorrosive to most fabrics, thus allowing one to treat one's garments without the spectre of harsh residues or damage.

      FAQs:

      Does lipgloss wash out of clothes?

      Yes, you can get lip gloss out of your clothes! Oil-based needs more attention, using natural ingredients like dish soap, rubbing alcohol, or white vinegar can effectively break down the oils and lift the stain. Be sure to act quickly to avoid the gloss setting into the fabric.

      What can I use to remove gloss?

      To remove lip gloss from clothes, use a paper towel to pull up as much excess as possible. Then rub a small amount of dish soap into the stain, working at breaking down oils. On tougher stains, try rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. Once treated, simply rinse the fabric with cold water and then wash normally.

      What is the best stain remover for lipstick on clothes?

      liquid dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and a stain remover for oil-based stains are some of the best lipstick stains. Additionally, dish soap is effective at emulsifying oils; to further dissolve the remaining stain, the addition of rubbing alcohol or vinegar could be helpful. Always test on an inconspicuous area to make sure it does not damage the fabric.

      Can lip gloss stains be removed from wool and other delicate fabrics?

      Yes, you can remove the stains from delicate fabrics but handle them with care. Start by blotting with a clean cloth and cold water, then use a mild dish soap or professional cleaner to avoid damage.

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