Make-up can make you look fantastic, but accidents happen easily. Before you know it, there’s foundation on your favourite blouse or a mascara stain on your new trousers. Fortunately, you don’t have to write off those clothes immediately! We’ll tell you how to quickly and effectively remove different make-up stains from your clothing.
What should I do to remove foundation from clothing?
Step 1: Remove excess foundation
Use a blunt knife or the back of a spoon to gently scrape off excess make-up from the fabric. This prevents the stain from sinking deeper into the fabric. For powder make-up, you can use a hairdryer on the cool setting to blow the powder off the fabric.
Step 2: Act quickly with household products
Don’t have a special stain remover? Use products you already have at home:
- Make-up wipes: For fresh stains, gently dab with a make-up wipe.
- Liquid detergent: Mix some detergent with warm water. Apply this to the stain and let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Shaving foam: Apply a little shaving foam to the stain, leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Step 3: Specific stain removers for stubborn stains
For stubborn stains like lipstick or foundation, use a specialised stain remover. Dab the product onto the stain and follow the instructions on the label for best results.
Step 4: Rinse and wash
After pre-treating, wash the garment in the washing machine at the warmest temperature safe for the fabric. Avoid the dryer until you are sure the stain is completely gone, as heat can set stains further into the fabric.
An extra tip to prevent make-up stains is to use a setting spray and/or primer. This helps your make-up stay in place better.
Different Types of Make-up Stains
Foundation Stains
Foundation stains, especially oil-based ones, can be stubborn. Start by gently removing excess foundation with a spoon. Then dab the stain with a cotton pad soaked in an oil-free make-up remover. Next, apply liquid detergent directly to the stain and let it work for ten minutes. Wash the garment in the washing machine at the warmest safe temperature.
Lipstick Stains
Lipstick stains are often brightly coloured and contain oil, making them hard to remove. Apply a generous amount of shaving foam to the stain and leave it for ten minutes. Then rinse with cold water. If the stain remains, dab with a little dishwashing liquid and rinse again. Wash the garment in the machine if necessary.
Mascara Stains
Mascara often contains oil and wax, which quickly soak into fabric. Use a white cloth and gently dab to remove excess mascara. Dip a cotton pad in make-up remover or alcohol and dab onto the stain. Repeat until the stain fades. Rinse with warm water and then wash the garment as usual.
Powder Make-up Stains (Blush, Bronzer)
Powder make-up can be very visible on clothing, especially on dark fabrics. Use a hairdryer on the cool setting to blow the powder away. Then make a solution of warm water and detergent. Gently dab this onto the stain until it disappears. Rinse the fabric with water and wash as usual in the machine.
Eyeliner Stains
Waterproof eyeliner can be very stubborn. Apply a stain remover directly to the stain and let it work for 10-15 minutes. Then dab with a little dishwashing liquid and lukewarm water to further remove the stain. Rinse well and wash the garment on a normal cycle.
With the right treatment and products, you can remove foundation from clothing without much effort. Always remember to gently remove excess make-up first and act quickly with a suitable stain remover. Each type of make-up stain requires its own approach, so choose the method that suits the stain, whether it’s foundation, lipstick, or mascara. Wash the garment at the correct temperature and repeat if necessary. By following these steps, you’ll keep your favourite clothes free from make-up stains and looking like new!
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