How to Get Lip Gloss Out of Clothes Fast

Got lip gloss on your favorite shirt? Don’t panic.

I’ve been removing makeup stains for over 10 years. I’ve ruined clothes, saved clothes, and learned every trick in the book. This guide will solve your lip gloss stain problem.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How to remove fresh lip gloss stains in under 10 minutes
Methods for set-in stains that seem impossible
Fabric-specific tips for cotton, silk, and more
Natural removal options using household items
Product recommendations that work
Emergency methods when you can’t wash clothes immediately

No matter if your stain is fresh or old, on silk or sturdy denim, I’ll show you how to get that lip gloss out. No expensive products required. No complicated steps.

Your clothes can be saved. Let’s get started.

Understanding Lip Gloss Stains

Lip gloss is tricky. It’s not just one type of stain.

Most lip glosses contain:

Oils (makes it shiny)
Waxes (gives it texture)
Pigments (adds color)

This combination makes the stain both oily and waxy. That’s why regular washing doesn’t work.

The oil soaks into fabric fibers. The wax hardens and creates a barrier. Together, they form a stubborn stain that laughs at your washing machine.

But don’t worry. I’ve got the solution.

Before You Start: What NOT to Do

Stop right there!

Before you panic and start scrubbing, here’s what NOT to do:

Don’t use hot water: it sets the stain deeper
Don’t rub the stain: this pushes it further into the fabric
Don’t put it in the dryer: heat makes it permanent
Don’t use soap right away: it can spread the oils

I learned these the hard way. Save yourself the heartache.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Lip Gloss Out of Clothes

A. For Fresh Stains

Fresh stains are your best friend. They come out easily if you act fast.

Step 1: Remove Excess Use a spoon or credit card. Gently scrape off any gloss you can see. Don’t press hard.

Step 2: Blot, Don’t Rub, Grab a clean paper towel. Blot the stain gently. You’ll see the gloss transferring to the towel.

Step 3: Apply Dish Soap Put a tiny drop of liquid dish soap on the stain. I use Dawn – it cuts through grease.

Step 4: Work It In Use your fingers to gently work the soap into the fabric. Be gentle. Think massage, not scrubbing.

Step 5: Let It Sit Wait 5-10 minutes. Let the soap do its job.

Step 6: Rinse with Cold Water Run cold water through the back of the stain. This pushes the gloss out instead of deeper in.

Step 7: Check Your Work Is the stain gone? Great! If not, repeat steps 3-6.

B. For Set-In Stains

Set-in stains are stubborn. But they’re not impossible.

The Ice Cube Method:

Step 1: Freeze It Put an ice cube on the stain. Hold it there for 30 seconds. This hardens the waxy part.

Step 2: Scrape Use a credit card to gently scrape off the hardened wax.

Step 3: Pre-treat Apply liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. Work it in with your fingers.

Step 4: Soak Let it soak in cold water for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Wash as Normal Use your regular wash cycle with cold water.

How to Remove Lip Gloss from Clothes Without Washing

Sometimes you need a quick fix. Maybe you’re at work. Or traveling. Here’s what I do:

The Hand Sanitizer Trick:

Squirt alcohol-based hand sanitizer on the stain
Rub it in gently with a tissue
The alcohol breaks down the oils
Blot with a clean tissue
Repeat if needed

The Baby Wipe Method:

Use an alcohol-based baby wipe
Gently dab the stain
The alcohol and gentle action work together
Keep dabbing until the stain lifts

Both methods work because alcohol dissolves oils. Smart, right?

Special Cases & Fabric-Specific Tips

Not all fabrics are the same. Here’s what works best for each:

Cotton:

Most forgiving fabric
Can handle dish soap and scrubbing
Use warm (not hot) water for rinsing

Silk:

Be extra gentle
Use mild soap only
Test on a hidden area first
Consider professional cleaning for expensive items

Polyester:

Responds well to dish soap
Can handle more aggressive treatment
Usually comes clean easily

Wool:

Use cold water only
Gentle soap like Woolite
Don’t rub – just blot
Air dry only

Denim:

Can handle stronger methods
Try white vinegar mixed with dish soap
Scrub gently with an old toothbrush

Natural and Eco-Friendly Removal Options

Prefer natural methods? I’ve got you covered.

White Vinegar Solution:

Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts cold water
Apply to stain and let sit for 15 minutes
Blot with clean cloth
Rinse with cold water

Baking Soda Paste:

Mix baking soda with just enough water to make a paste
Apply to stain
Let sit for 20 minutes
Scrub gently with soft brush
Rinse with cold water

Lemon Juice Method:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice on the stain
Sprinkle with salt
Let sit for 10 minutes
Rinse with cold water

These methods are gentle on fabrics and safe for sensitive skin.

Best Products for Removing Lip Gloss Stains (Tested & Reviewed)

I’ve tested dozens of products. Here are the winners:

For Fresh Stains:

Dawn Dish Soap: cuts through grease instantly
Shout Advanced Gel: works on contact
OxiClean MaxForce: great for colored fabrics

For Set-In Stains:

Carbona Stain Devils #6: designed for makeup stains
Zout Stain Remover: enzyme-based formula
Goo Gone: for stubborn wax

Natural Options:

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap: gentle but effective
White vinegar: always in your kitchen
Baking soda: the classic cleaner

What to Do If the Stain Doesn’t Come Out

Sometimes stains are stubborn. Really stubborn.

Here’s your backup plan:

Try the Repeat Method:

Go through the removal process 2-3 times
Some stains need multiple treatments
Be patient

Use a Different Approach:

If dish soap didn’t work, try vinegar
If cold water failed, try lukewarm
Switch up your strategy

Consider Professional Help:

Dry cleaners have special solvents
They deal with tough stains daily
Sometimes it’s worth the cost

Know When to Let Go:

If you’ve tried everything multiple times
If the fabric is damaged from treatment
Sometimes replacement is cheaper than cleaning

Final Thoughts

Lip gloss stains happen to everyone. The key is acting fast and using the right method.

You now have every tool you need to tackle any lip gloss stain. Fresh stains take minutes to remove with dish soap. Set-in stains need the ice cube method, but they still come out. Different fabrics need different approaches, but there’s always a solution.

Don’t panic when stains happen. I’ve saved hundreds of clothes using these methods. Cold water, gentle blotting, and the right products make all the difference. Even stubborn stains that seem impossible can be removed with patience.

Your favorite clothes don’t have to be ruined by lip gloss accidents. You have the knowledge to save them. Next time disaster strikes, you’ll know what to do. No more throwing away stained clothes or expensive dry cleaning bills.

You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hot water to remove lip gloss stains?

No! Hot water sets the stain permanently by melting the wax deeper into fibers. Always use cold water first, then gradually increase temperature if needed.

What if I already put the stained clothes in the dryer?

The heat might have set the stain, but don’t give up yet. Try the ice cube method followed by dish soap treatment – you might still save your clothes.

Does the removal method change for different lip gloss colors?

The method stays exactly the same regardless of color or shimmer. Darker colors might leave a slight tint, but the oil and wax removal process works for all types.

How long do I have to treat a fresh lip gloss stain?

Act within the first hour for best results, but don’t panic if it’s been longer. I’ve successfully removed day-old stains using the same methods with a bit more patience.

Can I prevent lip gloss stains while getting dressed?

Put a towel over your clothes when applying lip gloss, or apply makeup before getting dressed. Keep baby wipes nearby for quick cleanup of any accidents.

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