How To Get Lipstick Out Of Carpet

Finding the answer to “how to get lipstick out of carpet” is not that easy. If you accidentally drop your lipstick or your children use it to draw a picture on the carpet, what will you do? Wash your carpet with laundry detergent as normal? No, you shouldn’t!

Most lipsticks are made of oil, wax, and color pigment, so you may think of applying the methods to eliminate essential oils on clothing items to get rid of it. However, it may need more than that! Find out the best ways to save your clothes from lipstick stains with this article!

What’s In Lipstick And Can It Stain On Carpet?

As I have said earlier, the three must-have ingredients of lipstick are wax, oil, and pigment. Wax brings the shape and versatile texture of the lipstick. The pigment is the element that gives it the color. Oil provides moisture to avoid getting your lips dry when using it.

The oils used in producing lipstick can be cocoa butter, petrolatum, jojoba, lanolin, mineral, and many more. They also join a hand in adjusting the potency of lipstick’s recipe. When there’s more oil, there’s more sheer application.⁽¹⁾

The wax and oil in lipstick are what make it stain on the carpet or any fabric surface, just like the vaseline. Therefore, in this article, you may find that there are some similar ways to remove vaseline on garments. However, there may be more detergents to apply, so stay tuned!

Top 10 Household Remedies To Eliminate Lipstick Stains On Your Carpet

Luckily, the lipstick can be removed completely right at your home with some specific treatments! Here are some of them. Hope that you can find a suitable method to use after reading this section.

1. All-Purpose Stain Remover

You may need an all-purpose stain remover to dissolve the grease from lipstick stains. However, the stain remover has bleach characteristics, so it may discolor your carpet without careful application.

Preparation:

• A blunt item
• A clean dry cloth
• A sponge
• All-purpose stain remover

Step 1: Remove The Excess

Try to scrape off the lipstick stain with a spoon or a blunt knife. Avoid pushing the lipstick further to the carpet.

Step 2: Do A Patch Test

Test the stain remover on an unrecognizable spot of your carpet. Let it sit there for about 5 minutes, then blot it dry with a clean rag. If it discolors your carpet too much, try other options. If it is safe, move to the next step.

Step 3: Apply The Stain Remover

Use a sponge or a rag to apply the stain remover onto the affected area. Gently press over the stain and continuously turn to the dry side of the cloth.

Note: Don’t rub the stain! It may get the lipstick stain further into your carpet.

Step 4: Observe The Stain

If the stain has been removed completely, congratulations, you can get to the final steps! But if it has yet been eliminated, try to repeat the above steps 2-3 times. Use other methods if it does not work on your carpet at all.

Step 5: Wash The Carpet

You should wash the carpet by hand after treating it with stain remover, especially when the carpet is in white. Wash it with a mixture of laundry or dish detergent with warm water.

This step should remove all the remaining lipstick traces on your carpet!

2. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a strong grease remover on the carpet. It can be a great substitute if the regular cleaning product doesn’t work. You can also use rubbing alcohol to treat other makeup stains on the carpet. It’s great, isn’t it?

Option 1: Rubbing Alcohol

Believe it or not, with just some rubbing alcohol, you can save your clothes from lipstick stains! Here is a step-by-step instruction for you!

Preparation:

• A spoon or any blunt item
• Rubbing alcohol
• A sponge
• Paper towels

Step 1: Remove Residue

Use the spoon or a blunt thing to scrape away any lipstick residue on the carpet. Gently move the item so that it won’t dive further into your carpet.

Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol

Use the sponge to adapt the rubbing alcohol onto the stain. Be super careful not to overuse the liquid, or else your carpet may be damaged! Also, avoid rubbing in circular motions because it may tear the fibers of the carpet. Just gently dab the sponge on the stain.

Step 3: Wipe The Excess Alcohol

After that, use a paper towel to wipe off the excess liquid. If the stain is not getting better, you may want to repeat this method with some attempts until the stain fades away.

Option 2: Rubbing Alcohol And Detergent Solution

Rubbing alcohol can also work with a detergent solution in one method, so try if you want a stronger remedy than only rubbing alcohol.

Preparation:

• Rubbing alcohol/ Paint remover
• A dull item
• A clean, white cloth
• Detergent
• Water
• Gloves

Step 1: Take Off The Excess

Scoop off the excess lipstick with a dull item. You should get rid of the remaining lipstick as much as possible for better treatment afterward.

Step 2: Apply The Liquid

Remember to wear gloves. Then, wet the cloth in the rubbing alcohol or paint remover. Squeeze off the liquid residue. Gently dab the cloth onto the stain from outside to inside. Don’t rub the stain!

Keep dabbing until the lipstick comes off the carpet and get onto the piece of cloth.

Step 3: Apply The Detergent Mixture

Mix the detergent with water and dab the stained spots with the detergent solution. This step is to eliminate the excess rubbing alcohol or paint remover. After that, just allow the carpet to dry naturally.

3. Baking Soda And Acidic Liquids

This method uses baking soda and acidic liquids to treat the lipstick stain. Baking soda is a popular cleaning detergent that can remove most of the stains out of fabrics. White vinegar and lemon include acetic acid that can help dissolve the grease or oil.

This is a great combination to deal with oil-based stains because their cleaning characteristics are really powerful. If you have enough materials on the list, try this method without hesitation!

Preparation:

• Baking soda
• A slice of lemon
• White vinegar
• Rubbing alcohol
• An old toothbrush
• Paper towel(s)

Step 1: Apply Baking Soda

After pretreatment, place some baking soda on the stained spot. Pour 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol onto the powder cover.

Step 2: Apply Acidic Liquids

Squeeze the slice of lemon onto the stained area. Then, use the soft-bristled toothbrush to brush on the stain in circular motions.

While brushing, pour a little bit of white vinegar on the stain and continue to brush until the stain is completely removed.

Step 3: Wipe The Residue

Use a paper towel to wipe off the excess stain. You may want to use some water for easier removal. The lipstick stains on the carpet should be gone by now!

Another option to use rubbing alcohol for treating the lipstick stain on the carpet!

4. Hairspray

You may be surprised to know that hairspray can also be used to treat this kind of stain. If you happen to own a bottle of hairspray in your house, you can always use them to eliminate the pesky oil-based stain on fabrics.

Preparation:

• Hairspray
• A clean cloth

Step 1: Apply The Hairspray

After the pretreatment to take off the remnants, spray the hairspray directly on the stained spot, and leave it to stay for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Blot The Stain

Then, use a clean rag to dab on the stained area. Avoid rubbing too hard because it may damage the carpet. Continue dabbing until the stain is removed completely.

5. Powdered Laundry Detergent

What if you just have powdered laundry detergent, not the liquid one, in your house? No problem, you can also use it to treat the pesky lipstick stain! However, you may have to eliminate the laundry detergent stains on the fabric if you accidentally use too much of it! So be careful when using this product!

Preparation:

• A cloth
• Stain remover
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)
• Powdered laundry detergent
• Warm water

Step 1: Blot The Residue

To remove the lipstick residue, you can use a wet cloth to blot on the lipstick stain. Try to absorb the excess as fast as possible.

Step 2: Apply The Pretreatment

You can spray the stain remover onto the stains and observe it. Wait for it, and you should see the stain is lifted off the carpet. If nothing happens, apply the rubbing alcohol directly onto the stains.

Step 3: Use The Powdered Detergent Paste

Make the paste from powder detergent by mixing it with some warm water. Use a cloth to apply and wipe the stain.

Step 4: Wipe Off The Excess

After the stain has gone, use a damp cloth to clean the treated area. Then let it dry naturally.

Note: If this method does not work after all, you can combine the remedies in steps 1-2-3 to treat the lipstick stains again for a better result!

6. Goo Gone

Goo Gone is a superb and versatile cleaning product that can be used for sticky remnants on different types of surfaces. This works well to get off the lipstick stains on fabrics, so you may want to use it as a home remedy in this case.

Preparation:

• Goo Gone
• Clean white cloth
• Dishwashing soap
• Warm water
• Fabric cleaner

Step 1: Apply Goo Gone

Use the white cloth to dip in the Goo Gone and press it on the stained area of the carpet. You should see the lipstick gradually come off the stained surface and get onto the cloth after a few minutes. Keep repeating this step for the best result.

Tip: You can also use dry cleaning fluid instead of Goo Gone if you don’t have it in hand.

Step 2: Prepare A Solution

Combine 1/4 cup of dishwashing soap with some warm water and fabric cleaner.

Step 3: Adapt The Solution

Use another clean rag to wet with the dish soap solution, then blot the stain using the damp rag.

Tip: Always use warm water, because it is important to get rid of the lipstick stain.

Here is a quick but useful instruction to treat lipstick stain with Goo Gone.

7. Nail Polish Remover

Besides being used to clean nails, nail polish remover, or acetone, can also be used for cleaning purposes, such as washing super glue off garments. With lipstick stain on the carpet, you can easily remove it by nail polish remover, with some simple steps!

Preparation:

• Nail polish remover (100% acetone)
• A spoon
• A cotton cloth
• Paper towels
• A sponge

Step 1: Remove The Remnants

Use the spoon to get rid of the excess lipstick as much as possible.

Step 2: Adapt Nail Polish Remover

Damp the cotton rag with nail polish remover, then dab it on the stained area. Wait for 5 minutes to see the liquid start to break down the stain. Then, use the paper towel to blot on the stained area.

Repeat the above steps if needed.

Step 3: Pick Up the Residue

When the stain has completely been removed, use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue on the carpet.

Tip: When you use nail polish remover, you should work somewhere far away from your children or pets because the smell of acetone is very strong and can harm them. Always wear a mask and gloves when dealing with it.

8. White Vinegar And Dishwashing Detergent

White vinegar is a natural household cleaning solvent that can be used to treat most of the stains on fabrics. ⁽²⁾ Combine with dishwashing detergent, this can be the best treatment you can have in treating lipstick stains!

Preparation:

• A spoon
• White vinegar
• Dishwashing detergent
• A spray bottle
• Warm water
• Paper towel(s)
• A sponge

Step 1: Eliminate The Remnants

Use the spoon to remove the lipstick remnants. Avoid spreading it further.

Step 2: Prepare The Solution

Combine 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Then, add 2 drops of dishwashing detergent and gently stir the solution. Do not shake the bottle!

Step 3: Apply The Mixture

Spray some mixture on the stained spots, then leave it there for about 15 minutes. In the meantime, you can prepare the paper towels for the next step.

Step 4: Blot The Stains

Use paper towels to dab on the stained area to take away the remaining lipstick. Observe the stain: if it is still severe, repeat from the beginning.

Step 5: Wipe Off The Residue

When you see that the stains have been removed completely, grab the sponge and get off any soapy residue. Avoid scrubbing the carpet at this step.

Step 6: Air Out The Carpet

Dry the carpet outside or simply open the window so that the vinegar smell can fade away.

9. Dry-Cleaning Solvent

Because it is complicated to wash a carpet, you may want to use a dry-cleaning solvent to treat the oil-based stain like lipstick stain on a fabric carpet. Here’s how you can apply it!

Preparation:

• A dry-cleaning solvent
• A blunt item
• A white cloth
• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• Warm water

Step 1: Remove The Excess

Use the blunt item such as a spoon to scrape off the excess lipstick out of the carpet as much as possible.

Step 2: Apply Dry-Cleaning Solvent

Use the white clean cloth to adapt the dry-cleaning solvent to the stain. Blot the liquid until it is fully absorbed.

Repeat this step until the lipstick stain is gone. If the stain is still there, move to the next step.

Step 3: Apply Dish Soap Solution

Mix a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent, a tablespoon of white vinegar, and 2 warm water cups to make a solution. Apply it on the stain using another clean white rag. Keep blotting until the liquid is absorbed into the fibers.

After that, sponge the stained area with cold water, then blot it dry.

10. Toothpaste

Here comes a light stain treatment for emergencies! It may not be as effective as other methods, but it can be a quick one to use when you are in a hurry.

Preparation:

• Toothpaste
• A dull item
• Water

Step 1: Scrape Off The Residue

Use a dull item such as a butter knife to take the excess off as much as possible.

Step 2: Apply The Toothpaste

Squeeze a little bit of toothpaste directly on the stain, then gently rub and rinse it with water immediately.

Repeat the step until you see the stain is gone.

More Powerful Methods To Treat Stubborn Dried Lipstick Stain

In the worst cases when you cannot completely treat the stains with any of the above methods, try these last methods! They are the best and powerful ways to treat the most stubborn stains.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a really strong detergent! It is a chemical substance that can treat any complicated stains on most fiber types. However, use it with care since it may be harmful to your skin!

You can purchase 3% hydrogen peroxide at any drug store near your house. Make sure that it is labeled 3% because this type is the best for cleaning stains on fabrics. If you use weaker or stronger hydrogen peroxide, it may not be as effective as the 3% version.

Preparation:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• A clean cloth/ A sponge
• Water
• Cleaning gloves

Step 1: Protect Your Hands

Before you start, you should wear cleaning gloves because hydrogen peroxide is a chemical substance that is unsafe when exposed to the skin. Please keep this in mind!

Step 2: Test The Old Hydrogen Peroxide

If you use a new bottle of hydrogen peroxide, you can pass this step. But if it is an old one, the substance may break down into oxygen and water, thereby losing its original potency.

Pour some drops of old hydrogen peroxide into water and observe it. If it starts to fizz, you can continue to use it. If nothing happens, you may want to toss it away.

Step 3: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

First, wet the carpet with some water. Use a clean dry rag or a sponge to apply a moderate amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide on the stained area. Avoid pouring directly on the stain since you may accidentally use too much of it and bleach the carpet.

Step 4: Check The Stains Regularly

Wait for an hour, then check the stains to see if the cleaning substance works. The detergent should bleach the carpet tufts a little bit to cover the stain traces. If the stain has not gone yet, you can add more hydrogen peroxide, but please control the amount you use.

You don’t need to rinse or wash the carpet, because the hydrogen peroxide will eventually break down into the water.

2. Vinegar Solution And Iron

For the lipstick stains that have been on your carpet for months, you can use the heat from ironing to treat them!

Preparation:

• Vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• An electric iron
• A white towel

Step 1: Apply The Vinegar Solution

Combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle to make the solution, then spray the liquid on the stained parts of your carpet.

Step 2: Iron The Stain

Put the clean white towel on the stained area, then use the iron at the highest steam setting to adapt over the towel. Check regularly to make sure that your carpet is not getting harmed by the heat.

Repeat this step until all the lipstick stains move from the carpet to the white towel.

Step 3 (Optional): Peroxide Spray

In the case where the stain doesn’t come off, you may want to spray some peroxide solution on it and continue with the ironing technique.

This is a closer look at this method for you to clearly see how it works!

Best Tips For A Safe And Effective Lipstick Stain Removal

You should notice these things before, during or after the process of removing the pesky lipstick stains on your carpet. They will help you save a lot of time and effort you spend for the removal.

Alway Act Swiftly!

The key thing to treat all the stains is to act as fast as possible whenever you inspect the stain on the carpet! Immediately remove the residue on the fabric once you see it to treat it easier in the future.

Put On The Gloves

If you are going to treat the stain with chemical substances, always wear gloves to protect your hands from chemical burns! They may also burn any skin part on your body, so make sure you get yourself appropriate protection beforehand.

Do A Patch Test

Test your detergent or solution first in an unrecognizable spot or the back of the carpet to ensure that the cleaning agent won’t harm or bleach any part of it. This is especially important with those agents having bleach characteristics like hydrogen peroxide!

Avoid Using Colored Rag

The above treatments usually require you to use a rag or cloth to dab on the treated stain. You should choose the piece of cloth in white or light-colored, and make sure that it is a clean one without any suspicious stains.

If you use a vibrant-colored rag, you may end up getting new stains on the carpet and have to spend time eliminating them!

Dab, Don’t Rub!

In any method, don’t rub too harshly on the stain with any equipment, or else it will set further on the fabrics. Try to gently dab on the stained part with the item you use.

Keep Your Children And Pets Away

When you are treating the lipstick stain on the carpet, it is a must to carry out the process somewhere that your kids and pets cannot reach out. They may be exposed to chemical substances that are super harmful to them!

FAQs

If you are curious more about the information around getting rid of lipstick marks on the carpet, you can read this Q&A section for getting the problems solved!

Has All Of The Above Information Satisfied You?

The stubborn lipstick stains on the carpet should be gone after the above treatments! Remember, the quicker you act, the easier it gets to remove the stain afterward. So notice the stain and treat it as fast as you can with my suggestions!

Like, share, and subscribe if this article has somehow satisfied you! I always welcome the sharings or questions about this topic, so just leave me some words below this post if you have any. Thank you for reading!

References

1. WebMD. 2021. The Makeup of Makeup: Decoding Lipstick.
2. ​​En.wikipedia.org. 2021. Vinegar – Wikipedia.