How to Remove Makeup Stains From Clothes

Makeup is an essential part of many people’s daily routine, but accidents happen. Whether you’re rushing out the door or simply adjusting your look, a smudge of foundation or a swipe of mascara can easily end up on your clothes. The problem? Many makeup products contain oils, pigments, and waxes that cling to fabric, making them tough to remove.

If you’ve ever googled, “how to remove makeup stains from clothes”, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are several tried-and-true methods to tackle these stubborn stains. From everyday household items to specialized stain removers, this guide will walk you through how to get makeup out of clothes effectively. Keep reading to learn how to remove makeup from clothes and restore your wardrobe to its pristine condition.

Why Is Makeup So Hard to Remove?

Makeup stains are notoriously difficult to remove due to their unique formulations, which are designed to be long-lasting and resistant to wear. Unlike everyday dirt or food stains, makeup products contain a combination of ingredients that make them particularly stubborn when they come into contact with fabric. Here’s why:

• Oils and Waxes: Many cosmetic products, such as foundations, concealers, and lipsticks, contain oils and waxes that help them adhere to the skin. These ingredients create a hydrophobic barrier, meaning they repel water, making traditional washing methods less effective. Since oils and waxes don’t dissolve easily, they tend to smear and spread when rubbed, embedding deeper into fabric fibers.
  

• Pigments and Dyes: The vibrant colors in makeup products, including lipstick, blush, eyeshadow, and even bronzer, contain highly concentrated pigments and dyes. These components are designed to provide strong, lasting color payoff on the skin, but when transferred onto clothing, they penetrate fabric fibers deeply, making them difficult to lift with standard detergent alone. Dark or bright-colored cosmetics can leave behind visible stains even after multiple washes.
  

• Waterproof and Long-Wear Formulas: Many modern makeup products, including mascaras, eyeliners, and some foundations, are formulated to be waterproof and long-wearing. These products are designed to withstand sweat, humidity, and even tears, meaning they don’t break down easily with just water. Removing them requires specialized cleaning agents that can effectively dissolve their long-lasting ingredients without damaging the fabric.
  

• Silicones and Polymers: Found in primers, setting sprays, and certain foundations, silicones and polymers help makeup stay in place for extended periods. While these ingredients create a smooth and flawless finish on the skin, they can form a protective coating over fabric fibers, making stains more challenging to remove. Standard detergents may not be able to penetrate this barrier, requiring a more targeted stain treatment approach.
  

• Combination of Ingredients: Many makeup products include a mix of these challenging ingredients, making some stains particularly stubborn. For example, liquid foundation often contains a combination of oil, pigment, and silicone, making it resistant to both water and soap. Similarly, lipstick combines wax, oil, and dye, creating a tough stain that clings to fabric.

Because of these factors, makeup stains require specialized cleaning solutions, such as Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets and the Vegan Stain Remover Bar, to effectively break down the stain while being gentle on fabrics. Understanding what makes these stains so difficult to remove is the first step in tackling them effectively and keeping your clothes looking fresh and clean.

How to Get Makeup Stains Out of Clothes

1. Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets

Using a high-quality detergent is often the first step in removing makeup stains, and Kind Laundry detergent sheets are an eco-friendly, highly effective solution. Unlike traditional liquid detergents, Kind Laundry sheets are pre-measured, lightweight, and dissolve completely in water, making them a mess-free and sustainable choice. Here’s how to use them:

• Gently blot excess makeup with a paper towel to prevent spreading.

• Wet the stained area slightly with cold water.

• Tear a small portion of a Kind Laundry detergent sheet and rub it directly onto the stain. These sheets contain plant-derived surfactants that break down oils and pigments naturally.

• Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the active ingredients to lift the stain.

• Wash the garment as usual with a full Kind Laundry detergent sheet in cold water.

• Check the stain before drying—heat can set it permanently.

Why choose Kind Laundry detergent sheets? They are plastic-free, hypoallergenic, and made without harsh chemicals, making them safe for both your skin and the environment. Plus, they are travel-friendly and take up minimal space, ensuring that you always have a convenient stain-fighting solution on hand.

2. Makeup Remover

Makeup remover isn’t just for your face—it can also work on fabric.

• Dab a cotton pad with an oil-free makeup remover.

• Gently blot the stain, being careful not to spread it further.

• Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

3. Spot Remover

Spot removers, such as stain-removal sprays, can be highly effective when learning how to remove makeup stains from clothes quickly and efficiently.

• Spray the affected area generously.

• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing.

• Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain if needed.

4. Kind Laundry Vegan Stain Remover Bar 

Kind Laundry Vegan Stain Remover Bar is a powerful, plant-based option for tackling tough makeup stains. Free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, it’s a gentle yet effective solution. 

Here’s how to use it:

• Wet the stained area with cold water to prevent the stain from setting.

• Take the Kind Laundry Vegan Stain Remover Bar and rub it directly onto the stain using circular motions.

• Work the bar into the fabric, ensuring the formula penetrates deep into the fibers to break down makeup residues, including foundation, lipstick, and mascara.

• Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the natural cleansing agents to lift the stain.

• Rinse the fabric under cold water while gently scrubbing with your fingers.

• If necessary, repeat the process or follow up with a wash using Kind Laundry detergent sheets for a thorough clean.

• Always check the stain before drying, as heat can lock it in permanently.

This Vegan Stain Remover Bar is not only highly effective but also a sustainable alternative to traditional stain removers. It’s free from synthetic dyes, parabens, and artificial fragrances, making it safe for sensitive skin and delicate fabrics while being environmentally friendly.

5. Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is an effective and gentle way to remove foundation stains from clothes, thanks to its ability to break down oils and pigments without damaging delicate fabrics. Here’s how to use it:

• Apply a generous dollop of shaving cream directly onto the makeup stain. Use a foam-based shaving cream rather than gel, as the foam has better stain-lifting properties.

• Gently massage the shaving cream into the fabric using your fingers or a soft cloth. This helps break down the foundation and loosen it from the fibers.

• Allow the shaving cream to sit on the stain for at least 5 to 10 minutes. For tougher stains, let it sit for up to 20 minutes to maximize its effectiveness.

• Rinse the stained area with cold water to remove the shaving cream and loosened makeup.

• If the stain is still visible, repeat the process before laundering the garment as usual with Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets to ensure a thorough clean.

7. Hair Spray

Hair spray is a surprising but effective stain remover due to its high alcohol content, which helps break down stubborn makeup stains, especially those caused by lipstick and liquid foundation. However, this method works best on washable fabrics and should be used with caution on delicate materials.

• Hold the hair spray bottle about six inches away from the stain and spray a generous amount directly onto the affected area.

• Let the hair spray sit for about 5 minutes. The alcohol in the spray will start dissolving the makeup stain.

• Using a clean, damp cloth, blot the area gently. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.

• Once the stain begins to lift, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water.

• Wash the garment using Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets to remove any remaining residue and ensure the fabric is fresh and clean.

8. Baking Soda

If you're looking for a natural method on how to remove makeup stains from clothes, baking soda is a powerful and chemical-free option. It is a natural and powerful stain remover, perfect for tackling makeup stains by absorbing oils and breaking down pigments. It’s especially effective for liquid foundation and concealer stains.

• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stain. Ensure the area is completely covered to allow full absorption.

• Add a few drops of water to form a thick paste, then gently rub the mixture into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush.

• Let the paste sit on the stain for at least 10 to 15 minutes. For deeper stains, leave it on for up to 30 minutes.

• Rinse the area with cold water to remove the paste, and check if the stain has lifted.

• If necessary, repeat the process before washing the garment with Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets for a thorough clean.

9. Blow Dryer

For powder-based makeup stains like eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, or setting powder, a blow dryer can help remove excess pigment before applying a stain treatment. This method prevents the powder from embedding deeper into the fabric.

• Set your blow dryer to a cool or low-heat setting. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the stain to bond more tightly with the fabric.

• Hold the dryer a few inches away from the fabric and gently blow the excess makeup powder off the surface. This will help prevent it from smudging or spreading.

• Once the loose powder is removed, apply a cleaning solution, such as the Kind Laundry Vegan Stain Remover Bar, and gently rub it into the stained area.

• Rinse the treated spot with cold water and wash the garment using Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets to ensure the stain is completely gone.

10. Ice Cube

An ice cube can be a simple yet effective way to prevent makeup stains from setting into fabric, especially for creamy or oil-based stains.

• Grab an ice cube and gently rub it over the stain in circular motions. The cold temperature helps solidify the makeup, making it easier to lift off the fabric.

• Continue rubbing for about 30 seconds to a minute until you notice the makeup loosening.

• Once the stain has hardened slightly, use the Kind Laundry Vegan Stain Remover Bar to gently work out the stain before rinsing with cold water.

• Launder the garment as usual with Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets for the best results.

11. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is highly effective for dissolving oil-based stains from makeup, such as foundation, lipstick, and cream blush. However, it should be used with caution on delicate or brightly colored fabrics to avoid discoloration.

• Dampen a cotton ball or a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and press it gently against the stain.

• Blot the stain rather than rubbing, as rubbing can cause the stain to spread further into the fibers.

• Continue blotting until the stain begins to lift. You may need to switch to a fresh cotton ball if the first one becomes saturated with makeup.

• Once the stain is lifted, rinse the area with cold water.

• For the final step, wash the garment with Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets to remove any lingering residue and restore freshness.

How to Remove Mascara From Clothes

Mascara, especially waterproof formulas, can be tough to remove. If you're wondering how to get makeup out of clothes, follow this simple method:

• Dab a small amount of makeup remover or dish soap onto the stain.

• Let it sit for 10 minutes.

• Gently rub the area with a soft cloth.

• Wash in cold water and check before drying.

How to Get Concealer or Foundation Out of Clothes

Foundation and concealer stains are among the most common. Here’s how to remove makeup stains from clothes effectively:

• Blot excess makeup with a dry paper towel.

• Apply a bit of dish soap or detergent to the stain.

• Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing and washing.

How to Remove Makeup Stains from White Clothes

White clothes are especially prone to makeup stains, whether from foundation, lipstick, or mascara. These stains can be stubborn, but acting fast can prevent them from setting. Follow these steps for the best results:

Pre-Treat the Stain Immediately

• As soon as you notice a makeup stain, avoid rubbing it with water, which can spread the pigment further.

• Blot the stain gently with a clean paper towel or cloth to lift excess product without smearing it deeper into the fabric.

Use a Powerful Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture

• In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to create a stain-fighting paste.

• Baking soda works as a natural abrasive, helping to lift oil-based foundation or lipstick, while hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild bleach to brighten white fabric.

Apply and Let It Sit

• Spread the paste directly onto the stain, making sure to cover the affected area completely.

• Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the solution to break down the stain’s oils and pigments.

Rinse and Wash Properly

• Rinse the treated area with cold water to remove any residue before laundering.

• Wash the garment using a detergent sheet or a mild, stain-fighting laundry detergent on a cold cycle.

• Avoid hot water, as it can cause lingering stains to set permanently into the fabric.

Check Before Drying

• Before placing the clothing in the dryer, inspect the stain.

• If any makeup residue remains, repeat the pre-treatment process. Drying the garment with a stain still present can make removal much more difficult.

How to Remove Old Makeup Stains from Clothes

Even if you find an old stain, knowing how to remove makeup stains from clothes properly can help restore your garments. Even old foundation, mascara, or powder stains can be removed with the right cleaning method.

Create a Vinegar and Baking Soda Cleaning Paste

• Combine one part white vinegar with two parts baking soda to form a thick paste.

• Vinegar acts as a natural stain remover, breaking down the residue, while baking soda helps to lift and absorb leftover oils from the stain.

Apply Generously and Let It Sit

• Spread the mixture over the stain, ensuring full coverage.

• Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the natural ingredients to penetrate and break down stubborn makeup stains.

Gently Scrub with a Soft Brush

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a dedicated stain-removal brush to gently scrub the area in circular motions.

• Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as this can damage delicate fabrics or cause fading.

Wash with a Stain-Fighting Detergent

• Wash the clothing in cold water using an enzyme-based detergent or a fragrance-free detergent sheet, such as Kind Laundry, which is gentle on fabric but effective on stains.

• If the stain persists, repeat the treatment before drying.

Air Dry to Prevent Setting

• Always air dry stained clothing first, as heat from the dryer can lock in any remaining traces of makeup.

• Once dry, check for any lingering discoloration and retreat if necessary.

Final Takeaway

Now that you know how to remove makeup stains from clothes, you can tackle stains quickly and effectively with the right tools. Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets and the Vegan Stain Remover Bar are must-haves for keeping your wardrobe fresh and stain-free. Their powerful plant-based formulas break down even the toughest makeup stains while being gentle on fabrics and safe for the environment. Next time you have a makeup mishap, reach for these sustainable, effective solutions to restore your clothes with ease!