If you’ve ever thrown on a bit of makeup running out the door and pulled a sweater over your head, you may have smeared your lipstick and felt your stomach sink. Red lipstick on cashmere? Not the best look. But we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to remove lipstick from clothes.

What causes lipstick stains?

Lipstick stains are caused by two parts of the cosmetic–the dye and the oily or waxy component. The dual nature of this stain can make getting lipstick out of clothes trickier than tackling a mere oil or dye stain, which makes quick action and the right tools imperative. Luckily, we have the ultimate guide to how to remove lipstick from clothes in just 4 steps below–and links to all the tools you need to make sure your stained item is as impeccably clean as your makeup look.

How to Remove Lipstick from Clothes

What you’ll need: Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Laundry Detergent, Stain & Odor Laundry Pods, Oxi Booster Pods

Step 1: Remove Excess

First, it’s time to remove any excess lipstick from your clothes. Try using a dull knife or the side of a credit card to gently scrape off any makeup lingering on your item.

Step 2: Treat Stain

Dampen stain and add one pump of Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the stain in cool water, massaging it between your fingers until it begins to lift. The enzymes in the detergent should break down the proteins and oils that make up the stain. Repeat as needed.

Step 3: Wash

Now that the stain has been removed, wash the item as you normally would according to the care label. We recommend using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod for extra stain fighting. If any slight staining remains, you can also add an additional Oxi Booster Pod to the wash.

Step 4: Dry

Let your garment dry! Be sure that the stain is completely removed before putting the item in the dryer, as the dryer’s high heat can cause stains to set permanently. (Save yourself the trouble of searching “how to remove lipstick stains from clothes after drying” when the stain is set!) We recommend leaving your garment out to air dry, preferably in the sunshine for extra bleaching power. After following all of these steps, your clothes should be as good as new!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about how to remove lipstick from clothes? We’re here to help.

Can Lipstick Stains Be Removed?

Lipstick stains can absolutely be removed! Since lipstick consists of both wax and pigment, it may require more patience (and enzymes), but it is easier to remove lipstick from clothing than you may think.

How Do You Get Lipstick Out of Dried Clothes?

So you didn’t catch the lipstick stain before throwing your clothes in the wash, and now your favorite shirt has been washed and dried with a lipstick stain on it. This stain may require more patience to remove, but it’s not impossible to remove a set in stain. Follow our guide above, repeating the spot treatment process several times. You can also try dissolving an Oxi Booster Pod in a sink or basin of warm water and soaking the garment for 1-3 hours. Oxi Booster Pods are made up of a chlorine-free bleach alternative, which should lift the stain without damaging the garment.

Can Vinegar Remove Lipstick Stains?

If you need to remove lipstick from clothes and find yourself without any traditional cleaning products, white vinegar can help! Apply white vinegar directly to the stain by blotting in with a damp cotton ball or Swedish Dish Cloth. Blot again with cool water, then let sit for 15 minutes.

Does Lipstick Come Out of Clothes in the Wash?

Getting lipstick out of clothing requires using a product that contains enzymes, which breaks down the oil in the stain. If you use a detergent containing enzymes, like our Stain & Odor Detergent or Active Wash, it is possible that the stain will come out in the wash. However, we recommend pretreating the stain first to ensure the stain’s quick removal and to prevent lipstick from getting on any other garments in the laundry load.